Sore throat and chest pain are commonly caused by acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bronchitis. Other conditions that can cause these symptoms are pneumonia, a streptococcal infection otherwise known as strep throat, and a lung ailment called pleurisy. Although each of these conditions may have similar symptoms, they are all different and unrelated in terms of general treatment. Asthma can often cause chest pain and discomfort, but rarely causes a sore throat unless the individual is suffering from a bad cough.
GERD can cause pain and soreness in the throat due to harsh acid content from the stomach that can travel up into the esophagus. Over time, the acidic content from the stomach can cause damage to the esophagus, resulting in extremely painful sore throat and chest pain. Typically a chronic illness, GERD can be managed by certain medications and diet.
Some forms of viral or bacterial pneumonia can cause a sore throat, and most types cause chest pain. Inflammation of the lungs can often cause a dull ache or sharp upper or lower chest pain. In severe cases of pneumonia, the lung can collapse, causing a serious or even life-threatening situation.
A condition affecting the lungs known as pleurisy can sometimes cause sore throat and chest pain. The major difference between this condition and pneumonia is that pleurisy is not an infection of the lung, but an irritation of the layers or sheaths that cover the lung tissue. In some circumstances, it may be difficult to tell if the chest pain is a result of existing pneumonia or pleurisy. A chest x-ray may be recommended in such a case.
Strep throat is a common ailment in school-aged children. Adults can develop strep as well, typically contracting it from an infected individual or by touching a contaminated surface. Treatable with antibiotics, this throat infection typically starts with a sore throat, fever, and body aches. Chest pain is typically not as common, but can occur if the infection spreads, however.
Chronic bronchitis, which is a lifelong or recurring condition, can often cause sore throat and chest pain. This is generally from a deep cough and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Smokers are prone to this condition and over time may develop a constant cough, also known as “smoker’s cough.” Hoarseness, with or without a sore throat, is common in individuals who have acute bronchitis. This typically lasts for several weeks.