Throat infections are caused by a variety of bacterium, viruses and sometimes fungi. Symptoms of a throat infection include pain, soreness, scratchiness, trouble swallowing and fever. Many throat infections are contagious and may cause other symptoms characteristic of the infectious agent. Treatment depends on the underlying infection.
Bacterial Infection
Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection of the throat, according to the National Institutes of Health. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat such an infection. In addition to typical symptoms of throat illness, the glands in the neck can become swollen or tender, a rash may appear on the body and lesions may form on the tonsils with the strep bacteria.
Viral Infection
Numerous viruses can cause throat infection. The National Institutes of Health points out that most throat infections are caused by a virus. Common viruses include coxsackivirus, mononucleosis and the influenza viruses. Sometimes the throat infection is caused by these viruses or the throat discomfort is just a symptom of the underlying illness. Many viral infections have symptoms that set them apart from other infections. Coxsackivirus is the most common cause of hand, foot and mouth disease. This illness causes blistering in the throat, on the hands and on the feet. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, so treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the illness.
Fungi
The most common fungal infection of the throat is caused by yeast, a group of fungus. This type of infection can affect anyone, but it is most likely to occur in babies or those with a weakened immune system. Yeasts exist naturally in the body, but when they overproduce the result can be an infection. One type of throat fungus infection is called oral thrush, caused by the candida albicans yeast. This infection is characterized by creamy white lesions that can appear on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils or the back of the throat. An oral antifungal medication is prescribed to treat this infection.
