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Sore Throat

Sore Throat Overview

Sore throats are usually named for the anatomical site affected.

  • Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis typically involves inflammation of the tonsils (tonsils are located on either side of the base of the tongue).
  • Laryngitis: The larynx, the top portion of your windpipe (trachea), has an important gatekeeper function. It allows passage of air in and out of the lungs (through the trachea), but bars the entry of solids and liquids. Sound production at the vocal cords is an important side job of the larynx. Laryngitis is pain and inflammation of the larynx (often associated with a hoarse voice). Croup is a form of laryngitis in children (it tends to be associated with a seal bark cough and difficulty inhaling air).
  • Epiglottitis: This rare type of sore throat is inflammation of the epiglottis (a tall semitubular structure at the opening to the larynx separating it from the base of the tongue).

Sore Throat Causes

  • Sore throat may also be caused by chemicals (cigarette smoke), injury (a scrape from a bone fragment), allergy or postnasal drip, or, rarely, cancer (early cancer often presents with painless symptoms).



Next: Sore Throat Symptoms »

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Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms Lasted

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Sore Throat

Bronchitis Overview

Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or other causes.

  • The thin mucous lining of these airways can become irritated and swollen.
  • The cells that make up this lining may leak fluids in response to the inflammation.
  • Coughing is a reflex that works to clear secretions from the lungs. Often the discomfort of a severe cough leads you to seek medical treatment.
  • Both adults and children can get bronchitis. Symptoms are similar for both.
  • Infants usually get bronchiolitis, which involves the smaller airways and causes symptoms similar to asthma.

Bronchitis Causes

Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually co...

Read the Bronchitis article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Pharyngitis »

Pharyngitis is a leading cause of pediatric ambulatory care visits.

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Medical Dictionary