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June 19, 2013
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Sore Throat (cont.)

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Sore Throat Causes

  • Sore throats are commonly caused by viruses (often the same viruses that cause colds or other upper respiratory illnesses) or bacteria (such as the infection with streptococcal bacteria commonly called strep throat). One well-known viral infection that may produce severe sore throat is infectious mononucleosis. The yeast Candida can cause sore throat and throat infection in people with suppressed immune systems.
  • Sore throat may also be caused by chemicals (inhaled toxins such as cigarette smoke), injury (a scrape from a bone fragment), allergy or postnasal drip, or, rarely, cancer (early cancer often presents with painless symptoms).
  • Certain medical treatments can cause a sore throat (tonsillectomy, airway management during an operation, or cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation).

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Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms Lasted

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How long did the symptoms of your sore throat (pharyngitis) last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?

Sore Throat - Treatment

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What treatment was effective for your sore throat?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pharyngitis »

Pharyngitis is a leading cause of pediatric ambulatory care visits.

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