Pharyngitis, the medical term for a sore throat, usually describes inflammation of the throat. It most often involves infectious causes such as streptococcus or mononucleosis. Symptoms of pharyngitis caused by an infection often include painful swallowing, redness of the throat or tonsils, and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the neck. Usually, pharyngitis is associated with other symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, chills, and body aches and pains.
Some people describe any discomfort of the throat as a sore throat. Causes of this discomfort may include post nasal drip, which certainly may be caused by allergies. A dry, irritated throat may also be caused by the side effect of older antihistamines, or as a result of nasal congestion resulting in mouth breathing. Frequent morning sore throats may also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, as a result of stomach acid irritating the throat during the night.
Learn more other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Sources:
Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, chief editors. The Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis: An Updated Practice Parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;122:S1-84.
Buttram J, More D, Quinn J. Allergy and Immunology. The Complete History and Physical Exam Guide. 2003:53-69.
Bousquet J, van Cauwenberge P, Khaltaev N. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma. J Clin Allergy Immunol. 2001;108:S147-344.
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