A sore throat can cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, bad breath, swelling in the neck and the presence of pus in the throat, in some cases.
Sore throat can happen due to rhinitis, colds or inhaling cold air, but it can also arise due to more serious situations, such as tonsillitis, reflux or COVID-19.
In case of a sore throat, it is always advisable to consult a general practitioner or otorhinolaryngologist, to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories, antihistamines or antibiotics. See remedies for inflammation and sore throat.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of sore throat are:
- Sore throat;
- Throat irritation;
- Difficulty and pain swallowing;
- Throat very red and swollen;
- Presence of pus in the throat;
- Dry cough;
- Loss of appetite;
- Fever;
- Bad breath;
- Lumps in the neck.
Furthermore, in some situations, inflammation in the throat can also cause headache, body pain, runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose or a lump in the throat.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of sore throat should be made by an otorhinolaryngologist or a general practitioner, through physical examinations such as observing the throat, feeling the neck to check for swollen nodules and listening to the person’s breathing.
In addition, depending on the signs and symptoms presented, the doctor may also order tests such as endoscopy, allergy tests or throat culture, which is an exam that consists of collecting a sample of secretions to identify what may be causing the condition. sore throat.
Make an appointment with your nearest otolaryngologist for a throat assessment:
Causes of swollen throat
The main causes of sore throat are:
1. Flu or cold
Flu and colds are the most common causes of sore throats, as viruses that enter through the nose accumulate and multiply in the throat, causing inflammation and the appearance of symptoms such as pain, coughing, sneezing and headache. Learn how to differentiate the flu from a cold.
2. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria, which are transmitted by inhaling droplets released into the air when coughing or sneezing or through kissing, for example, and can cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever and malaise. Find out more about tonsillitis.
3. COVID-19
A sore throat is one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, body pain, high fever, dry and persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, for example. Know how to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
4. Rhinitis
A sore throat can be caused by rhinitis, a type of allergy to dust, smoke or dust mites, for example, which inflames the nasal mucosa, causing symptoms such as frequent runny nose, coughing, sneezing and sore throat.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of stomach contents to the esophagus, which causes inflammation of the esophageal wall, causing burning, heartburn and laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the throat. Learn about other symptoms of reflux.
6. Sinusitis
A sore throat can be caused by sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses caused by allergies to dust mites, dust or animal hair, for example, generating symptoms such as frequent runny nose, sore throat and yellowish or greenish phlegm.
7. Dry or cold air
Inhaling dry or cold air, such as in colder seasons or frequent use of air conditioning, can reduce humidity, causing throat irritation and leading to symptoms such as pain when swallowing.
8. Excessive use of voice
A sore throat can arise due to excessive use of the voice for long periods without rest. This is because using your voice can overload the throat muscles, causing symptoms such as hoarseness, pain and loss of voice.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for sore throat varies depending on the cause of this condition, which, in some cases, does not require medication. However, the use of analgesics, antibiotics or histamines may be recommended by the doctor in some cases.
1. Medicines
Some medications that may be recommended by your doctor to treat a sore throat are:
- Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, nimesulide or naproxen, which reduce inflammation, relieving throat pain;
- Analgesics, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, which relieve pain and fever and are recommended for flu, colds and COVID-19, for example;
- Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, penicillin and clavulanic acid, which are used in cases of tonsillitis and sinusitis;
- Antihistamines, such as phenergan, sinutab and claritin, which are generally indicated for the treatment of rhinitis.
In addition, the allergy vaccine may also be recommended by the doctor for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Read too: Rhinitis vaccine: when it is indicated, how it works and side effects
2. Home remedies
Some home remedies, such as ginger tea, eucalyptus tea and pomegranate tea help treat a sore throat, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation. Discover other home remedies that help treat a sore throat.
Although they have beneficial properties for health, the use of home remedies should not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.
3. Food
While the throat is inflamed, it is recommended to prioritize the consumption of foods that are soft and do not cause throat irritation, such as porridge, soup, pasta, yogurt and ground or shredded meats. See what food should be like for a sore throat.
Other care
Some precautions that can help treat a sore throat are:
- Rest;
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature;
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, coconut water or teas;
- Chew food well;
- Gargle with warm water and salt;
- Avoid smoking and smoky places.
Furthermore, it is also recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as this type of drink causes dryness and irritation in the throat.
