What causes a sore throat?

Dec 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

The throat refers to the pharynx. Sore throat may be caused by excessive use of the voice, poor sleep, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, gastroesophageal reflux pharyngopathy, or other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, you should maintain fresh and humid indoor air, use your voice appropriately, follow a light diet, and maintain good sleep habits.

Generally, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Sore throat may be caused by excessive voice use, poor sleep, laryngitis, epiglottitis, gastroesophageal reflux laryngopharyngopathy, and other conditions. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Voice Use

Extended periods of loud speaking, singing, shouting, or persistent coughing may cause fatigue of the throat muscles, damage to the vocal cords, and inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa due to excessive friction, resulting in pain. It is important to schedule voice usage appropriately, take breaks at regular intervals, and drink water as needed to keep the throat moist.

2. Poor Sleep

Severe snoring or mouth breathing during sleep can dry out the pharyngeal mucosa and cause airflow-induced irritation, making it prone to throat pain. For individuals who snore heavily, the condition may be improved by adjusting sleeping positions, losing weight, or using oral appliances.

3. Laryngitis

Laryngitis is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections or inhalation of harmful gases. Inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa causes congestion and edema. Inflammatory irritation of the nerves in the larynx may lead to throat pain, particularly noticeable during speaking, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as hoarseness and coughing. Treatment may include medications such as ribavirin granules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and Huangshi Xiangsheng Pills, under a physician's guidance.

4. Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is mostly caused by infection, allergic reactions, trauma, or other factors leading to inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues. Swelling of the epiglottis can compress surrounding tissues, obstruct the airway, cause severe throat pain, and difficulty swallowing, with pain often radiating to the ear. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing. Treatment may include medications such as Ceftriaxone Sodium for injection, Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, and Budesonide Suspension for Inhalation, used according to medical advice.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Laryngopharyngopathy

Gastroesophageal reflux laryngopharyngopathy occurs due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, excessive gastric acid secretion, and the reflux of gastric contents into the throat. This may irritate the throat mucosa, causing mucosal congestion and edema, resulting in throat pain. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Treatment may include medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules, Domperidone Tablets, and Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets, used according to a physician's instructions.

In daily life, it is important to maintain fresh and humid indoor air, use the voice appropriately, follow a light diet, maintain good sleep habits, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in physical exercise to enhance immunity.

View All

Can roxithromycin capsules treat a sore throat?

In general, whether roxithromycin capsules can treat a sore throat depends on the specific circumstances. If the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, roxithromycin capsules may be needed. However, if it is caused by a viral infection or other non-bacterial factors, the use of roxithromycin is unnecessary and unlikely to have significant effect. To relieve discomfort from a sore throat, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water daily.

View Full Answer

Can I take azithromycin for a sore throat and cough?

Common formulations of azithromycin include tablets, capsules, etc. Generally, whether azithromycin can be taken for sore throat and cough depends on the specific underlying cause. It can be used when the condition is caused by bacterial infection, but should not be used if caused by viral infection or non-infectious factors. The cause should be clearly identified before taking azithromycin to avoid inappropriate use. Dosage and duration of treatment must be strictly followed according to medical advice or the drug instructions.

View Full Answer

Is it effective to take azithromycin tablets for a sore throat?

Sore throat caused by infection with sensitive bacteria is often accompanied by symptoms such as redness and swelling of the pharynx, pus formation, and fever. Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacterial replication, thereby reducing inflammation and relieving pain. It is particularly suitable for patients allergic to penicillin or those who cannot conveniently use other antibiotics, serving as an alternative treatment option. Moreover, it is typically taken once daily with a relatively short course of treatment.

View Full Answer

Can Lianhua Qingre Jiedu capsules be taken together with ibuprofen?

This combination is suitable for conditions caused by heat-toxin attacking the lungs, such as influenza presenting with fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and cough. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules can clear away epidemic toxins, resolve exterior symptoms, and relieve lung heat, thereby addressing the underlying cause and alleviating heat-toxin-related symptoms. Ibuprofen rapidly reduces fever and relieves pain. The two medications complement each other; when taken as directed by a physician, they can simultaneously address the root cause and relieve discomfort.