{"id":10320,"date":"2019-09-05T17:14:57","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T17:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=10320"},"modified":"2021-06-28T16:51:40","modified_gmt":"2021-06-28T16:51:40","slug":"14-common-causes-of-burning-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-of-burning-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Burning Throat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Burning sensations in your throat are usually caused by non-threatening ailments. That being said, there are some rare cases where a serious condition may be the root cause of the burning. In any case, it\u2019s never fun to suffer from a burning throat. In fact, it\u2019s outright torture for some. That being said, knowing what\u2019s causing it can bring you some relief and may even help you treat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, uncertainty can be just as bad as a burning throat. There are quite a few things that can cause a burning throat. Today we\u2019re going to take a look at eight of the most common causes for burning throat so that you can figure out which one is at the root of your suffering and take care of it before further complications arise. Without further adieu, let\u2019s jump right in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. GERD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GERD is an acronym that stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease<\/a>. It\u2019s not hard to see why they shortened it. GERD is a rather common cause for burning throat, but what do you need to know about it? Well, first of all, there are various muscles between your esophagus and stomach that prevent the upward flow of acid into your throat. That being said, there can be a leak from time to time which leads to the acid getting up anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what\u2019s known as acid reflux. When the acid gets into your throat it\u2019s gonna cause that burning sensation that you dread. You might also notice that the burning sensation extends to your chest in what is known as heartburn. GERD refers to acid refluxes that are severe, frequent, or both. Eating a big meal often worsens these symptoms \u2014 which is why GERD patients tend to eat small but frequent meals instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Post-nasal drip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your nose is perpetually lined with mucus<\/a>. This is a good thing because it ensures that the tissue won\u2019t dry up. That being said, too much of a good thing is always bad. If there\u2019s too much mucus in your nose and it starts to build up then some of it might start flowing back down your throat. This is the condition known as post-nasal drip. Irritation often occurs as a result of the dripping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your tonsils may also become sore and begin to swell as a result of the post-nasal drip. In addition to the burning throat sensation that you\u2019re experiencing, you might also notice other symptoms associated with post-nasal drip. These include coughing as well as bad breath. Many patients with post-nasal drip will also suffer from congestion and a hoarse voice. If you spot two or more of these symptoms then it\u2019s likely due to post-nasal drip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Strep throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strep throat<\/a> is one of the most common throat infections to ever plague mankind. The infection occurs when streptococci bacteria make their way into your throat and start to multiply. It can be spread when someone who is infected sneezes or coughs. The bacteria will be carried by the airborne droplets and could make their way into your throat that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a burning throat, you might also suffer from symptoms such as fever, rash, and vomiting if you\u2019re dealing with a case of strep throat. Due to the fact that these infections are bacterial in nature, they can be easily treated through the use of antibiotics. However, you should never try to treat a viral infection with antibiotics as this will never yield any good results \u2014 and could actually lead to unforeseen consequences instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Common cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As surprising as it may be, the common cold may actually be the root cause of the burning sensation that you\u2019re experiencing in your throat. This is due to the fact that it affects your upper respiratory tract. First of all, we want to note that the common cold is a viral infection rather than a bacterial one and thus you shouldn\u2019t try to treat it with antibiotics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using antibiotics to cure a cold won\u2019t make it go away any faster, and you\u2019ll be increasing the risk of various harmful bacterias developing antibiotic resistance. Most adults will get anywhere between two and three colds in a given year, and most cases aren\u2019t serious. Beyond a burning sensation in your throat, you might also suffer from a runny nose, headache, coughing, and a low fever if a common cold is the root cause. Most treatment focuses on treating the symptoms rather than the cold itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Influenza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More commonly known as the flu is an illness that is viral in nature. Again, you shouldn\u2019t try to use antibiotics to treat the flu as it isn\u2019t a bacterial infection. Doing so won\u2019t help you get better. You\u2019ll find that the symptoms caused by the flu are actually pretty similar to that of the common cold. That being said, influenza <\/a>is typically far more serious than the common cold when it comes to the potential for complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, some patients suffering from the flu go from having a burning feeling in their throat to developing pneumonia. If you suspect that influenza is the root cause of your burning throat then you should see a doctor immediately so that you can get the proper treatment before you start to develop other complications such as pneumonia. Nipping the problem at the bud is always the best approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Mononucleosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For obvious reasons, this condition is commonly shortened to mono. It\u2019s an illness that occurs when you contract the Epstein-Barr virus<\/a>. Much like flu and the common cold, treating it with antibiotics is an exercise in futility due to the fact that they don\u2019t do anything against viruses and are only effective against bacteria. Mono is very contagious and can be spread through saliva as well as other bodily fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why some people have dubbed it the kissing disease. A burning sensation in your throat is one of the characteristic signs of mono. Additionally, you might also notice symptoms such as rashes, headaches, and severe fatigue. As of right now, there isn\u2019t any known treatment that\u2019s effective against mono. Most patients are just advised to drink a lot of water, get enough rest, and eat healthy foods until the illness subsides on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Peritonsillar abscess<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Peritonsillar abscess <\/a>is a type of infection that affects both your neck and your head. In this condition, your throat becomes painful and swollen due to the buildup of pus in your throat. It rarely occurs on its own. Most people who are suffering from peritonsillar abscess developed the infection after enduring tonsilitis as it\u2019s a common complication of the latter. The burning sensation in your throat is a result of the swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s paramount that you treat this infection immediately as it could be deadly if it progresses too far. In some untreated cases, the swelling can position your tonsils in such a way that they block your airways \u2014 thus cutting off your oxygen supply. You might also notice a headache or swollen face if you\u2019re dealing with this infection. Needle aspiration is the most commonly used treatment to take care of this infection and is surprisingly effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Burning mouth syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The appropriately named burning mouth syndrome is one of the top causes of a burning sensation<\/a> in your throat. Those who suffer from this condition will feel like the interior of their mouth has been scalded or burned by some form of heat, despite the fact that it really hasn\u2019t been. Conditions such as a dry mouth, along with nerve damage, can lead to burning mouth syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting that the burning sensation can often spread beyond your throat and even affect areas such as your lips, cheeks, and tongue. You might find yourself being constantly thirsty. Your sense of taste may also be dulled due to the syndrome. Some patients have also described tasting something bitter or metal within their mouth while suffering from the syndrome. Capsaicin \u2014 the spicy compound that you find in peppers \u2014 has often been used as a pain reliever in patients with burning mouth syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged, with the first outbreaks occurring in China. The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, otherwise known as COVID-19<\/a>, quickly swept through the world. As of the end of April, there are more than 2-million people infected worldwide and tens of thousands of deaths from the disease in countries all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Science is still investigating the full impact of COVID-19 on the world. However, there is a list of symptoms attributed to infection with the novel coronavirus. One of the symptoms involved with COVID-19 disease is a sore throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a sore throat in combination with a high fever, it’s best to contact your local health authority to arrange for a test. Depending on where you live, you might have to visit a medical institution for a test, or they may send a medical team to your premises to test you for the virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the pandemic sweeping throughout the world, and no signs of a vaccine insight, it’s clear we will be dealing with this virus for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Tonsillitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lumps of tissue sitting at the back of your throat are known as the tonsils. The tonsils <\/a>help your body fight off bacteria and viruses, preventing them from entering be throat where they may cause issues in the respiratory system or other systems within the body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the signs of the infection involve some discomfort and pain in the throat, as well as difficulty swallowing. The patient may also experience headaches, tiredness comma, and they may run a fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with tonsillitis will have to visit a doctor’s office for confirmation of the condition. The doctor diagnoses the patient by looking for swelling and inflammation in the throat and the lymph nodes around the base of the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of tonsillitis will usually clear up within one to two weeks after the diagnosis of the infection. During the treatment, affected individuals should get plenty of rest and consume fluids. They may also self-medicate with OTC painkillers and throat lozenges to reduce symptoms of a sore throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you find yourself starting to experience the symptoms of a burning throat during a change in the seasons, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction<\/a>. There are various reasons why you might experience an allergic reaction that causes you to notice the symptoms of a sore throat. Pollen, dust, and mold All examples of allergens that can cause the onset of a sore throat in affected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you start to notice the onset over sore throat during a seasonal change, speak to your doctor about remedies you can use to mitigate the allergic reaction. Depending on the type of allergy you’re dealing with, your doctor may recommend natural treatments or OTC medications such as antihistamine drugs to reduce the allergic reaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may also experience allergic reactions as a response to eating certain types of foods such as shellfish or peanuts. After the initial reaction subsides, the patient may have a sore throat for a day or two. Allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts and shellfish can be life-threatening in certain situations, and the person requires immediate medical help to mitigate the effects of the allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Esophagitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Esophagitis <\/a>is a medical condition describing the inflammation of the soft tissues around the esophagus. There are several reasons why esophagitis might become a problem for an individual. Some of the contributing factors towards the condition include medications and infection, or an allergic reaction. Other more chronic diseases such as GERD may also cause the onset of esophagitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of esophagitis may experience problems with swallowing as well as heartburn. Another telltale sign of the condition is a burning throat. The patient will experience a sore throat due to stomach acids moving up from the stomach into the esophagus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eosinophilic esophagitis Describes a chronic food allergy where the throat becomes severely inflamed. It’s challenging for physicians to diagnose this issue, and they may require a team to help them develop a treatment plan for the affected individual. Doctors diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis using a tissue sample taken from the throat, or by using blood tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Lifestyle Choices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How a person chooses to live their life will also determine if they are at risk of getting a sore throat<\/a>. Some people might encounter other individuals frequently throughout the day. If they do not make any reparations to stop contact with the body fluids of these people, they are at high risk of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These individuals may contract viruses and bacteria from aerosols and droplets that other people breathe or accidentally spit onto them while talking. Other lifestyle choices that cause a drop in the immune function may also play a role in developing a sore throat. People with low immune function are at high risk of experiencing infections such as influenza and COVID-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol may also lower your immune system and increase the risk of developing a sore throat. The best way to avoid the onset of the sore throat is to mitigate your risk of catching an infection from other people and do everything you can to boost your immune system with diet and exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Lack of Infection Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic <\/a>continues to rage around the world. According to leading experts in epidemiology, the only way to mitigate the risk of contracting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is to reduce your contact with other people.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do encounter other people, you need to ensure that you are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). The right PPE to reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus includes the use of a surgical or N95 face mask. This mask filters the air around your face ensuring that no virus particles into your throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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