Home Health Info Infections Published on : February 28, 2024

7 Most Searched Questions About A Sore Throat - Answered!

Written by Sai Pragna Chagarla, Writer at Hola Health Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Contents

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This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the pharynx, the back part of the throat, which can result from various causes, including viral and bacterial infections, environmental factors, and other health issues. This inflammation makes the throat red, swollen, painful and difficult to talk or swallow any form of food or liquid. 1 in 10 Australians visit their primary health care services complaining of sore throat each year. The generic symptoms of sore throat include:

Pain and discomfort in the throat
Hoarse voice and difficulty speaking.
Difficulty in swallowing food or drink.
Swelling and redness in the throat with white patches of pus

Causes of Sore Throat

Sore throats are often caused by infections such as:

Viral Infections: Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, Covid-19, or glandular fever. These infections can inflame the throat tissues, leading to pain and discomfort.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections like streptococcus can also cause sore throats. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that requires medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.
Environmental Factors: Dry air, irritants like smoke or pollutants, and allergens can contribute to throat irritation and soreness.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): GORD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, leading to irritation and a sore throat.
Other health factors such as mouth ulcers or allergies can also cause sore throat.

Now that we have our sore throat basics, let us find answers to the 7 most searched questions on the internet:

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1. What is a Strep Throat?

It is often tough to find out whether a sore throat is caused by a virus or a bacterium. Strep throat is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pyogenes and has some distinctive symptoms such as:

Swollen lymph nodes.
Swollen tonsils
Rash and fever
Abdominal pain or Vomiting

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Disclaimer

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.

Note: At Hola Health, we're committed to offering trustworthy, accurate and up-to-date health information. Our Editorial Process entails thorough research, fact- checking, and medical review by doctors in diverse health fields, including medical practitioners, doctors, and psychotherapists based in Australia. We take guidance from qualified Australian doctors. We prioritise primary sources and avoid tertiary references wherever possible.

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