Airborne viruses are the single most common cause of a sore throat and swollen glands. While there are many viruses that can lead to this condition, the ones most commonly contracted are the coronavirus and the rhinovirus. These two viruses are the leading causes of the common cold and the influenza B virus, commonly known as the flu. A sore throat and swollen glands also can be caused the Streptococcus bacteria, often resulting in strep throat; allergies; excessive shouting; and environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollution and airborne chemicals.
People typically tend to contract the coronavirus during the winter, while the rhinovirus is usually most contagious in the fall and spring months. The influenza B virus can be contracted at any time of the year, however. Long-term fatigue can make the body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses, as can poor hand washing habits and exposure to other infected individuals.
The most common bacterial cause of a sore throat and swollen glands is the Streptococcus bacteria, which results a condition known as strep throat. This bacterium is mostly spread from person to person during winter months when people spend more time together indoors where germs are more easily shared. The sore throat and swollen glands symptoms of strep throat are much more painful than symptoms of a cold or flu. Unlike its viral counterparts, however, strep throat can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Tonsillitis is another major sore throat and swollen glands culprit; its causes and symptoms can be summed up as a compilation of the common cold and strep throat. In most cases tonsillitis is caused by the coronavirus and the rhinovirus, the same viruses responsible for the common cold, but this condition presents with the more severe sore throat and swollen glands symptoms associated with strep throat. In some cases, tonsillitis is transmitted by way of bacteria, similarly to strep throat.
Excessive mucus produced by allergies and sinuses and the resulting post-nasal drip can also result in a sore throat and swollen glands. There is no infection involved with post-nasal drip, but the excess mucus builds up in the throat and can cause throat irritation swollen tonsils. Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen and is the leading cause of long-term allergy-related throat pain.
Other causes of a sore throat and swollen glands include environmental irritants, such as cigarette smoke, airborne chemicals found in commercial cleansers, or excessively dry, warm air. Air pollution can be a contributing factor as well. Additionally, a consistent strain on the vocal chords, such as yelling and cheering during a sporting event, can lead to a sore and tender throat. A sore throat that lasts longer than two weeks or a severely sore throat that lasts longer than five days can be an indication a more serious medical condition and should be addressed by a medical professional.
