Usually chronic sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, but in most cases sore throat is caused by viral infection of cold and flu. When someone sneezes or coughs, viruses and bacteria spread into the air and enter in the body through the mouth or nose when inhaled. It can acquire from self-infection, if you touch your eyes or nose after contact with any sick person. It also spreads with the use of common objects like dishes, towels, toys, doorknobs or a telephone that any that an infected person might have handled.
VIRAL CAUSES OF CHRONIC SORE THROAT
Viruses that cause sore throat include:
- The viruses that cause colds
- The influenza virus
- The virus – infectious mononucleosis
- The measles virus
- Varicella zoster virus
- Parainfluenza (croup) virus
BACTERIAL CAUSES OF CHRONIC SORE THROAT
The bacterium that causes sore throat includes:
- Streptococcus
- Diphtheria bacillus
- Mycoplasma
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
OTHER CAUSES OF CHRONIC SORE THROAT
Bacteria and viruses that cause sore throat are contagious, especially in the early days of the disease. They can easily spread in overcrowded places like schools, kindergartens and offices.
However, the sore throat is not always associated with infection. Some other causes of sore throat include:
A. Allergy: Allergic reactions to pet dander, mold and pollen can cause sore throat. The characteristics can be manifested by redness, swelling of the face and a runny nose, and sore throat.
B. Dry Air: Dry air causes chronic sore throat, for example, when you wake up in the morning you might have sore throat. It may be due to dryness of the air, especially in winter, when rooms are heated strongly. Dryness and sore throat can also occur when breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion.
C. Pollution and Other Irritants: Outdoor air pollution can cause constant irritation of the upper respiratory tract and throat. But the main cause of chronic sore throat is indoor air pollution, especially tobacco smoke. Moreover, secondhand smoke (or passive smoke) is more dangerous than active smoking.
D. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux: It is a condition in which stomach contents (including gastric juice) falls into the esophagus. Normally in the stomach, a circular layer of muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) allows food and liquid in one direction only and thus prevents the penetration of the gastric juice in the opposite direction. But if the processes of relaxation and reduction of sphincter is violated due to any reason, gastric juice can penetrate into the overlying gastrointestinal tract, stimulating esophagus and throat at the same time. Throat irritation caused by gastroesophageal reflux, is not accompanied by other symptoms of viral infection, but can last for several days.
E. HIV Infection: Sometimes HIV-positive people develop a chronic sore throat. This is not due to HIV infection itself, but with a minor infection, such as cytomegalovirus or thrush infection. Any viral infection can be tremendously hazardous for people with immune system disorder.
F. Tumors: There is risk of developing tumors in throat, tongue or vocal apparatus for smokers and people who abuse with alcohol. In some people with tumors, these symptoms are mild or with almost no symptoms; in others there can be hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and incidence of chronic sore throat.