Several conditions can cause a sore throat.

Viral infections
Many sore throats are caused by a viral illness, such as:

The common cold, the most common type of viral infection.
Infection of the voice box (laryngitis)
Mononucleosis , a viral infection that tends to cause a persistent sore throat.
Other viral infections, such as mumps, herpangina, or influenza.
A bacterial infection may also cause a sore throat. This can occur from:

Strep throat, which usually does not occur with congestion or a cough.
An inflammation or infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and sometimes the adenoids (adenoiditis).
Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis).
Inflammation of the uvula (uvulitis).

A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injuries, such as:

Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
Breathing through the mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.
Stomach acid that backs up into the throat, which may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
Prevent dehydration. Fluids may help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help decrease throat irritation.
Use a vaporizer or cool air humidifier in your bedroom.
A TEASPOON OF WARM HONEY HELPS TOO.
SOURCE SITE :http://health.yahoo.com/flu-o verview/sore-throat/healthwise --sorth.html;_ylt=Ati.mT2UFOer w.C8cknYl6gWtcUF

Answered by sanya tahir , an ibibo Master, at 5:55 AM on July 25, 2008

well sana,A sore throat can have many causes including:

1. Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").

2. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.

3. Sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat.

4. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

5. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as "thrush."

6. A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.


Source :

http://www.medicinenet.co m/sor e_throat/article.htm

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 10:02 AM on July 23, 2008

Hi
A sore throat can have many causes including:

1. Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").

2. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.

3. Sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat.

4. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

5. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as "thrush."

6. A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.

Following are some of the effective home remedies for sore throat:

1. Add lemon juice and some honey, to a glass of hot water. Drink this. It will give immediate relief from pain.
2. Cut a lemon into 2 pieces. Take one piece and put some salt and black pepper on it, press with a knife so that salt-pepper penetrates into the lime. Put the lemon on heat to make it warm. Slowly lick this lemon squeezing it until no juice remains. Do it 2-3 times a day.
3. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and sip slowly. It is also good for sore throat cure.
4. Prepare a tea by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms to a pint of boiling water; steep and drink a cup every few hours.bye.

Answered by KHURSHEED , an ibibo Master, at 8:00 PM on July 22, 2008

sore throat has many causes! it may be viral, bacterial, due dry air etc! virus like adeno viruse cause sore throat by infection of tonsils causing tonsillitis!bacteria like streptococcus also pharyngitis then leading to sorethroat and sometimes this pharyngitis may lead to rheumatic heart disease !
An old home remedy for sore throats is a tea made with lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and honey.It is made by adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon, and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Stir.Typically, up to four cups a day is suggested.

Answered by surendra , an ibibo Advisor, at 6:48 PM on July 22, 2008

well nigar Causes for Sore Throat:

Sore throats are normally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The most important difference between a virus and bacteria is that bacteria respond well to antibiotic treatment and viruses do not.

A sore throat is commonly spread by: sharing drinks, kissing, coughing, nose blowing, and sneezing.

Common Causes:

Bacterial infection: Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection. It is mainly caused by streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever which can trigger heart valve problems or inflammation of the kidney.

Other bacteria can cause sore throats - e.g. gonorrhoea is an example of a sexually transmitted infection.

Viruses: The majority of sore throats are due to an infection with a virus; there is a large variety of viruses which cause the common types of sore throats. A well-known virus is the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever and glandular fever tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis It is an inflammation of the tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis occurs when there is so much damage to the tonsils. In this condition, the throat is sore most of the time, often accompanied by bad breath.

Glandular fever and tonsillitis: Glandular fever may cause sore throat problem. The tonsils and the glands in the neck are often very large and may cause severe breathing difficulties.

Other Possible Causes:

Measles may causes the sore throat under some circumstances.
Breathing through the mouth can cause the throat to dry and become painful.

In some cases a sore throat could be a sign of throat cancer (usually in smokers) or AIDS

Allergies. Allergies do not cause sudden sore, painful throats. They can, however, cause chronic mild throat irritation.

Sore throat could occur due to infectious mononucleosis.
Fish, chicken bone, or other foreign substance increases the risk of throat problems.

Surgery such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may lead to the condition of sore throat.

Sinus drainage may cause a sore throat.

Symptoms for Sore Throat may include:

If there's pain in the throat, it may be due to occurence of sore throat.
In the sore throat symptom, pain may spread to the ears.

The lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck get swallow in sore throat cases.

If the sore throat is due to the Coxsackie virus, small blisters may develop on the tonsils and in the soft palate.

If the sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection, the tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore.

An injury to the back of your mouth may increase the chances of get affected by sore throat.

Headache may occur in this condition.

Vomiting may lead to sore throat problem.

White patches in your throat or on your tonsils.

There will be problem in breathing during sore throat.

You will have a problem in swallowing the foods.

Difficulty opening the mouth

Joint pain may occur due to throat problem.

Rash

There will be high fever during sore throat.

Blood in saliva or phlegm

Lump in neck

Hoarseness lasting over two weeks.

Home Remedies for Sore throat:

Here are a few tips to get rid of the common sore throat:

Eat garlic: Garlic contains a antiviral and antibacterial agent. So eat garlic, it's good for you. You can also get garlic pills.

Gargle with warm salt water is very beneficial for the treatment of sore throat.

Ginger tea : It is very effective for the fastest treatment of throat problems.

Lime juice: Mix 1 tsp. lime juice and 1 Tbls. honey. Swallow tiny amounts slowly 2-3 times a day.

Marjoram: Drink marjoram tea with a little lemon and honey to relieve throat pain and reduce coughing.

Herbal treatme

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 6:29 PM on July 22, 2008

hi there

A sore throat can have many causes including:

1. Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").

2. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.

3. Sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat.

4. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

5. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as "thrush."

6. A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.


Source :

http://www.medicinenet.com/sor e_throat/article.htm

Answered by Reeta K , an ibibo Master, at 6:18 PM on July 22, 2008