Sore Throat
Overview
Sore throat is an inflammation or infection of the mucus membranes lining the pharynx. It may distress the palatine tonsils as well.
A sore throat can be painful and irritating. Fortunately, most sore throats are caused by a minor viral or bacterial infection and often go away without medical treatment. However, if it lasts longer than a week, then it is often due to injury or irritants, and thus requires a different management style.
Causes
There are several causes of a sore throat.
Viral Infection
Most cases of sore throats are triggered by a viral infection caused by a virus pathogens. Viral infections include:
1. Common cold
2. Flu (Influenza)
3. Laryngitis
4. Mononucleosis
5. Croup: an infection of the larynx
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Throat Swab Test
This involves running a sterile swab over the back of your throat to retrieve a sample of secretions. This sample will then be checked for streptococcal bacteria, the cause of strep throat.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Your doctor may order a CBC to obtain a count of the different types of blood cells from a sample of your blood. The profile of what is elevated, what is normal, or what is below normal can indicate whether an infection is more likely caused by a bacterial or viral agent.
Allergy Tests
If your doctor suspects your sore throat is related to an allergy, you may undergo additional tests to determine if you are allergic to any substance. These may include skin prick tests and blood tests.
Treatment Options
I. Self Cure
A mild sore throat with cold, cough, or flu can be cured by following