A cough can be a protective response to infections, but when it comes with pharyngitis (sore throat), it may mean a unique condition.
Cough and sore throat are usually signs of a common cold, caused by a virus or bacterial infection.
A cough and sore throat caused by a virus usually heals on its own, either naturally or with the help of some natural home remedies.
But if yours persists, worry not because I will show you the causes of strep throat, and the ways to get rid of them.
Table of Contents
Cough and sore throat causes.
There are so many conditions that may lead to a sore throat and cough.
But whichever is the case, treating the root cause of the ailment remains the best option.
Below are the causes of sore throat and cough.
1. Cold and flu.
This is a respiratory tract infection that affects the airways causing symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever, and cough.
Cold and flu can heal on its own or with the use of cough home remedies, such as hot drinks. (1)
Over-the-counter cough medicine can also get rid of it.
2. Pharyngitis.
Pharyngitis medically known as a sore throat is the inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat) leading to scratches on the throat, and difficulty swallowing.
Virus and streptococcus bacteria are the leading causes of the ailment.
A sore throat caused by a virus heals naturally within a week. But knowing fully the root cause of the sore will help narrow treatment.
3. Strep throat.
Strep throat is an infection of the throat by streptococcus bacteria.
This can make your throat sore, scratchy, and may cause kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever if left untreated.
Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics, but that should be under your doctor’s supervision.
4. Mononucleosis (kissing disease)
It is a contagious viral disease that spreads mostly through saliva contact, kissing, coughing and sneezing.
The infection causes a range of symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, rashes, fever, and others.
Mononucleosis is a viral disease and has no cure. Avoiding those acts that can put you at risk remains the best option.
Already infected patients should either apply natural home remedies or use over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and ease healing.
5. Bronchitis.
This is the inflammation of the bronchi, (a tube that conveys air in and out of your lungs).
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria or virus infection. While chronic bronchitis is caused by prolonged smoking and exposure to industrial pollutants.
Symptoms of bronchitis include shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, green or yellow phlegm, cough and chest pain.
Treatment is by avoiding the causes, coupled with some home remedies such as
drinking plenty of hot fluids, using a humidifier, and others.
See your doctor if the symptoms persist.
6. Laryngitis.
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (the voice box).
Larynx overuse, respiratory tract infections, and irritations are the major causes.
Laryngitis can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).
Acute laryngitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, larynx overuse and taking too much alcohol.
While smoking, allergins, heartburn, and other factors cause chronic laryngitis.
Symptoms of laryngitis include a dry cough and throat irritations, hoarse and loss of voice.
Treatment of laryngitis works better by avoiding the causes, and by applying the natural home remedies such as taking hot fluids, making use of humidifiers and others.
7. Tonsillitis.
This is the swelling of the tonsils, a two pad tissue at the back of your throat.
Symptoms of tonsillitis include a scratchy throat, swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, pain, and others.
8. Smoking.
Excessive smoking can damage your lungs, leading to chronic cough and chest pain, breathing difficulty, wheezing, lung cancer, chest pain, and others.
9. Pneumonia.
This is an infection of the lungs by either bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms include coughs, chest pain, wheezing, breathing difficulty, fever, headache, yellow or green sputum, and others.
Treatment of pneumonia depends on the cause. Pneumonia caused by a virus may heal on its own or with the help of some natural home remedies such as taking hot fluids and having some rest.
Treatment of bacteria-induced ones shall be with antibiotics, at the recommendation of your doctor.
10. Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis)
This is the inflammation of the nose caused by exposure to pollen grains and mold.
Symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
11. Asthma.
Asthma is the inflammation of the airways, the tube that carries air in and out of your system.
This inflammation makes the walls of your airways narrower, preventing normal breathing.
Asthma can also cause other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty.
Treatment depends on the symptoms. If they are minimal, an inhaler may help relieve it. But if it is a severe asthma attack, seeking medical attention will be the best option.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is a new viral disease that affects the airways, causing ailments such as the common cold, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Symptoms of coronavirus
- Breathing difficulty.
- Fever
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Tiredness.
Although there is no medicine to cure the virus, early detection, and a strong immune system help to overcome the virus.
Cough and sore throat remedies.
Treating a throat infection depends on the cause. Virus-induced infection can be treated with natural home remedies, and by boosting your immune system.
While antibiotics will take care of bacteria-induced ones.
You can boost your immune system by avoiding excess sugar, maintaining a balanced diet, good hygiene, having enough sleep and rest.
Here is more information on how to boost your immune system.
Bottom line.
Cough and a sore throat can be signs of a common cold or life-threatening disease such as coronavirus.
Always consult your doctor whenever you have those cold-like symptoms that persist for sometimes.
References
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0315/p1465.html
https://sidamaconcern.com/how-to-boost-immune-system-quickly/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ronald_Eccles/publication/23790050_The_effects_of_a_hot_drink_on_nasal_airflow_and_symptoms_of_common_cold_and_flu/links/0deec518fe3376cd31000000.pdf