Sore throat – causes, symptoms, treatment. Home remedies for a sore throat

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A sore throat is a common condition that can have many causes, from viruses to infections and bacteria, and in some cases it can even be cancer. You should carefully monitor the course of the disease and see a doctor if you have a persistent sore throat. There are a number of home remedies to help ease a troublesome sore throat. What does a sore throat mean? What’s the best remedy for a sore throat?

Sore throat – what is it?

A sore throat is a common condition that can be a consequence of many factors. The symptoms accompanying the infection are: increased body temperature, pain, cough, runny nose, often muscle aches and general breakdown. Although a sore throat is associated mainly with colds or strep throat, it can also accompany other ailments, such as scarlet fever, gingivitis, measles or smallpox.

A sore throat sometimes makes work difficult and, in addition to discomfort, worsens the well-being. The disease is not pleasant, so we are always looking for the best treatment method. The pace of today’s life does not allow us to lie in bed and recover from the common cold.

Sore throat – causes

A sore throat can be triggered by many factors: viruses, bacteria, fungi. Below you will find out about the main causes of a sore throat.

Viral infections – viruses cause about 90 percent of sore throats. Among the viruses that cause a sore throat are:

1. cold virus,
2. flu virus
3. mononucleosis – an infectious disease transmitted through saliva,
4. measles, a disease causing rash and fever
5. chicken pox – an infection that causes fever and an itchy bumpy rash
6. mumps – an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands in the neck.

Bacterial infections – bacterial infections are one of the leading causes of sore throats. It is most commonly caused by streptococci, namely Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Bacterial tonsillitis and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat.

Allergy – when the immune system reacts to allergens (pollen, grass and pet hair), it releases chemicals that cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing and throat irritation. The excess mucus in the nose can run down the back of the throat – this can irritate the throat.

Dry air – dry air can “suck” moisture out of the mouth and throat, causing a feeling of dryness and scratching. Make sure that the air is properly humidified in the rooms where you stay most often.

Smoke, chemicals and other irritants – many different chemicals and other substances in the environment irritate the throat, including:

1. cigarette smoke,
2. air pollution,
3. cleaning products and other chemicals.

Throat Injury – any trauma, such as a blow or cut to the neck, can cause a sore throat. If a piece of food gets stuck in the throat, it can also irritate it.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The acid irritates the gullet and throat, causing symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux – the backflow of acid into the throat.

Throat tumor – a tumor of the throat, larynx or tongue is a less common cause of a sore throat.

HIV infection – a sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes develop early after HIV infection. In addition, an HIV-infected person may have chronic or recurrent sore throats from a fungal infection called oral thrush or from a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with weakened immune systems.

For a sore throat try Linden Flower Premium ™ – respiratory health support – a dietary supplement available in the form of capsules.

Also read: Malignant neoplasms of the throat – everything you need to know about them

Symptoms of a sore throat

A sore throat caused by bacteria can be clearly severe, with a high temperature, the throat is very red, and the tonsils are usually swollen. When a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed, it is advisable to use antibiotics for the entire time recommended by the doctor, and not only until the symptoms disappear.

For a sore throat, it is worth using RENTAL – a herbal tea that has a soothing and expectorant effect. You can buy tea at Medonet Market.

If a sore throat is protracted, accompanied by hoarseness, difficulty and pain upon swallowing, a feeling of a foreign body – it is essential to see a doctor to rule out a developing malignant neoplasm of the throat. It is one of the rarer cancers but has a high mortality rate.

Do you need an e-Prescription? Use the online medical consultation option at any time of the day or night. Register now and you will receive the e-prescription even on the same day.

Also check: Benign neoplasms of the throat – all information

Sore throat – risk factors

While anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make us more prone to it. Some of them are:

1. age – children and teens are most at risk of having a sore throat. Children between the ages of 3 and 15 are also more likely to develop bacterial pharyngitis,
2. exposure to tobacco smoke – active smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and larynx,
3. allergies – seasonal allergies or constant allergic reactions to dust, mold or pet hair increase the likelihood of a sore throat,
4. exposure to chemical irritants – particles in the air resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels and common household chemicals may cause throat irritation,
5. chronic or frequent sinus infections – runny mucus from the nose can irritate the throat or spread an infection
6.  clusters of people – viral and bacterial infections easily spread wherever people congregate, be it in kindergartens, nurseries, classrooms, offices or on airplanes,
7. weakened immunity – you are more prone to infections if your immunity is weakened. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy, stress, fatigue, and a poor diet.

Sore throat – when to see a doctor?

A sore throat from a viral infection usually goes away within two to seven days. However, if your sore throat continues and is accompanied by any of the symptoms below, see your doctor:

1. trouble swallowing
2. difficulty breathing or pain when breathing
3. difficulty opening mouth
4. arthralgia,
5. fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius,
6. a painful or stiff neck
7. ear ache,
8. blood in saliva or phlegm
9. a sore throat that lasts more than a week.

Sore throat – how to treat?

Treating a sore throat is by managing the symptoms by taking antipyretics to stop a runny nose, sore throat and cough. These drugs are available in the form of tablets, lozenges, sprays or syrups. Try, for example, Propolia BeeYes refreshing propolis lozenges with honey and eucalyptus, which have an anesthetic and cooling effect, and heal irritations,

However, it is contraindicated to take typical antibiotics as they do not show antiviral efficacy.

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria such as throat streptococci. To prevent more serious complications (pneumonia, bronchitis), take antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis.

As an aid to treating a sore throat, try Linden Flower, which can be brewed or made into tea.

Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic course of about 10 days. It is important to take all the medication (complete treatment, blister pack, suspension bottle) even if you feel better. Stopping an antibiotic too soon may leave some bacteria alive and you may get sick again.

Lozenges containing ivy and plantain can help for a sore throat. They can be used for bronchitis. We also recommend the supplement Mirra and propolis for the throat without sugar Herbal Monasterium, which relieves pain and reduces inflammation.

1. See: Treatment of bronchitis

Sore throat – home remedies

Here are some home remedies that can help ease an unpleasant sore throat.

Gargling with salt water – it is a great method to eliminate bacteria from the body, you should mix a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Then the patient should rinse the sore throat several times a day. A little honey will not hurt either.

Honey is the solution to all problems – dissolve it (lime is recommended) in boiled and cooled water. In order for its properties to be fully utilized, the water should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Onion syrup – surely everyone remembers it from their childhood, when our mothers used to prepare onion syrup for every cold. To create a syrup, it is necessary to cut the onion finely, sprinkle it with sugar, and then cover it and put it back in a warm place. The juice that is released is used not only for a sore throat, but also for other infections.

Herbal teas – they will not harm you, most of them contain linden or elderberry flowers and raspberries. Their action is anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic – it helps to warm up and thus recover faster. Likewise, licorice and fennel soothe the throat.

You can find them in Throat Comfort Bio Yogi Tea, which you can buy at Medonet Market at an attractive price.

You can also try Birch Leaf or Black Mallow Flower, which are available in dried form. It is brewed to prepare a herbal tea that supports the condition of the throat. The throat and immunity are also positively influenced by rose and bergamot, which you will find in the organic herbal tea Idyllic aromas. A hoarseness tea composed of mallow and thyme herb, plantain leaves, lungwort and coltsfoot, mallow flower, pine buds, meadowsweet root, and soapwort rhizomes also soothes the throat and vocal cords.

Garlic – it is called a natural antibiotic, we can also make syrup from it. To do this, crush 30 cloves of garlic, add lemon juice (1 kg), 1 liter of boiled water and a few tablespoons of honey. After mixing these ingredients, a syrup is formed, which should be drunk three times a day, one tablespoon. In addition, you can use finely chopped garlic for sandwiches. Thanks to its properties, it allows you to quickly fight infection.

Inhalations – a well-known way to fight a sore throat. For their preparation, you can use a few drops of an oil, e.g. menthol. In addition to clearing the throat, inhalations have a calming effect.

Air humidification – it is especially important in the winter season, when the rooms are constantly warmed up and the air is dry. Try to ventilate the rooms (to get rid of bacteria) in which you are staying or use air humidifiers. Aromatic oils can also be used.

Apple cider vinegar and water – you should mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water, and then gargle with the prepared mixture several times a day. Attention! After each rinsing with this mixture, rinse your mouth with clean water.

Beet juice – also suitable for gargling. You should mix one glass of beetroot juice with 1 tablespoon of apple or wine vinegar. Gargle your throat with this mixture up to 10 times a day.

Gargling with an infusion of sage, oak bark or chamomile. You can also drink the Immunity infusion – freeze-dried organic tea with sage, elderberry, calendula and thyme in the composition.

Drink plenty of fluids – it is important to hydrate the affected organism regularly. If you don’t like drinking just water, you can add honey, ginger or lemon.

Throat heating – you can simply put on a scarf or use a hot water bottle, such as a Loffme cherry stone and lavender hot water bottle, which, when warmed up, will relieve your throat.

Sore throat – how to prevent it?

The best way to prevent a sore throat is to avoid the germs that cause it and to follow good hygiene practices. Follow these tips and teach your child to do this:

1. wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after sneezing or coughing,
2. avoid sharing food, glasses or dishes,
3. cough or sneeze into a handkerchief and throw it away
4. use alcohol-based disinfectants as an alternative to washing your hands when there is no soap and water available.
5. regularly clean telephones, TV remote controls and computer keyboards with disinfectant. Clean telephones and remote controls in hotel rooms when traveling,
6. avoid close contact with sick people.

Also read:

1. Viral sore throat
2. What about a sore throat? It all depends on the cause
3. Sore throat when swallowing. What could be the reason?

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