Sore throats can be distressing, painful, irritating and annoying. But there are more than the usual causes. Many times, sore throats are caused by allergies or illnesses that we don’t know about. From structural issues to environmental irritants, you might be surprised at some of the things that can lead to pain in your throat. In this article, we’ll look at 6 common, but lesser-known causes of sore throat so you can make sure your discomfort doesn’t last too long!
Allergies:
Allergies can cause sore throats due to the body’s reaction to allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Symptoms of an allergic sore throat include a persistent cough, swollen lymph nodes, and watery eyes. In more severe cases, allergies can cause swelling in the throat that makes swallowing difficult or painful. Some people can also be allergic to trees such as birch, so it is recommended to better monitor and manage your allergies in early spring by arming yourself with the appropriate treatment before the situation worsens.
Gastroesophageal reflux :
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, is a digestive disorder in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, often accompanied by an unpleasant burning sensation. One of the most unpleasant side effects of GERD is sore throat, which results from stomach acid irritating and damaging the lining of the throat. The constant irritation associated with GERD can cause the throat to swell and become inflamed, leading to pain similar to that experienced with a cold or flu.
Additionally, the small food particles that rise up contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can exacerbate existing inflammation. Treatment options such as antacid medications provide little or no relief for this specific throat symptom; therefore, people with GERD should seek professional help in order to obtain a diagnosis and targeted treatments such as lifestyle modifications or voice rehabilitation.
Burning Mouth Syndrome (Stomatodynia):
Burning mouth syndrome is a painful and often debilitating condition that can have many causes, including exposure to toxins or allergens, anxiety disorders, or vitamin deficiency. It can be expressed by an intense burning, tingling or pain sensation in the mouth and can even spread to the throat.
For example, the abnormal sensations caused by SBB can cause a person to clench their jaw and swallow compulsively, which leads to a sore throat – in the same way that excessive bruxism can lead to muscle tenderness and pain. Additionally, the stress associated with the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome can exacerbate existing pain. In order to maintain a healthy mouth and throat, it is important that anyone experiencing symptoms of BMS consult a healthcare professional to establish a detailed care plan tailored to their situation.
Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis describes an inflammation or infection of your tonsils which can also lead to a sore throat. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes around the neck, as well as white patches on the tonsils or back wall of the throat, which are extremely tender to the touch or pressure.
Mononucleosis:
Mononucleosis, also known as “kissing disease,” is a viral infection that can cause intense sore throat symptoms. Often transmitted through saliva, mononucleosis is highly contagious and has many recognizable symptoms in addition to the classic sore throat, such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, and swollen spleen. The sore throat associated with mononucleosis can be very serious; in some cases, it may last for several weeks before subsiding.
Although antibiotics cannot cure the virus itself, they help reduce its severity. Sometimes painkillers or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to relieve the sore throat. It is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids when you have any signs of mononucleosis to speed healing and resolve symptoms.
Canker sores:
Canker sores can be a nuisance and cause irritation anywhere in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, under the tongue, and on the gums. Although not caused by bacteria, they are often mistaken for throat infections due to their general location in the mouth; however, the pain from these small ulcerations can descend to our throat.
This painful sensation is caused by inflammation of the tissues in our mouth that surround these irritating lesions, which mimics many symptoms of throat infections. If your canker sores are accompanied by other signs that something more serious is happening, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes, it’s best to see your doctor immediately to determine s It’s a bacterial infection.
