10 Scratchy Throat Causes
Article Sources
- 1. 'Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 4 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719.
- 2. 'Common Cold - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 20 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605.
- 3. 'Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 5 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090.
- 4. 'Is Your Sore Throat Strep?' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Apr. 2019, www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html.
- 5. Familydoctor.org editorial staff. 'Mononucleosis (Mono).' Familydoctor.org, 17 Apr. 2020, familydoctor.org/condition/mononucleosis/.
- 6. 'Allergies: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergy-overview.
- 7. Peters, Marie. 'Cancers: Johns Hopkins Head & Neck Cancer Center.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, 18 July 2017, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel/cancer/center/cancers/
- 8. 'Throat Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 11 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/throat-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20366462.
- 9. 'Tonsillitis.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tonsillitis.
- 10. 'Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html.
- 11. 'Health Effects of Ozone Pollution.' US EPA, 10 Sept. 2020, www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/health-effects-ozone-pollution.
- 12. 'GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux).' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview.
- 13. 'Dehydration - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 19 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086.
Also known as pharyngitis, a scratchy or sore throat is an uncomfortable symptom that can have many different possible causes. Most individuals can find relief from a scratchy throat using various over-the-counter medications. Other potentially soothing home remedies include drinking warm tea, taking lozenges or using a humidifier.
If a sore throat continues to persist for some time, it’s recommended to seek the support of a medical professional. Although a scratchy throat is usually nothing to be worried about, it could be a sign of a more serious health problem.
1. Flu (Influenza) or the Common Cold
A scratchy throat is a common symptom of the flu. Many cases of the flu self-resolve with bed rest. Individuals should seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.1‘Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 4 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719. Those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to develop additional complications that may worsen scratchy throat symptoms.
The common cold can cause a scratchy throat as well. While there’s currently no known cure for the cold, most symptoms resolve themselves within 10 days.2‘Common Cold - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 20 Apr. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605. Practicing regular hygiene, exercising and getting plenty of sleep are the best prevention methods.
2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea may experience soreness in their throats shortly after waking up in the morning.3‘Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 5 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090. Those with obstructive sleep apnea are often unable to get a fulfilling night’s rest, contributing to irritability and fatigue.
The issue is usually corrected using a mouthpiece designed to keep the airways open during sleep. Surgery may also be recommended to correct the problem. Problems with sleep apnea are not usually life-threatening but should be addressed if symptoms worsen.
3. Strep Throat
Another common cause of a scratchy throat is strep throat, an infection caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Throat pain caused by strep tends to arise suddenly and often makes swallowing painful or difficult. Aside from throat discomfort, strep can also make a person’s voice sound hoarse and scratchy.
Strep throat can be effectively treated with antibiotics, although the best prevention method is consistent handwashing.4‘Is Your Sore Throat Strep?’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Apr. 2019, www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html. In some cases, strep throat can be transmitted through poorly prepared foods.
4. Mononucleosis
Usually referred to as mono or “the kissing disease”, mononucleosis is an illness that’s spread through saliva containing the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono causes considerable discomfort in the throat, and younger individuals tend to experience more severe symptoms.
Although no cure is currently available for mononucleosis, many find relief with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep may help to speed up the recovery process.5Familydoctor.org editorial staff. ‘Mononucleosis (Mono).’ Familydoctor.org, 17 Apr. 2020, familydoctor.org/condition/mononucleosis/.
5. Allergies
Various allergies can also cause a scratchy throat. For some people, exposure to certain foods can spark an allergic reaction that results in throat inflammation. Approximately 16 percent of Americans have some form of allergy.6‘Allergies: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergy-overview.
Many people experience relief with the help of antihistamines or decongestants. Pollen is another common allergen that can contribute to throat pain. If avoiding an allergen is challenging or impractical, immunotherapy can help alleviate many problems.
6. Cancer
Several forms of cancer are known to irritate the throat.7Peters, Marie. ‘Cancers: Johns Hopkins Head & Neck Cancer Center.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, 18 July 2017, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel/cancer/center/cancers/ Those who drink, smoke or are exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals are at higher risk of developing various throat cancers. Throat cancer can start in the voicebox, vocal cords or epiglottis.
Individuals should seek medical help if they experience a sudden change in symptoms or if the sore throat continues to worsen.8‘Throat Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/throat-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20366462. Practicing a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich foods, vegetables and fruits may help prevent many cancers.
7. Tonsillitis
The inflammation of the tonsils is referred to as tonsillitis. Several different pathogens may be responsible for tonsillitis, including the measles virus or the bacteria that causes strep throat.9‘Tonsillitis.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is known to cause considerable throat discomfort that can make breathing or swallowing more difficult.
Other symptoms associated with tonsillitis include head pain, fever and difficulty swallowing. Tonsillitis is often effectively treated with antibiotics or antivirals. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils if problems persist.
8. Pollution
Environmental pollutants can easily cause scratchy throat symptoms. Inhalation of smoke. for example, elicits an inflammatory reaction that can negatively impact breathing and increase a person’s vulnerability to other respiratory illnesses.10‘Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html.
Ozone is another pollutant that can irritate the throat and lungs.11‘Health Effects of Ozone Pollution.’ US EPA, 10 Sept. 2020, www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/health-effects-ozone-pollution. An air purifier may help remove pollutants from an indoor environment, and some individuals may find that wearing a face mask helps filter harmful substances in the air.
9. Digestive Problems
Stomach issues can cause acid reflux, leading to an irritated, scratchy throat. If the issue occurs regularly, professionals refer to it as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Acid reflux occurs when a piece of tissue in the back of the esophagus fails to remain fully shut after eating. This allows stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat.12‘GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux).’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview. GERD is typically treated with antacids, although surgery is also an option.
10. Dehydration
Although dehydration may be caused by neglecting to drink water, it can also occur due to fluid loss caused by vomiting, perspiration or unusually frequent urination.13‘Dehydration - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 19 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086. Those who are dehydrated may develop a dry mouth and throat along with a cough.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink water every day and avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Older individuals are at greater risk of becoming dehydrated and should take increased precautions.
