What causes a sore throat?

Mar 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, a sore throat may be caused by factors such as excessive use of the voice, irritation from foreign substances, the common cold, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cause in order to achieve effective results. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. Prolonged speaking or loud shouting can lead to overuse of the vocal cords and throat area, resulting in congestion, swelling, and pain.

In general, a sore throat may be caused by excessive voice use, foreign body irritation, common cold, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or other reasons. The treatment method should be selected according to the specific cause to achieve therapeutic effectiveness. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Excessive voice use: Prolonged talking or loud shouting can lead to overuse of the vocal cords and throat area, causing congestion, swelling, and pain. No special treatment is required; appropriately reduce talking time, drink more water to lubricate the throat, and avoid overusing the voice.

2. Foreign body irritation: Foreign objects such as fish bones or other debris lodged in the throat can irritate and damage the throat mucosa, causing pain. Immediate medical attention is required, where a doctor will use tools such as a laryngoscope to remove the foreign object. Never attempt to swallow food or drink water in an effort to push the object down, as this may worsen the injury.

3. Common cold: A cold is a respiratory tract infection caused by a viral infection. Viruses can irritate the throat mucosa, causing congestion, swelling, and pain, and may be accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose. Antiviral medications such as oral antiviral liquid, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used following medical advice.

4. Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphatic tissues caused by viral or bacterial infections. Inflammation leads to congestion, swelling, and pain in the pharyngeal mucosa and may be accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat. Anti-inflammatory medications such as erythromycin tablets, penicillin V potassium tablets, or amoxicillin tablets may be used under medical guidance.

5. Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infections. Inflammation leads to congestion, swelling, and pain in the tonsils and may be accompanied by symptoms of tonsil enlargement. Medications such as compound honeysuckle granules, roxithromycin tablets, or clindamycin hydrochloride tablets may be used following medical advice to achieve anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-infective effects.

Maintaining good living and dietary habits and enhancing immunity in daily life can help prevent the occurrence of sore throats.

References:

[1] Huang Xuanzhao, Wang Jibao, Kong Weijia. Practical Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery[M]. 3rd ed. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2015: 260-265.

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