The causes of acute sore throat include:
- viral infections adenoviruses, coxsachie, rhinoviruses and parainfluenzae viruses are isolated in 10 -20% of cases (1).
- bacterial infections (1)
- 17% had a group A beta-haemolytic streptoccocus (GABHS)
- 4% had group B,C, and D streptococci
- 1% had other bacteria such as H.Influenzae or staph. aureus - these percentages should be interpreted with some caution as some of the organisms may be commensals
- asymptomatic carriage of GABHS is also common, occuring in 6-40% of people (2)
- tuberculosis
- candidiasis
- chemical irritation
NB. immunocompromised patients are more likely to have infections which may present as a sore throat.
Causes of chronic sore throat include:
- irritation
- smoking is the most common cause.
- poor inhaler technique
- dust
- chemicals
- allergy
- candidiasis
Ref:
- General Practitioner (25/11/1988). A study of sore throat in a group of Oxford Region Practices.
- MeReC Bulletin 2006;17(3):12-14.
- Ross P W (1971). Beta-haemolytic streptococci in the throat: carrier rates in schoolchildren. Health Bull; 29: 108-12.