Throat infections are a common problem worldwide, causing discomfort and pain in the throat. They can also result in missed work, reduced pay, and increased medical expenses.

This comprehensive throat health blog will cover the different types of throat infections and their causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help alleviate the pain.

• It’s important to distinguish between viral and bacterial throat infections to receive appropriate treatment.
• Consider natural remedies like saltwater gargles, sucking on ice chips, using throat cleaners, and drinking warm liquids, or try over-the-counter treatments to alleviate symptoms.
• If your sore throat persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms or complications resulting from untreated bacterial infections, seek medical attention.

Throat Infections: The Basics

The throat (pharynx) serves many purposes. It transports food to the esophagus and air to the windpipe (trachea). It houses the voice box (larynx) that enables you to talk and the tonsils that fight off germs before they can reach other areas of the body.

A throat infection, also known as pharyngitis, may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection resulting in inflammation of the throat tissues. This inflammation leads to redness, pain, and swelling of the throat and accompanying structures, such as the tonsils.

Symptoms of a Throat Infection

Sore throat symptoms are typically present in a throat infection. Other symptoms of a throat infection usually include a burning sensation and pain in the throat, which can be mild or severe. Other throat structures, such as the tonsils, may also be affected.

There are often additional symptoms that vary depending on the cause. These symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Swollen, reddened tonsils
• Headache
• Cough
• Earache
• Hoarse voice or laryngitis
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Fever and chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Pus or white streaks in the throat or covering the tonsils

Types of Viral or Bacterial Throat Infections

While most throat infections are viral, some are caused by bacteria. Strep throat and scarlet fever are exclusively bacterial, while others can be caused by either. Here are some of the most common types of throat infections.

Cold

The common cold is a mild infection that affects your upper respiratory tract, including your nose and throat. It is considered one of the most common viral infections, as adults and children typically experience several colds yearly. Children are more prone to catching a cold than adults.

In total, over 200 different viruses can cause the common cold, but the most common type is rhinoviruses. These viruses are highly contagious and easily transmitted from person to person through close personal contact or by air. You can also contract the virus by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Symptoms of a cold typically include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Minor headache
• Slight fever

Influenza (flu)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the flu as “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.” (1)

The flu is a common upper respiratory infection that spreads through direct or indirect contact with airborne droplets released when someone sneezes or coughs. So, like the common cold, you can catch the flu through close personal contact with an infected person or through the air. You can also get it by touching a surface, such as a phone or dish, that an infected person has used.

It’s important to note that influenza affecting the upper respiratory tract is not the same as the stomach flu viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Initially, the flu symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. However, colds typically have a gradual onset, while the flu comes on suddenly. Additionally, the flu tends to cause more severe symptoms than colds, resulting in greater discomfort.

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough that is persistent
• Sore throat
• Congested or runny nose
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches and weakness

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a condition where the tonsils, a pair of tissue masses located at the back of the throat, become infected.

The tonsils are crucial in filtering germs that could enter the airways and cause an infection. They also produce antibodies to combat infections. However, when bacteria or viruses become too much for the tonsils to handle, they can become swollen and inflamed. This condition is more common in children than adults.

Tonsillitis can be caused by a viral infection or by bacteria.

Symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Inflamed, swollen tonsils
• Yellow or white sections of the tonsils
• Sore throat (Sore throats are one of the most common symptom)
• Headache
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes) on the neck
• A hoarse, scratchy voice
• Pain while swallowing
• Bad breath
• Difficulty swallowing

Mononucleosis (Mono)

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as “mono,” is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or other viruses. This disease is particularly prevalent among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.

To avoid contracting mono, be careful when sharing personal items like toothbrushes or beverages, as it can be transmitted through saliva. Additionally, kissing someone infected with mono can also result in contracting the illness, which is why mono is known as the “kissing disease.”

Symptoms of mononucleosis include:

• Headache
• Body aches
• Severe fatigue
• Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and armpits

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. It is caused by group A streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.

This bacteria lives in the nose and throat and can quickly spread from an individual already carrying strep A bacteria or who is already infected with it.

While anyone can contract strep throat, it is commonly found in children and teenagers aged 5 to 15.

This condition can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation, rheumatic fever, and heart valve damage if left untreated. Symptoms of rheumatic fever include painful and inflamed joints, as well as a specific type of rash.

Symptoms include:

• Severe throat pain. (The sore throat usually starts suddenly.)
• Painful swallowing
• High fever
• Inflamed, swollen tonsils
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes in the front of the neck
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
• White streaks of pus on the tonsils

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria – the bacteria that causes strep throat. The bacteria release a toxin that leads to a bright red rash spreading across the body, hence the name “scarlet” fever.

Only a tiny percentage of people who have strep throat develop scarlet fever.

Though rare, untreated scarlet fever can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, sinus infection, pockets of pus (abscesses) near your tonsils or brain, rheumatic fever, arthritis, and kidney damage.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include:

• A red, bumpy rash all over your body
• Sore throat pain
• White coating on the tongue
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen glands
• Stomach pain
• Body aches
• Decreased appetite

Treatments for Throat Infections

Prevention is critical when treating throat infections, but sometimes, they can still occur despite our best efforts.

If your sore throat is caused by a virus, the throat infection may go away on its own or can be treated effectively with timely intervention.

If your doctor suspects you have a throat infection, they will likely perform a throat culture by swabbing your throat for mucus or a fluid sample to be analyzed in a laboratory. This will help your doctor identify the cause of your infection.

Antibiotics for Bacterial Throat Infections

If you have strep throat or another bacterial throat infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

It is essential to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you start feeling well. If you don’t do so, your infection may take longer to heal. It may also recur and resist that medication, so your doctor may have to prescribe a stronger antibiotic.

Examples of popular antibiotics include penicillin and amoxicillin.

Pain Relievers for Head Pain, Body Aches, and Fever

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as sprays, lozenges, or liquid gargles, can alleviate pain and fever and soothe inflammation.

Popular pain relievers include:

• Ibuprophen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Examples include Motrin and Advil
• Acetaminophen. Examples include Excedrin and Tylenol
• Medicated lozenges to soothe throat pain
• Antiseptic gargle solutions for sore throat.

Surgery

Tonsillitis is a type of throat infection that can spread to the tonsils.

If antibiotics do not work, one possible treatment option is surgically removing the tonsils, also known as a tonsillectomy.

Your doctor may suggest this procedure if you have abscesses on your tonsils that cannot be drained or if you experience a persistent bad taste or foul odor in your mouth despite taking antibiotics.

Natural Ways to Treat or Avoid Throat Infections

To Treat:

• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to relieve throat pain
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat or drink chicken soup or warm liquids
• Drink warm liquids like tea.
• Suck medicated throat lozenges
• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration
• Eat ice cream or popsicles, or suck on ice chips to cool the heat in your throat
• Use a cool mist vaporizer at night while sleeping

To Avoid Giving or Contracting:

• Avoid sharing eating utensils, water glasses, toothbrushes, etc.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or wash your hands frequently throughout the day
• Use a sanitation agent to sanitize shared surfaces, such as phones, filing drawers, etc.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a healthcare provider if you:

• run a high fever for more than a couple of days
• experience trouble breathing
• develop a red skin rash
• symptoms are not getting better after 7-10 days
• see what streaks on your tonsils or the back of your throat

Summary

If you get a sore throat, it may be due to a viral or bacterial infection. The common causes of viral and bacterial infections include the cold, flu, strep throat, and mononucleosis.

Typical symptoms of throat infections include inflamed, swollen throat, trouble talking, and painful swallowing. Most sore throats and other signs of a throat infection resolve on their own. However, if it’s a sore throat caused by strep throat or mononucleosis, it may not clear without medical treatment.

It is recommended to seek medical attention if you have a throat infection. Although some conditions may resolve on their own, untreated infections can result in complications such as tonsillitis.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics or specific pain relievers. You can also try home-care remedies such as using lozenges, sucking on ice chips, and using a humidifier.

1- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm