A sore throat is an infection in the area of the throat, including the tonsils and the soft palate. It is a very common ailment, especially in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age. A sore throat can be caused by several different things, depending on what type of sore throat you have.
The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold, although bacterial infections are also possible. Viral infections are usually milder than bacterial ones and go away within about two weeks. Bacterial infections tend to be more severe and may continue for longer, leading to complications like rheumatic fever or other problems with the heart or kidneys.
While these are common causes of sore throat, there are many other conditions. You can take care of yourself, but there are times you should see a doctor. Here is a list of causes and treatments for your sore throat.
Viral Infections
Viruses are the most common cause of sore throats, and you will likely experience at least one during your lifetime. Not only do viruses cause sore throats, but they also cause runny noses, body aches, headaches, and fevers.
Viruses are very small organisms that can be seen only with a microscope. They exist in the world around us all the time, but they don’t usually cause problems. There are hundreds of different types of viruses. Some affect animals, some affect plants, some can be dangerous to people and animals, and some aren’t harmful.
Most people with a viral infection will feel better within 2-3 days without antibiotic treatment. Many people believe that antibiotics cannot cure a virus-caused illness because they do not treat viruses directly. Antibiotics only kill bacteria, which are not the cause of these illnesses. However, severe sore throats may last for a couple of weeks, depending on the severity.
