5 Common Causes of Throat Pain and Irritation
Rockwell MD | Seattle, WA | Jan 20, 2020
With fall officially here and temperatures in the low 50s, Seattle can surely welcome in a wave of sniffles and coughs over the next few months. Most of the time, a cough or sore throat can be caused by a common cold, the flu, allergies, or just dryness. Typically a sore throat and irritation should resolve on its own, however, a few more serious symptoms like ear pain, difficulty swallowing or joint pain should be a cause for more concern and a visit to the doctor’s office.
Causes of a sore or irritated throat can range from infections to chemical irritations. Here are 5 of the most common causes:
Colds, the Flu, and Other Viral Infections
Most sore throats are caused by viruses; 90% in fact. Among the viruses that cause sore throats are:
-the common cold
-influenza (flu)
-mononucleosis – an infection transmitted through saliva
-measles – an illness that causes a rash and a fever
-chickenpox – an infection that causes fever and an itchy, bumpy rash
-mumps – an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands
Allergies
When your immune system is affected by certain allergy triggers such as pollen, pet dander, and grass, it releases chemicals within your body which causes throat irritation, sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
All of these reactions combine and produce extra mucus in your nose which can drip down your throat and irritate it. This is commonly known as postnasal drip.
Strep Throat and Other Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are another common cause of throat irritation. Strep Throat, caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria accounts for about 40% of sore throat cases in children.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause throat pain and a sore throat.
Dry Air
During cold, winter months, you can almost notice how dry the air is when you breathe. Low humidity can cause your throat and mouth to dry out, leaving them itchy and scratchy.
A humidifier can help you restore the moisture to your air in your home.
Smoke, Chemicals, and Other Irritants
There are many chemicals and substances that can irritate your airways and cause a sore throat including:
- Cigarette and tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Cleaning products
- Commercial chemicals
Most sore throat and irritation issues clear up on their own or with the help of rest, salt-water gargles, and pain relievers.
Strep throat and other bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotics. At Rockwell MD, we can use a simple swab test to find out whether your sore throat is caused by Strep or another bacterial infection.
If your symptoms don’t go away on their own, we can help you get on your way to getting better. Practicing for over 25 years now, Dr. Rockwell has the experience and expertise to help solve your ear, nose, and throat issues. A persistent cough or throat pain can easily be overlooked and lead to more serious complications.
If you are having any ear, nose, or throat pain and discomfort, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Rockwell MD!
Schedule Your Ear Exam Today!
Jame Rockwell, MD | 1-888-624-3651 | 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1530, Seattle, WA | Info@RockwellMD.com