Redness of the throat can develop with various pathological conditions occurring in the body. In children, SARS or childhood infections are often the cause of this symptom. A red throat in an adult, in addition to acute respiratory diseases, is also observed in other severe processes that require long-term treatment. In addition, a red throat can be noted in cancer, in which case early diagnosis contributes to the prolongation of the patient's life. In this regard, the study of this symptom is necessary, even if it is not accompanied by pronounced additional signs, does not cause much concern to the patient.
SARS is the most common cause of sore throat, both among children and adults. The disease is characterized by an acute onset, when symptoms develop within a few hours. In addition, additional features are
- sharp malaise;
- aches in muscles, joints;
- lack of appetite;
- dry cough;
- runny nose;
- an increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees.
Depending on the form of the virus, symptoms such as conjunctivitis, dyspeptic disorders, and skin rashes may be present. With flu, a hemorrhagic symptom often develops, vascular injection is noted. Objective examination of the pharynx reveals graininess. In this case, the throat is red, it hurts.
In the case of ARVI, sore throat is observed for 5-7 days. In the future, the symptomatology subsides.
The duration of the disease is an important diagnostic feature that allows one to differentiate ARVI from other pathological processes that have a longer course.
Infectious mononucleosis is also characterized by similar symptoms and signs of sore throat. However, the duration of the disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus reaches several months, which makes it possible to distinguish it from other processes of this localization. The presence of additional symptoms in the form of lymphadenopathy, skin rash, enlargement of the liver and spleen is also of great importance. However, the main diagnostic role is assigned to laboratory diagnostics.
The throat is red and also hurts with such childhood infections as scarlet fever, measles, rubella. Clarification of the diagnosis in this case is facilitated by the presence of characteristic skin rashes, as well as the severe course of the disease in adult patients.
In addition to the presence of a rash, a very red throat and a raspberry tongue are typical symptoms of scarlet fever, which allow differential diagnosis with other acute infectious diseases.
Inflammatory diseases
Inflammation of the throat can be caused by the effect of various pathogenic agents on the mucous membrane of the organ. Often they are infectious agents, bacteria, viruses, fungi. However, in addition to pathogenic microbes, the causes of red throat can be due to factors such as
- dry warm air;
- the presence of hazardous impurities, chemicals, dust, nicotine in the inhaled air;
- foreign body.
Anatomically, the larynx and pharynx are distinguished in the throat. Despite the proximity of the location, there may be a predominant lesion of one or another department. A sore throat can have slightly different symptoms. The main symptom typical of throat lesions of any location is pain.
Patients often complain of perspiration or rawness, discomfort when swallowing. Inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal wall is characterized by pain during swallowing, especially when the throat is empty and does not contain food. Another important symptom that characterizes sore throat is coughing. Most often it is a dry, strong, hacking cough that bothers patients for a long time.
With the defeat of the larynx, the symptoms associated with the involvement of the vocal cords in the process come to the fore.
A decrease in their mobility, a narrowing of the glottis caused by edema and inflammatory processes, lead to the development of the following symptoms:
- pain when trying to pronounce sounds;
- a change in the timbre of the voice, the appearance of hoarseness, hoarseness;
- development of aphonia.
The vocal cords can also become inflamed in isolation.
This process is not due to the effect of pathogenic microorganisms, but to organ overstrain. More often, laryngitis develops in patients of certain professions, when, in the course of their work, they are forced to excessively strain their vocal cords. The disease can also be caused by exposure to harmful impurities in the air, smoke.
Patients whose labor activity is associated with work in unfavorable conditions, a high content of dust, chemicals, there is a constantly red throat, due to the influence of pathogenic factors and the inflammatory process. The main complaint is dry cough and sore throat. Red pharynx, edematous and hyperemic back of the throat - objective 
signs of pharyngitis found on pharyngoscopy. Some features can characterize a hypertrophic or atrophic form of the pathological process.
A sore throat also characterizes the processes caused by the influence of specific pathogens, syphilis, gonococcus, tubercle bacillus. The development of a pain symptom in this case is atypical. Most often, the reddened appearance of the mucous membrane attracts attention. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests help to identify the pathogen in the blood or washout from the pharynx.
Oncopathology
Chronic sore throat is dangerous due to the possibility of transformation of the disease into a malignant process. Under the influence of carcinogens, which include nicotine, chemical aggressive components in the air, or other factors, mutation of the cells lining the mucous membrane of the throat can occur, with the development of a malignant tumor. An important factor in the early diagnosis of such difficult processes is the regular medical examinations carried out by patients at risk. A persistently red throat in an adult, the presence of other long-term symptoms, when the cough is present for more than three weeks, and the pain is constant, is a reason to consult an otolaryngologist.
The defeat of the tonsils
Red sore throat is also noted with the defeat of the tonsils. This symptom is typical both in an acute process and in an exacerbation of a chronic one. The main complaint of patients is a sore throat, aggravated by swallowing, radiating to the ear. The process is also characterized by an increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees, phenomena of intoxication of the body.
The pharyngoscopic picture is very typical in angina, an infectious disease caused by exposure to hemolytic streptococcus. At the same time, an inflamed throat is combined with signs of damage to the tonsils. Depending on the nature of the development of the lesion, purulent or non-purulent, there may be edematous hyperemic tonsils, or purulent foci in the lacunae and follicles may be present.
An important diagnostic sign that helps to clarify the diagnosis of angina is an increase and soreness of regional lymph nodes, as well as signs of intoxication of the body.
With the development of chronic tonsillitis, patients complain of constant malaise, decreased performance not only physical, but also mental, the presence of putrid breath, purulent plugs in the tonsils. With an exacerbation of the process, there is an increase in body temperature, pain in the joints.
Allergy
An allergic reaction can also be one of the reasons, which are characterized by the reddening of the throat. Most often, the larynx is affected. Severe edema can lead to severe complications, making it difficult for air to pass into the lower respiratory tract. To clarify the diagnosis in this case, the detection of the connection between the development of symptoms and the action of the allergen will help. Additional signs may be sore throat, difficulty breathing or noisy breathing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and profuse discharge from it.
Quincke's edema is a severe manifestation of an allergic reaction. In this case, as a result of exposure to the allergen, a sharp swelling of the nose, lips or the entire face appears. The same edema can develop in the area of the respiratory gap, which is a dangerous complication that requires urgent measures.
Pathologies of other organs
A persistently red throat can characterize diseases that are not associated with damage to the respiratory system. The most common reason for the development of such a symptom, as well as pain in the throat, is reflux esophagitis. As a result of congenital anomalies, as well as various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus, which has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. This causes the throat to become inflamed.
This is manifested by painful sensations in the throat, aggravated after eating. The aggravation of the situation with reflux esophagitis is noted when the body is tilted down, taking a horizontal position after eating. Additional symptoms that help clarify the cause of the disease are belching, heartburn. An important role in the diagnosis is given to the collection of anamnesis, the identification of the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
Hyperemia of the mucous membranes, as well as cough, mainly at night, are characteristic signs of the development of nasal syndrome. Throat symptoms are caused by mucous discharge from the nose running down the back of the nose, causing irritation and redness. The measures taken should be aimed at treating the nasopharynx. After improving nasal breathing, reducing the amount of mucus, the situation in the throat will also improve.
The throat can also become inflamed and sore as a result of constant irritation with hot or spicy food, as well as strong alcoholic beverages. In this case, thermal or chemical damage to the mucous membrane occurs and, as a result, the development of pharyngitis. In addition to the therapeutic measures carried out for this disease, it is necessary to revise your diet and taste preferences, as well as get rid of bad habits.
