The most common causes of sore throats are cold and flu infections
A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is caused by inflammation of the tissues at the back of the mouth or throat. Most commonly, this inflammation is due to infection by viruses and bacteria, associated with the common cold or flu.
Sore throats are commonly encountered conditions and it is said that the average person will get 2 or 3 of these a year. Sore throat symptoms can range from a mild itch or scratch at the back of the throat, to discomfort or pain when swallowing food, liquids or even saliva. Sore throats are a frequent part of cold and flu infections and, like the latter, are more commonly experienced by younger people. This is because as a person gets older, he or she has had the chance to build up a resistance to cold and flu viruses.
The most common causes of a sore throat, by far, are viral infections associated with colds or flu, or a secondary infection by bacteria. Other causes of sore throats include:
Sore throats relating to colds and flu may be treated in a number of ways:
If your sore throat is not related to the common cold or flu, or if it persists for longer than a week, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
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