Sore Throat
Alternate Names : Pharyngitis
A sore throat is an inflammation or infection of the pharynx. The pharynx is the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx, or voice box.
What is going on in the body?
A sore throat usually comes on suddenly, and is called acute. Some people have an ongoing, or chronic, form of the condition.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
A sore throat can occur in viral infections such as the common cold,
influenza, and infectious
mononucleosis. Another cause may be bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus. This kind of sore throat is often
called strep throat.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as
gonorrhea can cause sore throat. A
chronic sore throat may be caused by constant irritation from smoking, breathing heavily polluted air,
consuming too much alcohol, or by
swallowing substances that scald or scratch the throat.
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