Sore throats can be caused by many factors including environmental causes and infections. The air we breathe directly affects the health of our throat1. It may contain pollutants, environmental allergens, bacteria or viruses. To protect it from infection, the throat is coated with a layer of mucus which keeps the pharyngeal membranes lubricated. This mucus layer also contains immune cells, enzymes and antibodies that provide a defence against foreign bodies. When the throat’s defences are compromised, environmental factors and germs can lead to painful sore throats.
The Most Common Environmental Causes of Sore Throats
Air quality
Changes in air temperature and humidity can have an impact on the protective layer of mucus in the throat and result in throat irritation. Cold and dry air in particular affect the respiratory tract’s self-cleaning process by drying it out and compromising the protective barrier. This in turn compromises the defence mechanisms in the throat and increases the likelihood of an infection. Seasonal changes in air temperature and humidity are not the only culprits, air conditioning systems are equally responsible.
Hayfever resulting from allergens and pollens in the air can also contribute to throat irritations. As you breathe in, the air streams into the bronchial tubes and lungs through your nose, mouth and throat and this is when pollens in the air can come into contact with the mucous membranes. The body then releases histamine, which can cause some people to feel an itchy, prickly or scratchy sensation in their throat, or the roof of their mouth, as well as their eyes and nose. Hayfever is largely very seasonal, usually reaching a peak in late spring.
Active and passive smoking3
When pharyngeal mucus is intact, it creates a protective barrier and stops germs from penetrating the throat tissue. Exposure to smoke, whether active or passive, for an extended period of time can lead to damage of the mucus layer in the throat.
Important: Passive smoking is as potentially damaging to the throat as active smoking. In both instances the air inhaled contains substances which are harmful to the mucus barrier.
Environmental pollution
Particles and pollutants from industrial processes and traffic can lead to inflammation of the throat by irritating the mucus membrane and the cells that lie beneath it.
Known Seasonal Infections
Viruses and bacteria can damage the layer of mucus in the throat by penetrating the protective barrier and multiplying within it. This then causes inflammation, which results in pain, swelling and reddening of the throat.
Social contact
When we are around other people, there is a reasonable chance that we could become infected with viruses and bacteria they may be carrying. Talking, shouting and singing can release droplets into the air, containing viruses and bacteria. These actions may also irritate the throat and strain the vocal cords and throat muscles. More than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, most of which are transmitted via infected droplets that enter the air, usually when sneezing or coughing. If the immune system is compromised, the risk of infection is even greater. The germs that result in these illnesses can be found on all kinds of surfaces. You therefore should take particular care in public spaces and use a paper tissue if you need to cough or sneeze to avoid infecting other people.
Medication to ease a sore throat
Strepsils has a wide range of products to help relieve and treat the symptoms of a sore throat. At the first sign of a sore throat, we recommend Strepsils Cool Sensation or Strepsils Honey and Lemon Lozenges as it provides antiseptic action and helps with pain relief.
If your throat is extremely painful and inflamed Strepsils Max Pro lozenges can help relieve the pain and the inflammation. Strepsils Max Pro lozenges are anti-inflammatory, offer pain relief and reduce swelling. Strepsils Max Pro variant has a long-lasting effect, reducing pain and inflammation for up to 6 hours.
When Should I See a Doctor About my Sore Throat?4
Sore throats will often heal on their own, and the pain can be relieved with home remedies and other topical treatments. If your symptoms persist, do not improve, or become more serious, please consult your doctor. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days, even after you have taken steps to ease your sore throat
- Your symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or serious difficulty swallowing
- You often get a sore throat
- You have a high temperature