Health Tip: What's Behind a Sore Throat?

(HealthDay News) -- A sore throat is among the most common medical maladies. But it shouldn't be ignored, since a sore throat could represent a harmless problem or a serious illness such as strep throat.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says possible causes of a sore throat include:

• A virus, such as the flu or common cold.
• A bacterial infection.
• An allergy.
• Dry air.
• Air pollution.
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.