Common Causes Of A Sore Throat

What's that scratchy feeling in the back of your throat? It's most likely the common sign that you're suffering from a sore throat. As for what's causing it? Well, it can be a multitude of things.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection — a cold or flu. So, if you're suffering from sniffles, chills, fever, along with a sore throat, chances are you have a cold or flu.

Another reason for your sore throat can be the dreaded strep throat, the outlet added. Officially called streptococcal, this type of infection is less common but still can occur. It's more serious and requires a dose of antibiotics for treatment (via Mayo Clinic). Swollen tonsillitis can also cause your throat to become inflamed, per Family Doctor.

Aside from these infections, you can also experience a sore throat for simple things such as smoking or sleeping with your mouth open, the outlet added. Pollution and allergies are also additional causes.

Your treatment for your sore throat depends on exactly what causes it. If the scratchy feeling and the difficulty don't go away within a few days, the best thing to do is go to a doctor, per Family Doctor. The outlet added that a doctor will perform a physical exam and look at the back of your throat to determine the cause of the inflammation. If the cause is due to a viral infection, depending on how long you've been experiencing symptoms, the doctor will prescribe your antiviral medicine (via Family Doctor).

If you don't have access to healthcare, no worries! There are plenty of at-home treatments that you can easily create. For one, take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil, which will reduce swelling and decrease pain. Additionally, gargle saltwater for at least 30 seconds and suck on some lozenges. Lastly, if these solutions aren't successful, you can also drink liquids like water and tea to soothe your inflamed throat, the outlet added.

These small solutions can solve your sore throat easily.