Table 4.

Descriptors consistently used by respondents to indicate how their throat feels during periods of discomfort

Cause of throat discomfort	Descriptors
Common cold/influenza	Hurts to swallow
	Irritated
	Dry
Other bacteria/virus	Hurts to swallow
	Inflamed
	Irritated
Talking/shouting	Painful to talk
	Husky
	Dry
Hot and dry indoor conditions	Dry
	Tickly
	Irritated
Dust or other outdoor conditions	Dry
	Tickly
	Irritated
Air conditioning	Dry
	Tickly
	Irritated
Passive smoking or smoking	Dry
	Irritated
	Tickly
	Husky
Snoring	Dry
	Husky
	Irritated
Sudden changes in temperature	Hurts to swallow
	Irritated
	Tickly