While sore throats can strike at any time of year, they are more common in the winter months. The cold, wet weather leads to people spending more time inside, which increases the chance of spreading illness.
A sore throat can be a symptom of various different conditions including COVID-19, the common cold, strep throat or many other things. It will often present as pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat, and difficulty swallowing.
Often a sore throat is accompanied with other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, high fever or hoarseness when speaking.
Understanding what causes a sore throat, and how to determine the cause behind a sore throat, is important in knowing what treatment is needed, and when further medical assistance is required.
What causes a sore throat?
Viral infection
The truth is, there are many things that can cause a sore throat. However, the most common cause of a sore throat is a virus.
Viruses that often cause a sore throat include:
- The common cold
- The flu
- COVID-19
- Glandular fever
- Mononucleosis
Bacterial infection
Sore throats can also be caused by a bacterial infection. The most common bacterial infection of the throat is caused by Group A streptococcus, which can lead to strep throat and scarlet fever. If left untreated, a streptococcal infection can lead to rheumatic fever which causes fever and inflammation to the heart, joints and blood vessels. Strep throat can cause white patches on the tonsils or in the throat. Bacterial throat infections often require treatment with antibiotics.
Allergies
Allergies such as dust, pollen, pet dander and other triggers can cause a sore throat. Sometimes allergies cause a postnasal drip, which can lead to throat pain.
Environmental factors
Triggers in the environment such as smoke, or even second hand cigarette smoke, can cause throat pain.
Acid reflux
This occurs when stomach acid travels up into the oesophagus, causing irritation of the throat.
Diagnosing a sore throat
If you are concerned about your sore throat or your child’s sore throat, make an appointment to see your doctor. Doctors may feel the neck for swollen glands, examine the throat with a torch, and take a swab to determine the cause of your throat pain. This helps them decide on a treatment plan.
Your doctor may offer you or your child a rapid strep test, which is a rapid antigen detection test used to diagnose strep throat.
Throat cultures taken by your doctor can test for a range of viruses and bacteria. In the event of a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
If your sore throat is getting worse, or hasn’t improved after 3 to 4 days, seek medical assessment.
Is your sore throat COVID?
You may be wondering if your sore throat symptoms are pointing to COVID-19, or something else. The best way to determine if it’s COVID-19 is to test yourself with a RAT test. However, it’s also worth knowing most of the time patients with COVID-19 will have other symptoms in addition to a sore throat. Such common symptoms include loss of taste and smell, fever and difficulty breathing.
Preventing sore throats
As with any symptoms of illness, the best thing you can do to avoid a sore throat is avoid getting sick.
Good hand hygiene
Regularly wash your hands with soap, or use an antibacterial hand sanitiser such as aerocleanse gel.
Stay hydrated
Keep up your intake of fluids to help ensure your throat is moist and to ease your throat pain. Remaining hydrated also helps to thin and loosen the mucus in your throat.
Avoid irritants
Avoid smoking or being around other people that are smoking. Avoid other irritants such as dust or known allergies.
Mask up
Wearing a mask remains a good measure to avoid getting sick. Make sure you choose a good quality n95 face mask to add another layer of protection in the winter months.
Be aware of dry air
Dry winter air, especially when breathing through the mouth, can irritate and dry out the tissues of the throat. People that exercise outside in winter in particular may experience a sore throat as a result. When inside, keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Heating can also dry out the throat.
Sore throat remedy
As well as medical treatment for throat pain when required, there are things you can do at home that may help to ease your sore throat.
Warm salt water gargle
Gargling warm salt water can help ease some of the discomfort of a sore throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle it at the back of the throat before spitting it out. The aim is to loosen mucus and ease inflammation. In addition, the warm salt water will help to draw out some of the virus or bacteria present in the throat, meaning you will eliminate some of the germs when you spit it out.
For another anti-bacterial alternative to a salt water gargle, try Betadine sore throat gargle.
Over the counter medications
Lozenges, antihistamines and over the counter pain medication may help ease the symptoms of a sore throat.
Adults and young children can take paracetamol or ibuprofen (above the age of 3 months) to temporarily ease symptoms.
Difflam throat spray provides anti-inflammatory relief to a sore throat, as well as containing antibacterial properties.
Strepsil lozenges contain antibacterial agents to fight against bacteria causing a sore throat, as well as providing some relief from throat discomfort.
Avoid painful foods
Stick to soft food such as soup, and avoid eating anything that exacerbates your sore throat.
Protect yourself from a sore throat in winter
Sore throats are a common type of ailment in the winter months, so make sure you know how to protect yourself, your family and your workplace from illness, and be prepared with the products needed to offer relief when throat pain strikes.
Shop the wide range of sore throat treatments and other medical supplies at LFA First Response today.
