Sore Throat Causes Beyond Covid
Sore throat is a common health condition, but not every case is an indication of Covid. Know about sore throat in detail to avoid misconceptions.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
A sore throat is a common condition that leads to discomfort, pain and irritation in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food. The primary reasons behind sore throat are infections like the flu or the common cold. However, its causes, in recent years, have moved beyond these conditions. In recent years, sore throats have also been widely linked to Covid-19, leading to increased concern whenever symptoms arise. However, not all throat discomfort is Covid-related. So, understanding the reasons for sore throat and its signs can help individuals to separate it from Covid-19 and seek the right treatment.
Common Causes of Sore Throat
The common causes of sore throat are:
1. Viral Infections
Most viral infections, especially those associated with seasonal changes in climate conditions, lead to sore throats. These infections have different incubation periods and, in most cases, do not require medical treatments. Some of the most common pathogens leading to sore throat are:
Rhinovirus
Adenovirus
Coxsackievirus
Influenza virus
Herpes Simplex virus
2. Bacterial Infections
Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial infections. It is caused by bacteria known as Group A Streptococcus bacterium, and it is best treated with antibiotics. Some of the most common bacteria causing this disease are:
Streptococcus pyogenesis
Streptococcus pneumonia
Corynebacterium diphtheria
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Neisseria gonorrhoea
3. Fungal Infections
People with weak immune systems or those who have been exposed to steroids for prolonged periods may suffer from sore throats caused by fungi.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Many people do not know that pollution and unhealthy lifestyles are also responsible for sore throats. Here is how:
1. Allergies and Irritants
One of the most common environmental conditions leading to sore throats in people of all ages is long-term exposure to allergens and irritants. These substances enter the body through air and trigger an inflammatory response in the body. As the tissues in the throat region swell up, individuals will have difficulty swallowing, accompanied by persistent pain and discomfort.
2. Dry Air and Pollution
People living in highly polluted areas or places with extremely dry air are more prone to sore throats than other people. The reason is that pollutants trigger immune responses and lead to infections in the respiratory tract. Dry air with low moisture content can cause itching of the respiratory tract and sometimes lead to sore throats.
3. Smoking and Alcohol Use
Drinking alcohol dehydrates the mucous membrane in the throat, contributing to soreness. Strong beverages often irritate the throat, leading to inflammation and discomfort. In addition, the hot air inhaled during smoking can cause sore throats by irritating the mucous lining of the oesophagus and upper respiratory tract.
Medical Conditions Contributing To Sore Throat
Some of the medical conditions, other than Covid-19, contributing to the sore throat are:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
People with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can feel soreness in the throat, which may worsen with swallowing. When stomach juice, consisting of hydrochloric acid, is pushed up due to GERD, it causes irritation and a burning sensation in the throat. If left untreated, it can lead to sore throats.
2. Tonsillitis and Strep Throat
Group A Streptococcus causes strep throat, which can often lead to tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a medical condition in which the tonsil glands inflame due to a bacterial infection, causing cough, sneezing, mild fever, and soreness in the throat.
3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Since chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with systemic inflammation and a weakened immune system, people can suffer from sore throats.
Identifying the Symptoms
The symptoms of sore throats can vary with the causative agent, and finding the root cause can help with accurate treatment. For example:
Sore throats due to viral infection are associated with a gradual onset of discomfort, mild redness, loss of taste and smell, and fevers.
Bacterial infections lead to sudden onset of pain, redness in the tonsil gland, difficulty in swallowing, and swelling of the uvula.
If the sore throat is caused due to allergens, sneezing, red eyes, and nasal discharge with a clear liquid are the most common symptoms.
For sore throats caused by pollution and dry air, itchiness and irritation are most common, along with allergic sneezing.
Individuals should seek medical help for treating sore throat if:
There is severe pain in the throat
The conditions last for more than a week even after taking over-the-counter medicines
Persistent hoarseness is present
One has a high fever with prominent swelling in the lymph nodes
Diagnostic Approaches
The diagnosis of sore throat starts with analysing the symptoms to understand the potential cause. Based on the clinical evaluation, further laboratory examinations can be requested for accurate staging of the disease and prognosis.
Some of the common laboratory tests performed to detect sore throats are:
Throat swab tests
Complete blood count
Monospot test
EBV antibody test
Viral and bacterial PCR
Anti-Streptolysin O Titer
Treatment and Management
While rest and staying hydrated are the best ways to treat a sore throat, the final treatment plan will be based on the type of infection. Usually, Doctors prescribe antibiotics to combat the infected organ with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce inflammation. However, if the sore throat is a symptom of another disease, then they will recommend the patient to a specialist. For example, a sore throat caused by GERD will be treated by a gastrologist.
Besides the prescribed drugs, individuals can also use some home remedies to get relief –
Gargling with lukewarm water and salt for 30 seconds every day can help reduce the inflammation.
Drinking lukewarm water helps relieve the itchiness and keeps dehydration away.
Chamomile and peppermint tea can soothe the pain and alleviate inflammations.
Honey acts as a natural antimicrobial substance, boosting the body’s immune power.
Warm broths will keep one hydrated and help provide comfort.
Using a humidifier will alleviate the symptoms of dryness and irritation in the throat.
Simultaneously, individuals need to adopt some lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly or following hygiene protocols to help combat sore throat. Giving up on smoking and drinking alcohol is also necessary to get relief from discomfort and irritation.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention is always better than cure, and here are some ways to prevent sore throat:
Strengthening Immune Functions: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can strengthen the body’s immunity and help fight against pathogens and allergic reactions.
Avoidance of Triggers: Avoid getting exposed to allergens and triggers like pollens, dust mites, mould, and pet dander.
Complications If Left Untreated
A sore throat may seem irritating and not a serious medical issue. But, if the sore throat is left untreated, it can lead to severe chronic conditions, like:
Rheumatic fever
Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
Peritonsillar Abscess
Chronic tonsillitis
Sinusitis
Untreated sore throats can become painful, cause difficulty swallowing, and cause hoarseness in voice. A persistent fever and cough for more than a week can impact other organs and day-to-day activities.
Conclusion
Since multifarious reasons cause sore throats, accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests is imperative for further prognosis. Using over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies can help alleviate the pain and discomfort. In extreme cases like persistent fever and excessive pain, consult the doctor and follow the preventive measures shared above. And, remember the most important thing: Do not panic – not all sore throats indicate Covid.
Dr. Tripti Deb
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