Sore throats and swollen glands can be caused by airborne viruses, bacterial infections, allergies, tonsillitis, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Treatment depends on the cause, and a sore throat lasting more than two weeks or accompanied by enlarged glands should be checked by a doctor.
A number of different things can cause a sore throat and swollen glands, but the main causes usually tend to be airborne viruses, bacterial infections, and allergies. Sometimes tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils, is also to blame, and a number of environmental and lifestyle choices can also contribute. People who smoke or spend a lot of time in smoky places, for example, are often more susceptible to pain and bloating, and these symptoms also tend to be more common when air quality is poor, either due to pollution or allergens like other plant debris. The condition is usually not serious and most of the swelling goes away on its own, although there are a number of treatments and medications that can shorten a person’s days of suffering. Much depends on the exact cause and specifics of the infection in question.
Virus nell’aria
Airborne viruses are the most common cause of sore throats and swollen glands. While there are many viruses that can lead to this condition, the most commonly contracted are the coronavirus and rhinovirus. These two are the main causes of the common cold and the influenza B virus, commonly known as the flu.
Infections often depend a lot on the weather and other environmental conditions. People typically tend to get the coronavirus during the winter, for example, while rhinovirus is usually more contagious in the fall and spring months. The influenza B virus can usually be caught at any time of the year. Long-term fatigue can make the body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses, as can poor hand-washing habits and exposure to other infected individuals. Things like humidity in the air can also make a difference when it comes to how long the virus will live on things like doorknobs, as well as how quickly and easily it will spread from person to person through inhalation.
Bacterial infections
The most common bacterial cause of a sore throat accompanied by swollen glands is the Streptococcus bacteria, resulting in a condition known as strep throat. This bacteria is mainly spread from person to person during the winter months when people spend more time together indoors where germs are more easily shared. The symptoms of a sore throat are much more painful than those of a cold or the flu. Unlike its viral counterparts, however, strep throat can be treated successfully with antibiotics in most cases.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is another major culprit for sore throats and swollen glands. The tonsils, which are located in the back of the throat, are part of the immune system and help catch infectious germs and pathogens that enter the airways. They don’t normally fall victim to disease, but they can; when their tissues become inflamed, the condition is usually known as ‘tonsillitis’ and can be quite painful.
In most cases, tonsillitis is caused by the coronavirus and rhinovirus, the same viruses responsible for the common cold, but this condition comes with the most severe symptoms associated with a sore throat. Its causes and symptoms can be summarized as a collection of the common cold and strep throat. In some cases, tonsillitis is transmitted via bacteria, similar to strep throat. Inflammation often resolves on its own, but in extreme cases, particularly when people suffer from multiple recurring infections, healthcare professionals may recommend removing the tonsils completely.
Allergies
Respiratory allergic reactions such as itchy, watery eyes, and a runny, sneezing nose may also contribute. The so-called “hay fever”, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen and is the leading cause of long-term allergy-related sore throat. Excessive mucus produced by allergies and sinuses and the resulting post-nasal drip often result in a sore throat. There is usually no infection involved with post-nasal drip, but the excess mucus builds up in the throat and can cause irritation and swelling.
Lifestyle choices and environmental impacts
Other causes of sore throats and swollen glands include environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, airborne chemicals found in commercial cleaners, or excessively dry, hot air. Air pollution can also be a contributing factor. Also, constant strain on the vocal cords, such as yelling and clapping during a sporting event, can lead to pain.
When to ask for help
In general, a sore throat that lasts more than two weeks or a severe sore throat that lasts more than five days can be an indication of a more serious medical condition and should be addressed by a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by enlarged glands. Anyone concerned about swelling they notice in the throat and glands is usually encouraged to get checked out, if only to confirm that the condition is not serious. Healthcare professionals are also often able to provide more personalized recommendations about medications and other treatment plans when they see patients face-to-face.
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