A sore throat can be caused by several factors, most commonly viral infections such as the common cold, flu, mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, or COVID-19. Bacterial infections like strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes are also frequent causes. Other causes include allergies, dry air, air pollution, muscle strain (from yelling or talking loudly), acid reflux (GERD), postnasal drip, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and even more serious conditions like tumors or chronic infections if the soreness persists. In most cases, viral infections cause sore throats which usually improve on their own with rest and hydration. If the sore throat is severe, persistent (lasting more than three weeks), or accompanied by symptoms like high fever, pus on tonsils, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss, seeing a doctor is advised for proper diagnosis and treatment. Allergies, environmental irritants, and acid reflux can also contribute to throat soreness by causing irritation. If the sore throat is associated with muscle strain, this could be from prolonged loud talking or yelling. For a sore throat that won’t go away, chronic pharyngitis or other underlying health conditions may be responsible and medical evaluation is recommended. In summary, a sore throat could be due to:
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections such as strep throat
- Allergies or irritants (pollution, smoke)
- Dry air or mouth breathing
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Muscle strain from voice overuse
- Chronic infections or other medical conditions if persistent
If symptoms are mild, rest, hydration, and soothing remedies like warm tea with honey may help. If symptoms worsen or persist, consultation with a healthcare professional is important to rule out serious causes and get targeted treatment.