Sore throat causes

Infectious Causes

Viral Infections

Common cold (rhinovirus, coronavirus)
Influenza (flu)
COVID-19
Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)
Coxsackievirus (hand, foot, and mouth disease)
Herpangina
Measles

Bacterial Infections

Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat, Group A Streptococcus)
Diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae)
Tonsillitis (often bacterial)
Gonococcal pharyngitis (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
Chlamydia trachomatis
Secondary syphilis

Fungal Infections

Oral candidiasis (thrush)
Non-Infectious Causes

Allergies

Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
Mold or dust allergies
Animal dander
Irritants

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Pollution or chemicals
Dry air
Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD)
Alcohol or spicy foods

Trauma

Excessive talking, shouting, or singing
Foreign body injury (e.g., sharp food like fish bones)
Medical procedures (e.g., endoscopy, intubation)

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders

Rheumatic fever (secondary to strep throat)
Kawasaki disease (in children)
Sjögren’s syndrome

Neurological or Structural Issues

Vocal cord strain
Obstructive sleep apnea

Other

Tumors or Cancers

Throat cancer (pharyngeal cancer)
Laryngeal cancer
Leukemia or lymphoma

Medications

Certain medications causing dryness (antihistamines, diuretics)
Chemotherapy or radiation to the head/neck area