Reasons for Throat Pain Explained
know about throat pain, causes of throat pain and home remedies to relieve throat pain.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 12th Aug, 2025
Introduction
Throat pain is a common discomfort that most people experience at some point in their lives. It can range from mild irritation to severe pain, making swallowing, speaking, or even breathing difficult. While throat pain is often harmless and resolves on its own, understanding its causes and knowing when to seek medical help can make a big difference in your recovery.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons behind throat pain, symptoms to watch for, and simple ways to ease discomfort.
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Common Causes of Throat Pain
1. Viral Infections (Common Cold & Flu)
Most throat pains are caused by viral infections like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. These infections inflame the throat, leading to soreness, scratchiness, and sometimes fever.
Symptoms:
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
What to do?
- Rest and drink warm fluids (tea, soup).
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like paracetamol) can help.
2. Bacterial Infections (Strep Throat)
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Unlike viral infections, strep throat requires antibiotics for treatment.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, severe throat pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
- Fever and headache
- No cough (unlike viral infections)
What to do?
- Visit a doctor for a throat swab test.
- Take prescribed antibiotics (don’t skip doses).
- Avoid sharing utensils to prevent spreading infection.
3. Allergies (Postnasal Drip)
Allergies to dust, pollen, or pet dander can cause postnasal drip, where mucus drips down the throat, irritating it.
Symptoms:
- Itchy throat
- Sneezing and watery eyes
- Congestion
- Mild soreness
What to do?
- Use antihistamines (allergy medications).
- Drink warm fluids to soothe the throat.
- Keep your home dust-free.
4. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing irritation.
Symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the throat (especially at night)
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Hoarse voice
- Frequent heartburn
What to do?
- Avoid spicy, oily, and acidic foods.
- Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
5. Dry Air & Irritants
Breathing dry air (especially in winter or air-conditioned rooms) or exposure to smoke, pollution, or chemicals can dry out and irritate the throat.
Symptoms:
- Dry, scratchy throat
- Mild discomfort
- No fever or other infection signs
What to do?
- Use a humidifier at home.
- Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water).
- Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.
6. Tonsillitis (Inflamed Tonsils)
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, red tonsils
- Painful swallowing
- White/yellow patches on tonsils
- Fever and bad breath
What to do?
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Drink cold fluids to numb pain.
- See a doctor if symptoms persist (antibiotics may be needed).
7. Overuse of Voice (Strain)
Excessive talking, shouting, or singing can strain the vocal cords, leading to throat pain.
Symptoms:
- Hoarse or lost voice
- Mild soreness
- No fever
What to do?
- Rest your voice (avoid whispering, as it strains more).
- Drink warm water with honey.
- Use throat lozenges if needed.
When to See a Doctor?
Most throat pains go away in a few days with home care. However, seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe pain that lasts more than a week
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
If you suspect strep throat or tonsillitis, a doctor can perform a quick test and prescribe the right treatment.
Home Remedies to Relieve Throat Pain
1. Warm Salt Water Gargle – Reduces swelling and kills bacteria.
2. Honey & Warm Water – Soothes irritation and has antibacterial properties.
3. Herbal Teas (Ginger, Chamomile, Licorice Root) – Reduce inflammation.
4. Stay Hydrated – Prevents dryness and speeds up recovery.
5. Humidifier Use – Adds moisture to dry air, easing throat discomfort.
Preventing Throat Pain
- Wash hands frequently to avoid infections.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Stay hydrated to keep the throat moist.
- Use a mask in polluted or dusty environments.
- Manage allergies with medications if needed.
Final thoughts
Throat pain is usually temporary and treatable with simple home remedies. However, knowing the cause helps in choosing the right treatment. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Sourav Banerjee
Ent Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. M Venkata Apparao
Ent Specialist
25 Years • MBBS MS
Visakhapatnam
Apparao ENT CLINIC, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Krishan Rajbhar
Ent Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma
Kolkata
Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Suresh Tarikere Laxman
Ent Specialist
26 Years • M.B.B.S , M.S, DIPLOMA IN THYROID & DIABETES
Bengaluru
Surya Ent Clinic, Bengaluru
Dr. Sreeram Valluri
Ent Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, MS ENT, HEAD & NECK SURGERY
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(150+ Patients)
Consult ENT specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Sourav Banerjee
Ent Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. M Venkata Apparao
Ent Specialist
25 Years • MBBS MS
Visakhapatnam
Apparao ENT CLINIC, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Krishan Rajbhar
Ent Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma
Kolkata
Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Suresh Tarikere Laxman
Ent Specialist
26 Years • M.B.B.S , M.S, DIPLOMA IN THYROID & DIABETES
Bengaluru
Surya Ent Clinic, Bengaluru
Dr. Sreeram Valluri
Ent Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, MS ENT, HEAD & NECK SURGERY
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(150+ Patients)
