Everyone experiences sore throats when they have a cold or flu. But there are other reasons for sore throats that may be symptomatic of more serious problems.

Some common conditions that may cause a sore throat are:

• Strep Throat: Strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria (strep) in the throat and often the tonsils. Symptoms include sudden severe sore throat, pain swallowing, a fever over 101oF, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, and white or yellow spots on a reddened back of the throat.

• Inflamed Tonsils and Adenoids: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils located in the back of the throat on both sides of the tongue. The adenoids (tissue high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate) may also be inflamed and swollen, impeding swallowing and/or breathing.

• Laryngitis: The larynx allows air to pass in and out of the lungs while preventing solids (food) and liquids from entering the lungs. The larynx also contributes to sound production by the vocal cords. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, the top portion of the windpipe (trachea).

• Pharyngitis: The pharynx is tissue that resides behind the mouth an soft palate and acts as a pathway for food and liquids to enter the esophagus and air to enter the lungs. An inflammation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis.

• Epiglottitis: The epiglottis is a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the windpipe when swallowing. Epiglottitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed and infected.

How to help prevent getting a sore throat:

🚰 Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

🧂 Gargle with warm salt water.

💨 Use a humidifier to keep air moist.

🚭 Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

👏 Practice good hand hygiene.

🫖 Consume soothing teas, like honey and lemon.

😴 Get adequate rest to boost your immune system.

To make an appointment, call or visit our website. We’re located in East Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island.

East Providence: 401-435-5644

Warwick: 401-921-5800

www.OceanStateENT.com