Opera singers or those who yell at sporting events strain the throat muscles and develop a case of laryngitis.
Because many germs are contagious, one can even acquire them from touching utensils, toys, personal care products or door knobs.
The condition may present all of a sudden with high fever, severe sore throat, difficult and painful swallowing, drooling saliva, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing and malaise.
Also called rhinorrhea, is a very common medical disorder that occurs when the nasal tissues are congested and the excess fluid runs either at the back of the throat or out of the nose.
To prevent acid from flowing backwards, the lower part of the swallowing tube (esophagus) has a valve which closes after food passes through.
The throat can be severely irritated when acid touches the vocal cords and can lead to spasms of coughing.
To prevent throat irritation from reflux, one should lose weight, stop smoking, avoid coffee beverages and sleep with the head elevated.
The heightened sensitivity in the respiratory tract is demonstrated by inhalation cough challenge Rarely persistent throat irritation and hoarseness may also be from a more serious disorder like cancer.
Sore or scratchy throat can temporarily be relieved with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water used as a gargle.
If you have difficulty swallowing then you should drink liquids, suck on lozenges, ice chips or mix salt with warm water to gargle.
Home remedies for throat irritation include gargling with warm water twice a day, sipping honey and lemon mixture or sucking on medicated lozenges.