Throat Issues

Sore throats are symptoms of ailments ranging from colds to mononucleosis.

The throat carries air to your windpipe and larynx and food to your esophagus. In medical terms, the throat is the pharynx. Throat issues can crop up for a variety or reasons.

Causes

Allergies can cause problems in your throat, including soreness. Often sore throats are the result of a viral infection, but can also be the outcome of strep, which is a group A or group B streptococcal infection. When strep is present, there are white spots on the tonsils and the throat is sore and red, according to Family Doctor.org.

Tonsilitis

Tonsillitis, a condition when your tonsils become infected, makes your throat hurt.

Inflammation of Pharynx

Inflammation of the pharynx is referred to as pharyngitis and this will cause throat issues. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, pharyngitis occurs in the back of the throat. Swallowing is painful and the throat becomes scratchy.

Mononucleosis

A throat can become sore due to mononucleosis, which causes lymph nodes and the tonsils to swell, according to Family Doctor.

Considerations: Cancer

A lump or sore on the throat that does not heal can be cancerous. Cancer often starts in the wet tissues in the throat, nose and mouth, according to the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms include a hoarse voice or change in the voice, difficulty swallowing and a sore throat that will not go away.

References

• National Library of Medicine: Throat Disorders
• University of Maryland Medical School: Pharyngitis
• FamilyDoctor.org: Throat Problems