What’s the most common cause of a sore throat?

What’s the most common cause of a sore throat?

Infections are the most common cause of both acute and chronic pharyngitis. However, a number of other factors can result in chronic pharyngitis, including:

• Persistent tonsillitis, a condition in which your tonsils become inflamed and infected.
• Environmental pollutants, such as smoke and chemicals.
• Allergic reactions to pollen, mold and pet dander.
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), where stomach acid goes back into your throat and causes irritation.

Very rarely, throat cancer can cause chronic sore throat. This type of cancer starts in your pharynx or larynx (voice box). The resulting throat pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath, lumps in your neck or bleeding in your nose or mouth.