Sore throat without a cold: These are possible causes

Created: 09/01/2022 06:49

A sore throat is usually a sign of a cold or flu, but it can also occur on its own.

The cause is then, for example, tonsillitis.

Many people complain of a sore throat, especially in autumn and winter.

In most cases, a harmless cold is behind the symptoms, which can be cured within several days.

Infection with the coronavirus often begins with a sore throat, accompanied by flu symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, headache and fever.

If these classic symptoms are absent, other medical conditions may be to blame for the sore throat.

As a rule, these are due to an infection, which can indicate subsequent clinical pictures.

Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis)

A common and dangerous cause of sore throat is the well-known tonsillitis.

This is an acute infection of the tonsils that can become chronic over time.

It is usually caused by a virus, just like a classic cold.

But streptococci can also be behind it.

These aggressive bacteria cause purulent inflammation in the tonsil cavity, which can usually only be treated with antibiotics.

In addition to a sore throat, the symptoms also include difficulty swallowing, reddened and coated tonsils, a reddened throat wall, swollen lymph nodes and fever.

Patients often complain of bad breath and tiredness.

There are three stages of tonsillitis, which are as follows:

• 1. Angina catarrhalis: The tonsils are red and swollen.

• 2. Angina follicularis: The tonsils are covered with small "pus spots".

• 3. Angina lacunaris: The purulent deposits spread to the entire pharynx.

Inflammation in the throat (pharyngitis)

In contrast to tonsillitis, pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the pharynx.

It is also triggered by either viruses or bacteria, with the symptoms being more pronounced in the case of a bacterial infection.

As with tonsillitis, sore throat is accompanied by difficulty swallowing and a burning and scratchy feeling in the throat.

The mucous membrane of the throat is red and swollen.

Patients often complain of dryness and a foreign body sensation in the throat.

If the tonsils and throat are inflamed at the same time, it is called tonsillopharyngitis.

tonsil abscess

More rarely, a so-called peritonsillar abscess or tonsil abscess can form, which causes the sore throat.

Pus collects around the tonsils.

Behind this is often a streptococcal infection that has spread to deeper tissue layers.

But tonsillitis can also lead to abscess formation.

Factors such as smoking or poor oral hygiene increase the risk of an abscessed tonsils.

The accumulation of pus can be life-threatening as it can lead to blood poisoning.

Therefore, an ENT doctor should be consulted to treat the abscess.

Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis)

When the epiglottis becomes infected by bacteria, it becomes inflamed and swollen.

This causes severe pain in the throat and difficulty swallowing.

Epiglottitis can cause breathing problems because the entrance to the larynx is narrowed.

Due to the danger of suffocation, the disease, which mainly occurs in children, is life-threatening.

Fortunately, there is now a vaccine against the responsible bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), so that the infection occurs less frequently.

A sore throat can indicate an infection, which can also be accompanied by fever.

(Iconic image) © Sergio Monti/Imago

reflux disease

A sore throat without a cold can also indicate gastroesophageal disease.

In reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.

This leads to unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation, but also to a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and a lump in the throat.

Reflux disease is very common, affecting 10 to 20 percent of adults.

Changing your diet and avoiding alcohol and fatty foods can help.

Medications to reduce stomach acid can also help.

Other possible causes

If the throat is only slightly irritated or sore, environmental influences can be responsible.

Irritants such as alcohol, nicotine, chemicals or dry indoor air can stress the throat region, as can excessive vocal use such as shouting or singing.

In this case, the symptoms usually disappear after a few days.

Sore throat without a cold: when to see a doctor?

Certain warning signs indicate a serious illness that should definitely be treated by a doctor.

These include rattling or whistling noises when inhaling (stridor), which can be heard from a distance.

If you feel short of breath, you should definitely go to the nearest doctor's office or to the hospital.

Drooling and a muffled, muffled voice are also among the warning signs and can indicate a life-threatening epiglottis.

If there is only a normal sore throat, the symptoms usually disappear within a few days.

If this is not the case or if the pain gets worse, a doctor should be consulted.

Medical help should also be sought in the event of a sudden high fever.