A sore throat - known medically as pharyngitis - is most
often caused by a viral infection such as a cold or the flu
(influenza). In many cases, a sore throat is the first sign that
you're getting sick. In most cases, a sore throat is caused by a
virus that soon goes away on its own. A sore throat is rarely caused
by a bacterial infection that requires medical care or treatment with
antibiotics.
Causes:
-
Common viruses.
-
Breathing
through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.
-
Post nasal
drip may cause a sore throat.
-
A sore
throat can also be caused by bacteria.
Any sore throat that causes you to have difficulty swallowing (not
just pain with swallowing) or breathing should be seen by a health
care professional.
Complications: Strep throat, a
bacterial infection, can trigger other conditions that include:
-
Tonsillitis
-
Sinus infection (sinusitis)
-
Ear infection
-
Scarlet fever, an illness characterized by a rash
-
Inflammation of the kidney.
-
Rheumatic fever, which can damage organs such as the heart
