Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery

What Causes A Sore Throat?

A wide array of conditions can cause your throat to randomly start hurting, from infections to allergies to acid reflux and, rarely, tumors. Pain is just one symptom of what's typically known as a sore throat (pharyngitis). Other symptoms include having a dry or scratchy feeling in your throat or trouble swallowing.

Chances are your sore throat will fade in a few days without any real prodding. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can help in some cases. A healthcare provider may advise other treatments, such as antibiotics, depending on the cause.

Viruses are one of the most common causes of sore throats. A sore throat is often a symptom of a cold or the flu. Viruses that cause mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, croup, and other illnesses can also produce sore throats. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can also produce a sore throat. A sore throat can sometimes appear as an early sign of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many people with HIV have flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks of infection. Try some of the following remedies to treat a sore throat caused by a virus: Gargle with warm salt water. Stay hydrated. Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). Use a humidifier or steamer to ease respiratory symptoms. Most viral infections tend to go away in about a week, except for mononucleosis, which can last weeks or months. Protect yourself from viral infections by washing your hands well and often. Don't get too close to people who are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes. It's less common, but bacterial infections can also cause a sore throat. You may develop a sore throat if you contract a bacteria through direct exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person (coughing, sneezing), by kissing, or from intimate contact. A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. It's caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. You may develop a sore throat with a sinus infection as a result of post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip happens when excess mucus builds up and trickles down the back of your throat. Other sinus infection symptoms can include: Bad breath  Cough that worsens at night Fatigue or general ill feeling Fever Headache Loss of smell Pressure or pain behind your eyes  Runny or stuffy nose Toothache A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can also help relieve symptoms. About 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Allergies happen when your body has an outsize reaction to specific foreign invaders like: Dust Mold Pet dander Pollen These invaders set off a cascade of symptoms, including a sore throat. Other symptoms include sneezing and a stuffy nose. Sore throats from allergies can be made worse by post-nasal drip. Some people may confuse allergy-related sore throats with viral and bacterial sore throats. Allergies tend to cause symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes rather than a fever. Many allergy-related sore throats also only appear during certain seasons, like spring, summer, or fall. A sore throat can be a symptom of acid reflux, especially if it's chronic, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid comes up in the esophagus. Symptoms, which can get worse after a big meal, also include: Chest pain Cough Heartburn Hoarseness Nausea There are medications to treat GERD. You can also tame the condition by managing your weight and eating dinner two to three hours before bed. Irritants differ from allergies but also cause reactions to certain outside elements, like air pollution or cleaning products. Exposure to certain irritants can make your throat sore, so it's best to try to avoid them if you can. Laryngitis is inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Allergies, bacteria or viruses, and GERD can cause laryngitis. You may develop a sore throat, as well as a fever, hoarse voice, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Antibiotics can treat laryngitis that's caused by a bacterial infection. It's important to rest your voice to decrease inflammation. Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which also eases a sore throat. Strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, is a common culprit of sore throats, especially in children. Other symptoms may include: Chills Fever Red spots or white patches on the tonsils A throat culture will tell you whether you have the infection. It's essential to treat strep throat if you have it. Late complications include damage to the kidneys and heart valves. Antibiotics, like penicillin and amoxicillin, usually clear strep throat. Tonsillitis is inflamed and swollen tonsils. A viral or, more commonly, bacterial infection usually causes tonsillitis. The tonsils are two growths at the back of the throat that form the frontline of the body's immune system. They keep germs from entering the body. Tonsillitis may cause a sore throat, as well as symptoms like: Chills Ear pain Fever Headache Pain when you swallow Red, swollen tonsils Tender jaw or throat  White or yellow patches on the tonsils Tonsils can become large enough to obstruct the nasal passages in severe cases. You may experience breathing, swallowing, and sleep difficulties if that happens. Throat cancer doesn't need to be at the top of your list of things to worry about when you have a sore throat, but it can happen. A tumor typically manifests with other symptoms, such as: Throat pain from a tumor also tends to linger. It's important to see a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these red flags. Sore throat has several potential causes. Some of these may be more common among people with certain genetic factors. Repeated bouts of strep throat and tonsillitis, for example, may run in families. The same is true for allergies and GERD. Viral infections, which are the most common cause of sore throat, are generally more common in children. Even adults have an average of two or three colds per year. You can't wholly keep viruses, allergies, or other causes of sore throats at bay. You can still help prevent sore throats by trying some of the following: Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Avoiding smoke exposure Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Practicing proper handwashing Anyone can get a sore throat. It's most common in the colder months when viral infections like the cold and flu spread more easily. Certain risk factors, such as environmental pollutants, smoking, and a weak immune system, can also increase your likelihood. Dry Air Humidity and temperature can both affect the mucous membranes that line your throat. Dry air, for example, can cause discomfort. Summer air conditioning can have a similarly painful effect on your throat. This discomfort tends to be worse first thing in the morning. "A lot of time in the winter months, you have the heater going, so you're breathing dry air all night. Use a humidifier in your room at night when you're sleeping," Kathleen Tibbetts, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told Health. You can also heat a pot of water and inhale the soothing steam. Environmental Pollutants Industrial emissions and smoke can cause inflammation and irritation of the tissues that line the throat, causing a sore throat. Environmental pollutants can also weaken the immune system. Decreased immunity can make it easier to contract viral infections that cause a sore throat. Muscle Strain Some evidence suggests that aerobics instructors and teachers have more frequent sore throats. Yelling and screaming can hurt your throat, but so can talking. Recent Intubation or Surgery Intubation is a procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts a tube into the throat to help you breathe. This procedure, as well as surgeries that affect the throat area, can cause discomfort. You may also experience a dry throat, coughing, and muscle strain after surgery. Smoking  Smoking releases chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation of the tissue that lines the throat. It can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections that cause a sore throat. Smoking is also a risk factor for GERD, which is a common cause of a sore throat. Weak Immune System A weak immune system makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the body and harder for the body to fight them off. These germs are responsible for several infections that cause a sore throat. A viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, causes most sore throats. You might have a sore throat for several other reasons, such as allergies, acid reflux, strep throat, or, rarely, throat cancer. Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve within a few days or worsen. Less common causes of a sore throat, such as throat cancer, require treatment.

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Persistent Sore Throat? It Could Be A Sign Of STI: 5 Uncommon Symptoms To Watch Out For

We've all had those scratchy throats and reached for honey, ginger, or warm tea to soothe the irritation. It's common to assume it's just a cold, allergies, or the effects of weather changes. But what if your persistent sore throat isn't just a typical seasonal infection? Surprisingly, in some cases, a persistent sore throat can be a symptom of something more serious – like a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Let's break down how certain STIs, particularly those transmitted through oral sex, could present in ways you might not expect.

To understand why a sore throat may be linked to an STI and five other uncommon symptoms you should know about, OnlyMyHealth team interacyed with Dr Roohi Pirzada, Consultant Physician, MBBS, Mumbai. 

1. Persistent Sore Throat

A sore throat that doesn't go away despite treatment could indicate an underlying infection. One such possibility is oral gonorrhoea, caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Oral sex can transmit this infection, leading to symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Although many associate STIs primarily with the genital area, oral STIs are becoming increasingly common due to changes in sexual practices.

 

Dr Roohi Pirzada, "If you have a sore throat, it's more likely a virus than a bacterial infection. However, if bacteria are responsible, it's usually Streptococcus rather than Staphylococcus." She emphasises that throat swabs often isolate the beta-hemolytic Streptococcus strain, which is treatable with antibiotics.

While most sore throats are not related to STIs, it's essential to consider the possibility if the discomfort persists beyond the typical duration, especially in those with high-risk behaviours.

Also read: Only Condoms Can't Protect You From STIs, Here Are 6 Things That Can help

2. Unexplained Genital Sores

Genital sores that appear without any apparent cause are another uncommon symptom of STIs, such as herpes or syphilis. These sores may not cause immediate pain, making it easy for individuals to ignore them. However, they can serve as a significant sign of infection. It's crucial to avoid sharing personal items like towels, glasses, or utensils, as indirect transmission is possible, even though it is rare.

"Don't share glasses or utensils. Proper hygiene, like washing hands, can prevent the spread of bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes which colonises the pharynx, anus, and genital mucosa," advises Dr Pirzada. This bacteria, although treatable, can cause severe complications if ignored.

3. Skin Rash

STIs such as syphilis often manifest through an unusual rash on various parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash may appear days or weeks after the initial infection, sometimes fading and reappearing later. If left untreated, syphilis can cause more severe health issues down the line.

4. Painful Urination

Painful or burning sensations during urination are common indicators of a STD like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These infections irritate the urinary tract, leading to discomfort. While this symptom is more commonly discussed, people sometimes dismiss it as a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the pain persists, it's essential to get tested for STIs.

Also read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs

5. Unusual Discharge

Both men and women can experience unusual discharge due to STIs. For men, this may involve discharge from the penis, while for women, it could mean abnormal vaginal discharge. The texture, colour, or smell may be noticeably different. If you observe any changes, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.

6. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, groyne, or armpits, can indicate an ongoing infection, including STIs. When paired with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of oral gonorrhoea. Dr Pirzada recommends, "Cover your mouth, and teach children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze." This simple act can prevent infections from spreading further, especially in close-knit environments.

Prevention and Awareness

Prevention is the key to avoiding STIs. Simple measures like washing hands, maintaining good hygiene, and not sharing personal items can reduce the risk of infections. "Improving hygiene and housing quality may also help reduce transmission rates," says Dr Pirzada.

Conclusion

Recognising uncommon STI symptoms can help in early detection and treatment, preventing complications. If you experience a persistent sore throat, unexplained sores, or other symptoms mentioned, don't hesitate to get tested. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.

Disclaimer

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Does COVID-19 Cause A Sore Throat?

A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, but it's generally not one of the most common. Other symptoms include a cough, fever, chills, headache, loss of smell or taste, and muscle pain. Inflammation caused by COVID, as well as coughing and post-nasal drip, may irritate the throat.

A sore throat has many possible causes, and treatment depends on the probable cause. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have COVID.

A sore throat due to COVID might feel: Dry Painful when you swallow Scratchy or itchy Other cold or respiratory infection symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness (raspy voice) suggest a viral infection—as opposed to strep throat, for example. The only way to truly know if your sore throat is due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat results from inflammation, which is caused by COVID. Other COVID symptoms like coughing and phlegm in the throat (post-nasal drip) can also irritate the throat. A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID, but it's not present in all cases. Other, more common COVID symptoms include: Cough Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Fatigue Fever and chills Sore throat A sore throat might be more common in the Omicron variant than in the Delta variant. One longitudinal study of over 63,000 people found a sore throat in 70% of Omicron cases versus 60% of Delta cases. A sore throat might be much less prevalent than that. One systematic review of over 114,000 people found a sore throat in only about 14% of COVID cases. A sore throat will last as long as other COVID symptoms—up to about two weeks. Some evidence suggests that a sore throat might last about six days, but this will vary from person to person. Coughing can irritate the throat, so having a persistent cough might prolong a sore throat. A sore throat is not commonly a symptom of long COVID, or symptoms that last for four weeks or longer. Having a sore throat might increase the risk of developing long COVID. A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it does not mean you have the virus. Sore throat is a very common and non-specific symptom, meaning it's self-reported and does not indicate a specific disease. It will feel relatively the same whether you have a cold, the flu, COVID, or even strep throat. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can cause a sore throat include: Gonorrhea or chlamydia: Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Herpes simplex virus: A viral infection that can cause oral sores Mononucleosis (mono): A viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Respiratory viruses: Rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold), adenovirus, and the influenza virus Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat): A bacterial infection caused by bacteria group A Streptococcus Tonsillitis: A viral infection that causes inflamed and swollen tonsils Other possible causes of a sore throat include: Allergies Dry, hot air Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into your esophagus Inhaling smoke or other irritants (e.G., smog) Stress Tumor It can be difficult to determine whether a sore throat is COVID-related based solely on the symptom alone. Here's how to tell the difference between COVID and other respiratory illnesses: Allergies: Allergies typically cause itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. COVID, in contrast, may cause a fever, body aches, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are not common with allergies. Common cold: COVID may cause a fever, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath, which are not common with a cold. Flu: Flu symptoms typically develop quicker than COVID symptoms. The flu can present within one to four days of infection, while COVID may develop within two to 14 days. Strep throat: Strep throat may cause a high fever, whereas COVID causes a cough and runny nose. A sore throat often resolves on its own unless the infection is severe. Home remedies that may ease discomfort include: Drinking warm tea or lemon water with honey Gargling with warm salt water—about 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) salt in 1 cup of water—several times daily Trying throat lozenges Using a humidifier or breathing in steam from a hot shower You may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat COVID. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and (ibuprofen) are likely effective and generally safe for adults and children over the age of 2. SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID, is a respiratory virus. The mechanisms of upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTI) work the same as other respiratory virus symptoms. OTC medications that work for a sore throat caused by a URTI will likely work for one caused by COVID. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you think you might have strep throat, which usually requires antibiotics to treat. Symptoms include: Fever Sudden, very sore throat (especially when swallowing) Red and swollen tonsils with possible white patches Small red spots on the roof of your mouth Other symptoms that warrant reaching out to a healthcare provider include: Dehydration Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Excessive drooling (in young children) Rash A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it's a relatively rare symptom compared to others, like a cough and fever. A sore throat is a non-specific symptom, meaning there are many possible causes. The only way to know whether it's due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat generally resolves on its own, but a more severe infection might require treatment. You can use home remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, using a humidifier, and taking OTC pain relievers as needed to relieve pain. The information in this story is accurate as of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.

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