Causes of throat infection

Causes of throat infection

Viruses - the cause in most cases. The common cold viruses (rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus), influenza, and others account for the large majority of sore throats. They spread through droplets, close contact and contaminated hands and surfaces, which is why sore throats travel through households, schools and offices. Infectious mononucleosis (EBV) causes a particularly nasty, prolonged sore throat in teenagers and young adults.

Bacteria - the cause that changes treatment. Group A Streptococcus causes about 20-30% of sore throats in children and 5-15% in adults. It matters because antibiotics prevent its complications - acute rheumatic fever (heart valve damage), kidney inflammation and peritonsillar abscess. Other bacteria are occasional causes; diphtheria, once deadly, is now rare where vaccination is complete.

Non-infectious causes that mimic infection:

• Irritants: tobacco smoke, pollution, very dry air, shouting or excessive voice use.
• Allergy: post-nasal drip from allergic rhinitis constantly irritates the throat.
• Acid reflux: stomach acid reaching the throat causes morning soreness, hoarseness and a lump sensation.
• Mouth breathing from a blocked nose, especially during sleep.

Risk factors for infection: being a child or around children, winter and monsoon seasons, crowded living or classrooms, smoking, and lowered immunity.

Remember: assume viral first; the bacterial (strep) possibility is what makes a severe or persistent sore throat worth a doctor's look.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Ayurveda attributes throat disorders to imbalanced doshas affecting the kantha - a traditional interpretation. The actual causes are the viruses, bacteria and irritants above.