Well, I do. My sore throat is often extreme, accompanied by cold, and develops into a cough. Last time I had a sore throat I was tested for strep throat with negative results. Tonsillitis runs in my family and my father was operated for tonsillitis in childhood. Most often sore throat are minor afflictions which go away on their own with home remedies like gargling salt water and so on. Viruses are the main cause for sore throats though bacterial infections and other factors like an allergy can also set off a sore throat.

Your sore throat may be due to:

• Cold
• Too much yelling or shouting (muscle strain).
• Back-flow of stomach acid into throat, (GERD).
• Allergy
• Smoking
• Air pollution or dry air
• Breathing through the mouth due to cold.

HIV infection and tumors can also cause severe pain in the throat.

Viral illnesses like Common cold, Influenza and Mononucleosis (mono) also manifest in the form of sore throat. However you can have a sore throat along with Measles, Croup and Chicken Pox.

Mono

We already know about Common cold and Influenza. Mono not only causes sore throat, in some people it also leads to fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits and groin). It is accompanied by fatigue and enlargement of spleen causing pain in the upper left part of the belly. The lymph nodes may remain swollen for a little while even after recovering from Mono.

Doctors recommend salt water or saline gargles, drinking lots of water (drinking a sip at regular and short intervals) and complete rest. There is no medicine for viral infections.

Strep throat, Tonsillitis and Diphtheria are a result of Bacterial infections.

Strep throat

Caused by streptococcal bacteria, Strep throat is contagious. Very commonly found among children and teens, Strep throat may also have a fever of 101 F or higher, swollen lymph nodes and white or yellow coated tonsils. It is important to remember that strep throat may occur also when your tonsils is removed. Since it is bacterial antibiotics work well for Strep throat. If left untreated it may lead to Rheumatic fever.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The tonsils or the adenoids can be inflamed causing pain and difficulty in swallowing. Tiredness, runny nose, fever, cough are all part of Tonsillitis. Swollen adenoids (Adenoiditis) cause headache and vomiting and at times lead to ear infections. Pain killers and gargling salt water generally helps to get rid of tonsillitis.

Corynebacterium diphtheria is behind Diphtheria, a serious respiratory illness. It may have a variety of symptoms like bloody drainage from the nose, fever, croup (cough), breathing problems, chills and so on. It needs immediate medical attention.

Home treatment and care for Sore Throat

· Drink lots of fluids. It will prevent dehydration and also helps to soothe your throat. Adults may take honey and lemon in hot water.

· Gargle warm salt water.

· To prevent spreading infection avoid work and school for a couple of days until you start with your medicines.

· Do not share the same utensils, towels and the like with your family.

· Quit smoking and passive smoking!

A fever of above 100 F, swollen lymph nodes, a rash and breathing problems along with sore throat will need prompt medical attention.

-Aparna K V

After treating my viral fever for one week I developed dry cough again with no reason. I was already tested for Strep throat and certain other conditions. And I did not know what to do as a long air journey was awaiting me in a few weeks. It then occurred to me that I could email my doctor and ask for a suggestion. The unperturbed doctor said that Post nasal drip may return in some cases after a viral fever and recommended some Over The Counter drugs.

Non allergic Rhinitis

Repeated runny or stuffy nose can be symptom of Rhinitis (Rhin meaning nose). When Rhinitis is triggered off by an allergic reaction it is called allergic Rhinitis. When the lining of your nose swells due to expanding blood vessel nose congestion occurs which results in runny nose. Post nasal drip is a characteristic of Rhinitis where one has a feeling of mucus dripping downward from the back of the nose. Sometimes Post nasal drip is the real reason behind a sore throat or a chronic cough. Rhinitis affects both children and adults alike. Rhinitis is a very common condition and around 50 million Americans are affected by Rhinitis.

There are different kinds of Non allergic Rhinitis. The common types are:

1. Vasomotor Rhinitis (Irritant Rhinitis) - An idiopathic type of Rhinitis which causes constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Neither allergic or infectious, it is poorly understood and is difficult to treat. Since the causes are unknown doctors generally ask the patients to avoid humid weather, smoking, exposure to scents and odors in the air and emotional stress- or any activity that many cause swelling in the extra-sensitive blood vessels of the nose. There are medications available to treat Vasomotor Rhinitis and surgical procedures are also considered in extreme cases.
2. Eosinophilic Rhinitis- is characterized by the presence of a particular white blood cell, the eosinophil, in the nasal discharge. Patients have a runny nose and bouts of sneezing often triggered by weather changes. They may also develop noncancerous growths in the nose called nasal polyps.
3. Rhinitis Medicamentosa- This condition is related to certain medications like the drugs used for hypertension, certain diuretics and decongestants. By discontinuing the drug or the offending nasal spray you can find relief from Rhinitis Medicamentosa.
4. Neutrophilic Rhinosinusitis - An infection (sinus or cold) is often the cause of this type of Rhinitis. It is accompanied by sinus pain and Post nasal drip and is treated by decongestants and antibiotics.
5. Atrophic Rhinitis- is chronic as the mucous membranes thin (atrophies) and harden, widening and drying out the nasal passage. It is often seen in older people, in people whose sinus has been removed and in those with a prolonged bacterial infection of the lining of the nose. It is a serious condition as it can lead to loss of smell in some. Medical or surgical treatment is available for Atrophic Rhinitis.

The common causes of nonallergic rhinitis are:

• Smoke or fume
• Certain odors
• Temperature and humidity
• Atmospheric changes
• Other irritants

Symptoms

People with Rhinitis should avoid exposure to fumes and irritants and stop prolonged use of nasal sprays. Women should take extra care during menstruation and pregnancy as the condition can worsen when you have hormonal changes.