Why do you get a sore throat?

One of the most important organs of your body is the throat. It is a hollow tube whose primary responsibility is to carry food into the esophagus and air into the wind pipe. The technical term for your throat is pharynx. Often, during a viral attack or cold and flu, you may experience a throat ache or throat pain which is a irritating feeling that may make swallowing a painful experience.

Causes of a throat pain – A sore throat pain can be caused due to several factors such as -

Throat infection – an infection in the throat is commonly caused by a virus responsible to bring about a cold or flu. Throat ache associated with cold and flu is generally harmless and is cured on its own within few days or as soon as the cold is treated. It does not require any special medicine or remedy to cure sore throat pain. Bacterial infection is most commonly

caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria known as Strep Throat. Cold and dripping nose may or may not be accompanied with strep throat and doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic to treat bacterial throat infection.

Tonsillitis – Tonsils are oval shaped, pink coloured fleshy mass of tissue present on both side of the throat. They act as a defence mechanism of the body by fighting against infections. During tonsillitis, the tonsils (one or both) get inflamed due to the infection giving you severe throat pain along with discomfort while swallowing.

Environmental factors – Sore throat pain can also occur due to environmental factors such as allergy to pollen, animal dander, mold, and other irritants. Along with sore throat pain you may also experience watering eyes and dripping nose due to the allergy. In summer, when one drinks a lot of ice-cold beverages, it can lead to a sore throat too.

Other factors – Some uncommon but strong triggers of sore throat are smoking, talking too much or yelling while talking, food getting choked in the throat, dry weather, acid reflux etc.

Throat infection symptoms –

Pain, itchiness, irritation, inflammation, difficulty in swallowing etc are some of the common feelings associated with throat infection and sore throat pain. However, if other symptoms such as ear ache, difficulty breathing, severe throat pain and persist then a trip to the doctor’s clinic is compulsory.

How to cure sore throat pain –

Medicine for sore throat  depends on the cause of the infection. A sore throat due to viral infection will heal on its own without the use of prescription medicine, whereas a  sore throat due to bacterial infection required doctor intervention..  However General remedies for sore throat pain include –

2) Syrups, lozenges or sprays to relieve sore throat pain

3) Gargling with warm salt water

4) Drinking ample amount of fluids such as warm water, soups, herbal teas etc

5) Avoiding the known triggers such as pollen, pet dander, irritants etc

6) Quit smoking if that is the major cause of your throat pain

Ways to prevent a throat infection or sore throat pain

Prevention is better than cure and by following strict hygiene practices one can ensure freedom from pain and irritation.

1) Do not share your water bottles or drinking glass

2) Always wash hands before eating a meal

3) Avoid direct contact with a person already suffering from throat pain

4) Avoid commonly touched surfaces

5) Reduce your exposure to common allergens, smoke etc.