Health Corner

There are many causes of sore throat, ranging from the common cold to more serious conditions like influenza or inflammation. While many people tend to overlook a mild sore throat, persistent pain may be caused by inflammation or even malignant tumors — so it must not be ignored.

Why does a sore throat occur? Is it always a sign of a cold?

The “throat” generally refers to both the pharynx and larynx — the upper airway area extending from the nasal cavity to the esophagus and trachea. A sore throat can have many causes, and not all are related to infections. Sometimes, irritation alone can lead to pain:

• Foreign body: When objects (such as fish bones) get stuck in the throat, they can cause discomfort and soreness.

• Vocal strain: Overuse of the voice (such as shouting or singing loudly) can inflame the vocal cords, causing hoarseness and pain.

• Dietary irritation: Alcoholic drinks with high alcohol content or spicy foods can irritate the throat and trigger inflammation.

• Smoking and air pollution: Cigarette smoke irritates the airways, and so does secondhand smoke. Poor air quality or excessively dry air can also cause throat pain.

• Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux): When stomach acid flows back into the throat, it erodes the mucous lining, resulting in burning pain.

• Accidental ingestion of chemicals: Swallowing corrosive or alkaline substances can severely damage the throat’s mucous membranes and cause intense pain.

Sore throats caused by irritation usually do not come with other symptoms. However, many sore throats are due to infections. Pathogens can spread through lymphatic fluid or blood, or directly invade throat tissue, causing inflammation, swelling, and in severe cases, pus formation.

What foods or drinks can relieve throat discomfort?

At the early stage of a sore throat, the following may help ease discomfort:

• Cold or warm drinks: If swallowing is painful, drink cold or warm tea (with honey, if preferred). Letting ice melt in the mouth can also relieve pain. However, infants under one year old should not consume honey due to the risk of botulism.

• Throat lozenges: Lozenges containing menthol provide a cooling effect that soothes irritation. Children or teenagers can also suck on hard candies.

• Saltwater gargle: Mix half a teaspoon of salt into 240 ml of warm water and gargle to reduce inflammation.

Avoid irritants such as spicy or acidic foods and drinks. If these home remedies do not help, over-the-counter medicines like painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — for example, ibuprofen or naproxen — may provide relief. Always consult a pharmacist and follow the dosage instructions carefully.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if a sore throat is accompanied by any of the following:

• A foreign object (e.g. fish bone) stuck in the throat causing breathing difficulty.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• A high-pitched sound when inhaling (stridor), which may indicate airway narrowing.

• A child leaning forward while breathing — a possible sign of epiglottitis, a serious condition blocking the airway.

• Muffled or “potato-like” speech.

• Continuous drooling due to difficulty swallowing.

• Swelling of the tongue or neck.

• Inability to move the neck or open the mouth.

Also, if your sore throat persists and is accompanied by any of the following, visit a clinic for examination:

• High fever above 38°C or fever that does not subside.

• Headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

• Swollen neck lymph nodes.

• Earache.

• Rash on the body or “strawberry tongue.”

• Red, irritated eyes.

• Presence of pus in the throat.

How is a sore throat treated?

Doctors first ensure the airway is clear, then treat pain and accompanying symptoms. If the sore throat is diagnosed as viral or bacterial, appropriate medication will be prescribed.

Patients can support recovery by ensuring sufficient rest. Fatigue and weakened immunity can delay healing. Getting enough sleep and reducing stress are essential for strengthening the immune system and alleviating symptoms.

Could persistent sore throat indicate a serious condition?

• Pharyngitis: Acute pharyngitis is inflammation caused by infection. The throat becomes red, swollen, and painful, often accompanied by fever and headache. Repeated episodes can lead to chronic pharyngitis, causing ongoing discomfort or a foreign-body sensation in the throat, sometimes with coughing.

• Mumps (Parotitis): Inflammation of the parotid gland (beneath the ears) caused by viral infection spread through droplets. Symptoms include fever, facial swelling and pain, headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, poor appetite, and painful swallowing.

• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland may cause hormone imbalance — leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism — with symptoms like heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and hoarseness.

• Tonsillitis: When the tonsils (at the sides of the throat) are infected, they become red, swollen, and in severe cases, develop pus. Patients often experience high fever (up to 39–40°C), severe throat pain, and fatigue. If the infection spreads, it can cause swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck.

• Tonsil cancer: A malignant tumor of the tonsil, usually linked to smoking and drinking. Typical symptoms include persistent one-sided throat discomfort or a foreign-body sensation, sometimes with mild pain radiating to the ear. Diagnosis requires biopsy.