Sore throat: 7 main causes (and what to do)

A sore throat is a very common symptom, which is usually caused by flu, colds, COVID-19, allergies, dry air, or exposure to irritants, for example.

In most cases, a sore throat may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body pain, malaise, fever, sneezing, stuffy nose or watery eyes.

It is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist or general practitioner whenever a sore throat appears, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Causes of sore throat

The main causes of sore throat are:

1. Cold and flu

Flu and colds are the most common causes of sore throat, because the main entrance for viruses is the nose, which end up accumulating and multiplying in the throat mucosa, causing pain. Other symptoms that may occur are cough, fever, sneezing and headache and body pain.

What to do: To help alleviate symptoms, your doctor may recommend analgesics and anti-inflammatories for pain and fever, antihistamines for runny nose and sneezing, and syrups to calm coughs. In some cases, if a bacterial infection develops, it may be necessary to take antibiotics. Learn how to distinguish the flu from a cold.

2. Bacteria infection

Sore throat can also be caused by bacteria, the most common being infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, which is a bacteria naturally present in the throat mucosa, without causing disease. However, due to some situation, there may be an imbalance between the species of microorganisms in the region and a consequent proliferation of this type of bacteria, giving rise to an infection. Furthermore, STIs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can also cause infection and pain in the throat.

What to do: Generally, treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a doctor, who may also prescribe painkillers to relieve a sore throat.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux consists of the return of stomach contents to the esophagus and mouth, which can cause pain and inflammation in the throat, due to the presence of acid that is secreted in the stomach. Learn more about gastroesophageal reflux.

What to do: To prevent a sore throat caused by the reflux of gastric contents, your doctor may recommend taking medications that inhibit acid production, antacids or stomach protectants.

4. Dry air and air conditioning

When the air is drier, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat tend to lose moisture, and the throat tends to become drier and more irritated.

What to do: The ideal is to avoid air conditioning and exposure to dry environments. In addition, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and apply mucous membrane hydration solutions, such as saline solution, to the nose.

5. Allergy

Sometimes, when an allergic reaction occurs, the throat may become irritated and, in addition, symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes or sneezing may appear, for example.

What to do: Your doctor may recommend taking antihistamines to alleviate allergic symptoms.

6. Cigarette smoke and air pollution

Cigarette smoke and air pollution caused by fires, vehicle emissions or industrial activities, for example, are also responsible for causing throat irritation.

What to do: You should avoid closed spaces with excessive cigarette smoke and prefer to go out to green spaces where the air is less polluted.

7. COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection in which the first symptoms that may appear are a sore throat, dry cough, fever or excessive tiredness.

Furthermore, COVID-19 can cause other symptoms such as body pain, headache, loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, for example. In more serious cases, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath may also occur. See all symptoms of COVID-19.

What to do: It is important to carry out isolation, and the rapid COVID test, or the RT-PCR test recommended by the general practitioner, to confirm the infection, and if necessary, the doctor can prescribe the use of medications that help alleviate the symptoms. Understand how COVID-19 is treated.