Any substance that irritates the mucous membrane of the throat and mouth can cause a sore throat.
Viruses, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, dust, cigarettes, exhaust fumes, hot drinks or food, tooth or gum infections can sometimes involve the throat, trauma or foreign bodies such as fish spines or chicken bones stuck in the throat, chronic coughing, extremely dry conditions, gastro-oesophageal reflux and speaking too loudly or for too long can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat.
In addition, tumours in the throat, which can manifest as a sore throat in the early stages, can be accompanied by a foreign body sensation as well as hoarseness.