When one suffers a sore throat with no fever, there may be a number of causes at hand. The most common reason a person without a fever may have a sore throat is due to a viral infection. Bacterial infections can also be a culprit, as well as environmental toxins, allergies, and other sources of inflammation.
To establish whether or not an infection is the cause of a sore throat with no fever, testing for other symptoms is usually conducted. Infections are often associated with redness of the throat, severe pain, and stiffness of the neck. Fever may or may not be present during an infection. Hence, if a fever is not present, a physician should still be seen if pain persists for more than three days.
The common cold can also cause a sore throat, but often won’t cause a fever. Other symptoms that may be present in such cases include cough, runny nose, and mild muscle weakness. Other conditions that may cause sore throat and cough include croup, asthma, and exposure to cigarette smoke, or environmental toxins. A cough itself may also cause sore throat with no fever.
Several critical conditions can lead to sore throat. These can include tonsillitis, emphysema, and many other conditions. If symptoms persist for more than three days, or are accompanied by a sore throat and rash, bloody saliva, or difficulty breathing, a physician should be contacted.
People with allergies, particularly hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, may experience sore throat with no fever several times a year, or throughout the year. This uncomfortable symptom, caused by a pollen allergy, often exists in conjunction with a postnasal drip, or sinus drainage. Repeatedly switching from a hot to cold environment, such as summer heat and air conditioning, may also lead to a sore throat.
Sore throat causes can include heavy use of the vocal chords. This may occur during or after cheering, such as at a sports venue or pep rally. Some people, such as teachers or aerobics instructors, may experience these symptoms through regular work activities. This activity can also lead to temporary loss of voice, such as laryngitis.
Many people with sore throat feel the most pain in the morning upon waking. Conditions often improve throughout the day. Sore throat lozenges may be purchased over the counter to help alleviate the irritation. Many people prefer to drink hot beverages, such as tea with honey, to soothe sore throat as well. Drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with saltwater, using commercial throat sprays, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes may also help lessen the symptoms of sore throat.