Sore Throat
Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when swallowing.
About Natural Approaches
This page presents traditional approaches to sore throat from various healing systems including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and evidence-based herbalism.
Traditional systems view symptoms as imbalances rather than isolated problems. These approaches typically treat the whole person, not just the symptom.
When to Seek Care
- If symptoms are severe or worsening
- If symptoms persist for more than a few days
- If symptoms disrupt daily activities
- If you have other concerning symptoms
About Medical Causes
This page presents the most common causes of sore throat first, followed by less common causes. We've organized information based on statistical likelihood to give you a balanced perspective.
Remember: Only a healthcare professional can properly diagnose the cause of your symptoms. If you're concerned about your health, please consult with a doctor.
When to Seek Care
- If symptoms are severe or worsening
- If symptoms persist for more than a few days
- If symptoms disrupt daily activities
- If you have other concerning symptoms
Common Causes
These are the most frequent causes of sore throat in the general population:
Common cold
Viral infection causing inflammation of the throat, runny nose, and general discomfort.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Viral pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx caused by a virus, often with mild symptoms.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Allergies
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or other irritants can cause postnasal drip and sore throat.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Less Common Causes
These causes occur with moderate frequency in the general population:
Strep throat
Bacterial infection that can cause severe throat pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Source: www.cdc.gov
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Rare Causes
The following causes are statistically uncommon but included for completeness:
Throat cancer
Malignant growth in the throat that may cause persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Source: www.cancer.org
Related Symptoms
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