It is the inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of the pharynx.
Causes are due to the following:
Infection:
- Cold and flu infection
- Viral (majority i.e. Adenoviruses, herpes simplex virus, Coxsackie virus)
- Glandular fever (viral infection)
- Bacterial (throat infection i.e. Streptoccous, Staphycocci , C. Dipetheriae, S. Pyogenes)
- Epiglottis (bacterial) – affects mainly young babies and children.
- Tonsillitis (inflammation of tonsils)
- Fungal (caused normally by a weak immune system or using steroid inhalers and/or weak immune system medication)
It can be very contagious and can spread by air droplets, hand contact, kissing and touching infected areas.
Non –infection:
- Allergy (allergic reaction)
- Various irritants (e.g. air pollution, chemicals)
- Exposed to air conditioned rooms
- Hay fever
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Dehydration (dry mouth)
- Laryngitis – inflammation of one’s voice box that can lead the person to have a sore and croaky voice due to overuse of their voice box (the vocal cords vibrate at a faster rate than normal causing swelling).
- Smoking
- Vocal cord disorders
- Direct injury to throat
- Side effects from drugs (e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants and diuretics)
