Sore Throat: Causes

What causes a sore throat?

Many types of infections, inflammatory disorders, and conditions can lead to a sore throat. More common infections include the common cold, flu, and strep throat. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can also present with a sore throat. Because there are so many different possibilities, some of which are life threatening, it is important to contact your doctor to address your concerns and answer your questions.

Common infectious causes of a sore throat

Sore throat is a sign of some common viral and bacterial infections including:

• Common cold (viral respiratory infection)

• Croup (viral illness)

• Infectious mononucleosis

• Influenza (flu)

• Strep throat

• Viral pharyngitis (throat inflammation)

Other potential infectious causes of a sore throat

A variety of other infections that can cause a sore throat include:

• Ear infection

• Fungal infection

• Herpes virus infection

• HIV infection (sore throat is an early symptom)

• Laryngitis

• Roseola

• Sinus infection

• Tonsillitis

• Whooping cough (pertussis)

Other inflammatory and malignant causes of a sore throat

Other causes of a sore throat include inflammatory and malignant conditions:

• Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Allergic reaction

• Allergies

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Cough

• Dry throat (possibly from breathing through the mouth)

• Epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis between throat and windpipe)

• Esophageal conditions (cancer or rupture)

• Leukemia

• Postnasal drip

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Smoking

• Tumor of the larynx

Questions for diagnosing the cause of a sore throat

To diagnose the cause of your sore throat, a licensed health care practitioner will most likely ask you questions related to your symptoms, including:

• How long have you had a sore throat?

• Do you have a cough?

• Are you breathing through your mouth (instead of your nose)?

• Do you have any other symptoms?

What are the potential complications of a sore throat?

A sore throat can be a sign of an infectious or inflammatory process, many of which can be treated without serious difficulties. Some conditions can be easily treated with self-care measures at home, such as moist air and anti-inflammatory medications, or with antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider. Other cases of sore throat may require more intensive treatment. Over time, a sore throat can lead to complications including:

• Dehydration due to accompanying diarrhea or vomiting

• Dehydration due to reduced fluid intake

• Rheumatic fever (complication of strep throat)