The soreness in the back of the throat is known as a sore throat. The discomfort can be great, and swallowing usually makes it worse. Many people who are suffering from a sore throat refuse to eat or drink. Pain might also be felt in the ear at times (nerves to the back of the throat run very close to nerves from the ear).
Sore Throat Causes
Infection is the most common cause of a sore throat (see table Some Causes and Features of Sore Throat). The most widespread infection is
- Tonsillopharyngitis
- Sore throats can be caused by a variety of less common, but more significant, factors.
- Abscess
- The epiglottis is infected (epiglottitis)
- Tumors
- Abscesses, epiglottitis, and tumors are especially dangerous because they can obstruct the airway.
Dryness, allergens, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and vocal strain can all produce throat irritation and mild soreness (such as from yelling).
Tonsillopharyngitis
The tonsils (patches of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat) and the throat are infected in the tonsillopharyngitis (pharynx). When the tonsils are extremely inflamed, doctors may use the term tonsillitis; when the tonsils are not particularly inflamed, or when people without tonsils have a sore throat, doctors may use the term pharyngitis.
A virus, generally one of the same viruses that cause the common cold, causes tonsillopharyngitis. A moderate sore throat is the most typical symptom of a common cold. Acute mononucleosis (produced by the Epstein-Barr virus) is a less common viral cause that primarily affects children and young people. Even rarer, sore throat can be caused by chronic fungal infections in HIV patients, such as thrush, or by an initial infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A kind of Streptococcus bacteria causes about 10% of sore throats in adults (and slightly more in children) (streptococci). Strep throat is the common name for these streptococcal illnesses. In youngsters under the age of two, strep throat is uncommon.
Gonorrhea and diphtheria are two rare bacterial causes (in countries with low vaccination rates).
Abscess
An abscess (a collection of pus) can grow beneath or near one of the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess). A streptococcal infection that has progressed from the tonsils into deeper tissue is the most common cause. An abscess in the tissue at the back of the throat can occur in young children (retropharyngeal abscess).
Epiglottitis
During swallowing, the epiglottis is a tiny flap of tissue that blocks the entrance to the voice box and windpipe. Certain bacteria can cause an infection in the epiglottis (epiglottitis). This illness produces a lot of discomfort and edema. The enlargement might block the windpipe, especially in youngsters and newborns. Epiglottitis was once only seen in children and was usually caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Epiglottitis in children is rare since that most children are HiB vaccinated, but HiB is still a cause in adults and unvaccinated children.
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Points to Remember
- The majority of sore throats are caused by viral tonsillopharyngitis and go away on their own.
- Occasionally, certain bacteria (especially streptococci) produce painful throats, resulting in strep throat.
- Without testing, doctors have a hard time distinguishing between viral and bacterial causes of tonsillopharyngitis.
- Abscess and epiglottitis are two uncommon but potentially fatal causes.
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