Some of the basic reasons for sore throat and subsequently cough are viral or bacterial infections. In order to differentiate, viral infections of a sore throat include influenza, common cold, chickenpox, croup, measles and mononucleosis while the bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat and diphtheria. Other causes of sore throat include allergies, dryness, muscle strain, HIV infection, irritants and tumors.
Allergies that can cause sore throat and cough can include pollen, molds, dust and pet dander. Dryness occurs when the room is heated and there is less moisture content. Shouting, yelling and talking nonstop for a considerable period of time can also cause the neck and throat muscles; inducing hoarseness, cough and sore throat. Due to HIV infection, the immune system becomes weakened subsequently becoming a victim of many diseases and other infections. Smoking, chemicals, tobacco smoke and other outdoor pollution can also render sore throat and cough. Tumors of tongue, throat or larynx can also cause a sore throat along with cough, hoarseness, difficulty in breathing and swollen throat.
Asthma and cystic fibrosis are also the causes of cough along with inhaling of any foreign particle which can cause irritation and cough. Sinus drainage or post nasal drip can also be a cause of sore throat and congestion.
The symptoms vary due to the type of cough and sore throat. When the infection is viral, the coughing that will be produced will have a barking noise which will be accompanied by rapid and harsh intake of air. Whooping cough is one such example where after a spasmodic cough a whooping noise is made while inhaling noisily.
Asthma is a condition which results in coughing, severity depends on the degree of the condition. Bouts of coughing are induced usually during night and while inhaling cool air which strains the condition. Other such symptoms which are associated with noisy breathing are vomiting, stuffy nose and fever which also occur due to cold.
Sore throat is accompanied by pain in throat, difficulty in swallowing, pus around salivary glands due to viral infection, swollen glands that can be felt in the neck and saliva drooling.
In case of bacterial infection, the tongue usually turns red with white pigments and spots on it. There are also signs of swollen ovule with dark purplish or reddish spots. This can also induce fever which may go up to 103 degrees. Bacterial infection also causes a person to suffer from bad breath.
In order to prevent this, drinking filtered water, using humidifiers, covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing and breathing through the nose at all times is very helpful.
In order to treat it, the knowledge of the nature of infection is mandatory. In case of viral infections, intake of antibiotics will be of no use whatsoever.
As for viruses, it is important to let them die out on their own as medication does not affect them.
Painkillers, lozenges, herbal liquids and syrups can be taken to help reduce the pain and recover speedily.
Consumption of a lot of liquids is important in this condition to keep the throat moist and prevent it from dryness and irritation.
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