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Sore ThroatSore throat (pharyngitis) is the inflammation, swelling, discomfort, or pain in the throat (pharynx). The pharynx is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx (voice box). Sore throat is often a symptom of various illnesses such as colds and flu, glandular fever, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and chickenpox. While most sore throats heal without complications, in rare cases, they develop into a serious illness. Sore throat is one of the main reasons for visits to family physicians. Children and teenagers tend to have sore throats more often than adults. This is because younger people have not been exposed to as many viruses and bacteria as older people, and therefore they have not built up immunity to many of pathogens. Sore throats are most common during the winter months, early spring and when upper respiratory infections (colds) are more frequent. Most sore throats are caused by a virus and go away on their own in about a week. Only a small percentage are bacterial infections that may require medical care. The major cause of sore throat (pharyngitis) is infection. Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections. Transmission of viral or bacterial pharyngitis occurs mostly through contaminated hands after touching saliva, nasal secretions, droplets, or contaminated fomites. Symptoms usually develop after a short incubation period of 24 to 72 hours. Viral Sore Throat (Viral pharyngitis) The vast majority of sore throats - about 90% of cases - are caused by viruses. Once the immune system has been weakened by viral infection, more serious bacterial infection may follow. Cold and flu viruses (serotypes of rhinovirus) are the main culprits of viral pharyngitis. When a stuffy-runny nose, sneezing, and generalized aches and pains accompany the sore throat, it is probably caused by virus. For a viral infection, no antibiotic is usually needed and the infection can be expected to run a four-to-six day course. Another group of viruses that cause sore throat are the adenoviruses. The adenoviruses usually cause infections of the lungs and ears. Adenoviruses may cause white bumps on the tonsils and throat, diarrhea, vomiting, and a rash. Sore throat caused by adenovirus lasts about a week. Herpangina, sometimes called summer sore throat, is viral throat infection caused by Coxsackievirus. Coxsackievirus (or coxsackie virus) belongs to a enterovirus family of viruses. This type of infection occurs most often in young children, usually during summer and autumn. The typical symptoms of herpangina are fever, very sore throat, sore mouth, and ulcers and sores on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. Throat pain is often very severe, making difficult the swallowing of food and even drinking. Mononucleosis, or "mono", is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus (herpesvirus 4) is a member of the herpesvirus group and one of the most common human viruses. The typical symptoms include sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph glands. Gradually worsening over the first week, the sore throat may be the most severe the person has experienced. By the age of 5 years, almost 50% of the US population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus, and about 90% of the population is infected by age 25 years. There is no simple way to distinguish a viral sore throat from a bacterial sore throat. Viral sore throats are quite contagious. They can be spread by kissing, coughing or sneezing. Bacterial Sore Throats A relatively small percentage of sore throats, approximately 10%, are caused by bacteria. The most common bacterial sore throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This type of sore throat is called strep throat or Streptococcal pharyngitis. Strep throat usually begins suddenly, with high fever, which peaks on the second day. The pain of strep throat often feels much like sore throats caused by other bacteria or by viruses. The tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore. If strep throat isn't treated it can sometimes result in rheumatic fever, which can damage the valves of the heart. Another form of the bacterial throat infection is a pharyngeal gonorrhea. A sore throat is usually the only symptom of throat gonorrhea. This infection is generally transmitted through oral sex with a person already infected with gonorrhea. The bacteria can also be spread from the genital area to the mouth with fingers. Noninfectious Sore Throat Not all sore throats result from viral or bacterial infections. Sore throats can also be caused by allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, environmental irritation, and smoking. These forms of sore throat are not contagious. Allergy: The same pet dander, molds and pollens that trigger allergic reactions such as red, swollen eyes and a runny nose can also cause a sore throat. Cat and dog dandruff and house dust are common causes of sore throats for people with allergies to them. Irritation: Many materials in the environment can also irritate the pharynx. Such irritants include cigarette smoke, polluted air, chemical fumes, and dry air. During the cold winter months, dry heat may create a recurring, mild sore throat with a parched feeling, especially in the mornings. The symptoms of viral and bacterial sore throats are very similar and include the following:
If the sore throat is due to a viral infection the symptoms are usually milder. Sore throats are usually mild and can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) remedies available from your local pharmacy and home care. They usually get better on their own, in 3-7 days. It is extra rare for antibiotics to be needed. This is only the case when the sore throat is the result of a serious bacterial infection. Sore throat treatment and comfort measures:
Last updated: May, 2011 |
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