Root causes of sore throats and throat infections

Sore throats occur most often at the onset of winter and when the temperature changes dramatically.

• Adults can suffer from a cold, usually accompanied by a severe sore throat, up to 3 times a year.
• Frequent temperature changes or air conditioning and ventilation systems dry out the mucosa in the mouth and throat, making them weaker and more susceptible to throat infections.

A burning sensation, scratchy throat or redness are often considered harmless. Home remedies can help relieve the unpleasant feeling in your throat. Medication can help alleviate severe sore throats.

In 80% of cases, severe throat infections are caused by viruses such as influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses. When someone speaks, sneezes or coughs, the viruses spread via droplet infection and target the pharyngeal mucosa. The body responds to this invasion with inflammation. The inflammation causes redness and swelling, which make the throat sore and painful.

Pharyngitis is less frequently caused by bacteria. However, if the mucosa has already been compromised by a viral infection, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial colonisation. This makes it all the more important to treat sore throats early and target viral pathogens to reduce the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.

Sore throats can be acute or chronic and can be caused by tonsillitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis, for example. Symptoms can range from a scratchy throat and redness to difficulty swallowing and a general sense of malaise. The throat feels dry or congested. Inflammation of the larynx often manifests as hoarseness. Symptoms may include swollen or abscessed tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the jaw and neck area and a temperature.