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What causes a sore throat?

Sep 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, sore throat is mainly caused by climatic factors, excessive use of voice, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and similar reasons. It is advisable to get adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and consume nutritious, easily digestible foods. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is also important, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep.

Generally, sore throat is mainly caused by factors such as dry climate, excessive voice use, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry Climate

Dry air causes the throat's mucous membranes to lose moisture, making them dry and fragile, thus more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, leading to sore throat. It is advisable to use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity and drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Overuse of the voice causes excessive tension in the throat muscles, damaging the mucous membranes and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. It is important to rest the voice, speak softly, and reduce the amount of talking.

3. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is an acute inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infection, commonly seen at the beginning of a cold. Viral infections or bacterial invasion trigger an inflammatory response in the pharyngeal mucosa, manifesting as redness, swelling, and pain in the throat. Symptoms may also include fever, cough, and runny nose. Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, penicillin V potassium tablets, and Lanyin oral liquid can be used for treatment.

4. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused by various factors, including pathogen infection and decreased immunity. As part of the immune system, the tonsils produce an inflammatory response when exposed to pathogens, resulting in redness, swelling, and pus formation in the tonsils, causing throat pain. This may also be accompanied by high fever and difficulty swallowing. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, and acetaminophen tablets for treatment.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition caused by impaired gastrointestinal motility leading to reduced anti-reflux defense mechanisms in the esophagus, allowing refluxed material to flow back into the esophagus and other areas. Stomach acid flowing backward irritates the mucous membranes of the throat, causing inflammation and pain. Symptoms such as acid regurgitation and belching may also occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, trazodone hydrochloride tablets, and flupentixol-melitracen tablets for treatment.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep. Rest well, drink plenty of fluids, and consume nutritious, easily digestible foods regularly.

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