What Does It Mean to Have a Sore Throat?

• Do you have pain or scratchiness in your throat? Is it difficult to swallow? Chances are, you are suffering from a sore throat. Sore throats are common, but what are they exactly? A sore throat is when the area around your tonsils is affected by either a disease, infection or irritant. This area between your mouth and voice box, where the tonsils are contained, is called the pharynx. When affected by one of the factors listed above, the membranes lining the pharynx will become swollen and painful. The tonsils may become infected as well.
  
  Sore throats usually heal with time and medicine. They can become serious, but such cases are rare. If you develop a sore throat, it is best to visit a doctor to determine the cause and to rule out possible serious issues, especially if your sore throat lasts for more than three days.
  
  

Viruses and Bacterial Infections

• Viruses cause the majority of sore throats. Usually the virus is a cold or flu virus, and the sore throat is simply a side effect of the postnasal drip, sneezing and vomiting that comes with colds and the flu. Sore throats caused by viruses can be treated with hot tea, topical medicines that spray down into the throat and temporarily numb it, or cold drinks such as a thick milkshake. However, it is best to treat the cause of the sore throat by treating the cold or flu, or better yet, taking steps to avoid catching the cold or flu altogether. Precautions include getting a flu shot, washing your hands frequently and avoiding being around obviously sick people.
  
  Sometimes, however, sore throats are caused by bacterial infections, such as strep throat and tonsillitis. In severe cases of tonsillitis, the tonsils will be removed to prevent further infections. Bacterial infections need to be treated with strong doses of antibiotics and can return if the cycle of antibiotics is not completed. In cases of recurring strep throat, the tonsils might also be removed.
  
  

Other Causes of Sore Throats

• There are other causes of sore throats as well. Allergies can cause sore throats, along with sneezing and red, watery eyes. Dry air can cause the throat to become scratchy and sore. Pollution or smoke in the air -- indoors or outside -- can cause your throat to become swollen. Certain foods, such as very spicy foods, can also irritate the throat.
  
  You can even hurt your throat by overusing your voice box. Extended periods of singing or shouting can temporarily damage your larynx, causing painful swelling. If you have heartburn or acid reflux, this can also give you a sore throat. Finally, a tumor can cause a sore throat, although this is extremely rare, unless you are a heavy drinker or smoker.