Sore throat is usually the first indication that you are getting sick. Most sore throat problems are caused by viruses; the same germs that cause colds and flu. A much smaller number are due to bacterial infections.
Because the germs that cause sore throats are contagious, they spread easily wherever large numbers of people congregate, such as: schools, day cares, offices, restaurants, and work places. Viruses and bacteria both enter your body through your mouth, nose or eyes - either because you breathe in particles that are released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes, you have hand-to-hand contact with an infected person, or you used shared objects such as utensils, towels, toys, doorknobs, telephone etc.
Not all sore throats result from viral or bacterial infections. Other common causes of sore throat include: allergies, dryness, pollution and smoking, exposure to chemical irritants, air conditioning, and GERD.
Allergies - Seasonal or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander.
Pollution - Outdoor and indoor air pollution can cause ongoing throat irritation. Tobacco smoke usually cause ongoing throat irritation. Inhaling secondhand smoke is often just as damaging as smoking itself. Alcohol and spicy foods can also inflame your throat. Exposure to chemical irritants in the air, even exposure to common household cleaning products can cause throat irritations.
Infections - Sinus infections or drainage from nose can cause throat infections as well.
Lowered immunity - People are more susceptible to infections if their immune resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, poor diet, and in some cases fatigue.
Dryness - Dry indoor air, especially in winter when rooms are overheated and not ventilated properly. Breath through your mouth can cause a dry sore throat.
Air Conditioning - Beware of air conditioning systems that are not properly cleaned as they carry bacteria that can cause many diseases. Also in and out from cold to hot area can cause sore throat.
Prevent Risk Factors - Avoid poor hygiene. Washing your hands carefully and often is the best way to prevent many viral and bacterial infections.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - This occurs when stomach acid backs up into your food pipe (esophagus). Normally, a circular band of muscle (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) ) acts as a one-way valve, allowing food and fluid to pass into the stomach while blocking acid from coming up into the esophagus. But if the sphinter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can back up, irritrating your troat as well as your esophagus. Throat irritration caused by GERD doesn't occur with other symptoms of viral illness, and it tends to be persistent, rather than lasting just a few days.
