Having an itchy or dry throat is one of the worst feelings when it comes to sore throats. It becomes very uncomfortable and painful when left alone for a longer duration of time. Doctor visits are common for this as the pain becomes unbearable and can leave the patient confused about why the throat is aching so badly.
Throat infections are the result of various causes, these are:
1. Allergic reactions
Allergic triggers can hinder the throat and affect the immune system of the patient for the worst leading to a chemical reaction in the throat leading to congestion in the throat. Allergens like pollen, grass etc can lead to allergic reaction in the throat.
People usually find out what they are allergic to overtime in their life and avoid such situations where they will become prone to infection. If you are also facing an allergic reaction to some kind of pet or flower it is best to avoid them altogether.
2. Environmental irritants
We live in a polluted world and there are lot of unwanted particles roaming around in the air. When we inhale, these irritants settle down inside our body.
Smoke, dust and chemicals in the air are easily inhalable which gets inside our body and messes up our entire immune system. The throat is a part of the respiratory system that falls prey to this and becomes weak leading to dryness and infection.
Cigarette smokers are prone to throat infections, but those people around, who inhale the smoke from cigarettes are more at risk as they are passive smokers inhaling the smoke directly into their bodies.
People from city areas visit the ENT more because of the constant inhalation of pollutants, especially by 2-wheeler commuters. Compulsory usage of masks following the Corona virus pandemic made a significant impact in reducing the inhalation of pollutants.
People working with hard chemicals and cleaning workers inhale a significant amount of deadly chemicals into their bodies which makes them prone to throat infections.
3. Bacterial infections
Throat infections can also be caused due to bacterial agents. The disease usually comes from a bacteria called Streptococcus.
This can easily spread from one person to another. The transmission is mainly due to people coming in contact with secretions of someone with infection (droplet infection). As the bacteria is very contagious the only thing you can do is to avoid people with infection and by washing your hands regularly.
4. Sinus infection
Sinus infection also can cause throat infection. Viruses, fungus and bacterias infect the hollow cavities in the skull leading to sinus infections. The collected mucus can run down to the back of the throat leading to severe throat pain.
5. Viral infection
40-60% of throat infections are caused by viruses. Complaints of throat infection have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic started and it is an effect of the Coronavirus.
Many other viruses also can cause throat infections such as Rhinovirus and Adenovirus, which are responsible for the flu or common cold, and others like parainfluenza virus, herpes simplex virus etc. The viral infections’ side effects are hard to treat and last for a longer duration of time to recover because of their strong effect on the immune system.
6. Acid reflux
Another common condition which can cause recurrent throat infection is Acid reflux disease. Belching, foreign body sensation in throat, frequent changes in voice, tendency to frequently clear the throat can also accompany this condition. Lifestyle changes play a significant role in the management of throat infections which occur as a result of acid reflux, along with medications.
Poor dental hygiene and psychological stress are the other common causes for throat infection.
Throat infections can be really irritating and annoying to the people and it becomes vital to take care of themselves to prevent infection in the throat. A few ways to prevent throat infection are:
- Wash hands regularly, not just the hands but your fingernails and behind the wrist as well.
- Maintain balanced body weight.
- Avoid sharing food and water with someone who is sick.
- If you have a throat infection cover your mouth while you cough or sneeze
- When around a person with a throat infection, maintain proper distance while communicating.
- Wear masks while commuting through traffic.
- If you commute by car then raise the windows.
- Carry a sanitiser wherever you go and use it when required.
- Quit smoking and alcohol intake.
- Lifestyle changes in case of acid reflux disease.
Treatments for throat infection
- Have soft food which is easily passable through the throat.
- Gargle with salty lukewarm water.
- Maintain adequate hydration.
- Resting the body and throat until it does not hurt to speak.
Medicines are suggested by doctors and should only be consumed after consulting with a medical professional. Your ENT is likely to run tests on you if you are facing severe throat pain. But in normal cases, medicines are prescribed as the infections can be tackled with a proper medical journey, rest and plenty of healthy foods & liquids.
