Causes:
Anything that irritates and dries the mucous membranes at the back of your throat and mouth can lead to a sore throat. This includes abrasions, allergies, chemical irritants (including household cleaners), chronic coughing, dry heat, dust, fumes, hot food or drink, loud cheering / screaming / talking, misdirected stomach acids, and tobacco smoke. Infection can also lead to a sore throat. Various culprits include a cold or flu virus, bacterial infections of the gum, nose, and teeth, and Streptococcus infection, i.e., strep throat.
A hot throat with phlegm usually indicates the presence of a cold or flu virus while dry, raspy throats are the result of allergies, chemical or pollutant exposure, or strained vocal chords.
Food allergies can also reveal themselves as a constant tickle in your throat or chronic, irritating cough.
