What Are Common Causes of Sore Throat and Difficulty Swallowing?
A sore throat and difficulty swallowing is most often caused by viruses, such as the common cold, but can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, other illnesses, tumors, or environmental issues. Young people are most prone to developing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, because of the frequency that they develop viruses. Most of these cases are not serious and resolve without needing to visit a physician. The most common viruses that lead to a sore throat and trouble swallowing are the viruses associated with the common cold, mononucleosis, and influenza. Less frequently, someone infected with measles, the croup, or chicken pox may experience a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Strep throat, tonsillitis, and diphtheria are caused by bacteria, and can also lead to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
