Burning or Sore Throat

Throat | General Practice | Burning or Sore Throat (Symptom)


Description

A sore throat is a rough or raw feeling in the back of the throat that causes discomfort, especially when swallowing. Sore throat is characterized by pain, burning or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and tenderness in the neck. Sore throat symptoms may be accompanied by coughing, sneezing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Causes

Most sore throats occur due to viruses or mechanical causes such as mouth breathing. Sore throat is a common symptom, usually caused by pharyngitis and occasionally by tonsillitis. It is often the first symptom of the common cold, common, influenza, laryngitis, infectious mononucleosis, and many childhood viral illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, and mumps.

A sore throat can have many causes including: common viruses, including the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu; infection of the tonsils or adenoids; breathing through the mouth or smoking can produce throat dryness and soreness; Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) while lying down or sleeping; sinus drainage from allergic or chronic sinusitis; bacterial infections with Streptococcus Arcanobacterium hemolyticum.

Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to the yeast Candida, commonly known as thrush. A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.

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