Overview
The throat is a group of structures in the neck that move air to the lungs and food to the stomach. It also contains parts important for speech and protecting the airway during swallowing. Because it is exposed to germs, smoke, stomach acid, and dry air, the throat can become irritated or inflamed.
Key Symptoms
Throat symptoms can include pain, scratchiness, burning, dryness, hoarseness, coughing, and trouble swallowing. Some people notice swollen glands in the neck, bad breath, or a feeling that something is stuck. Symptoms may be short-lived, or they may continue and need medical review.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes include colds, flu, COVID-19, other viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, acid reflux, and voice overuse. Smoking, vaping, polluted air, dry indoor air, dehydration, and exposure to irritants can make symptoms worse. Less common causes include injury, tonsil problems, thyroid enlargement, and cancers of the throat or nearby structures.
Who Is Affected
People of all ages can have throat problems. Children often get throat infections, while adults may be more affected by smoking, reflux, work-related voice strain, or long-term irritation. People with weakened immune systems, heavy tobacco or alcohol exposure, or ongoing reflux may have higher risk of persistent problems.
Prevention
Handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines can lower the risk of some infections. Avoiding tobacco smoke and vaping, drinking enough fluids, and resting the voice when strained may help reduce irritation. Managing allergies and reflux can also help prevent recurring throat symptoms.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about the timing of symptoms, fever, swallowing problems, voice changes, reflux, smoking, and exposure to infections or irritants. They may examine the mouth, throat, neck, and breathing. Depending on the situation, tests can include a throat swab, blood tests, laryngoscopy, imaging, or referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause. It may involve supportive care for viral illness, treatment for bacterial infection when appropriate, and steps to reduce reflux, allergy symptoms, or exposure to irritants. Voice therapy, procedures, or specialist care may be needed for persistent hoarseness, structural problems, or growths.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if throat pain is severe, lasts longer than expected, or keeps coming back. Also get checked for trouble swallowing, hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, a neck lump, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms in someone with a weakened immune system. Children with poor drinking, fewer wet diapers, or unusual sleepiness also need prompt attention.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent help right away for severe trouble breathing, noisy breathing, blue lips, drooling because swallowing is too hard, rapid swelling of the throat or tongue, or signs of choking. High fever with severe throat pain and inability to swallow, especially in a child, can also be an emergency. Emergency care is also needed after a chemical burn, serious injury, or suspected inhalation of a harmful substance.