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A sore throat can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Each of them is treated in different ways. What about a sore throat? Check what substances should be in the medicines for each infection and what are the home remedies for a sore throat.
Sore throat – causes
The most common cause is inflammation from a viral infection. It is not dangerous, it lasts for several days. It can be caused by viruses in the air, contact with a sick person, but also a cold (including air conditioning). Bacterial and fungal infections can become dangerous. Especially in cases where it is long-lasting. The causes of this type of disease may be infection with pyogenic bacteria from the group of streptococci or Candida albicans fungi. It is difficult to distinguish the cause and should be consulted with a doctor.
A sore throat can also be a symptom of other diseases:
- infectious mononucleosis,
- angina,
- diphtheria,
- measles and smallpox,
- tooth decay, gingivitis,
- scarlet fever.
It is the most common cause of the disease. It manifests itself as pain when swallowing, even of saliva. The patient’s throat is red, slightly swollen, irritated, and the almonds are enlarged. There may be increased temperature, hoarseness, stinging in the throat and general malaise, weakness of the body. When a virus is the cause of a sore throat, it should not be treated with antibiotics. Better and more effective methods are commonly available medicines for a sore throat in the form of tablets, aerosols or syrup.
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Sore throat – a bacterial infection
Bacterial infection is rarer than viral and therefore more dangerous. It manifests itself with high fever, significant enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes, purulent coating on the tonsils and pain radiating to the ear. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhea may appear. In this case, the only form of treatment is antibiotic therapy. If left untreated, bacterial infection has serious consequences, such as pneumonia, heart, kidney and joint diseases.
Sore throat – fungal infection
It is the rarest cause of a sore throat. Fungi are responsible for the fungal infection Candida albicans. In this case, the pain is accompanied by a cough, brown discharge from the throat, and an unpleasant smell. The patient has the impression that there is still something on the throat. The infection is treated with antifungal agents (in the form of antibiotics). The treatment process is more complicated and time-consuming than in the case of viral and bacterial infections.
Home remedies for a sore throat
The so-called home ways. With viral infection, it is recommended to gargle with sage or chamomile, as they have antibacterial and soothing properties. The decoction can also be drunk. A less pleasant-tasting mix may be boiled water with salt or soda, but here you should be careful not to add too much salt / soda. In excessive amounts, they can cause irritation. It is recommended to gargle 3-4 times a day.
An alternative is also homemade onion syrup. However, this method requires prior preparation. A sore throat can also be relieved by heat. Warm compresses or tea with honey and lemon are helpful. In a situation where the ailment persists for a long time (more than a week), a medical consultation is necessary, because the cause may be bacteria or fungi.
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Over-the-counter throat medications
If you decide to use over-the-counter medications, read their ingredients. The substances that may be included in the composition are:
• antibacterial: chlorheksydyna,
• anti-inflammatory: flurbiprofen, choline salicylate, benzydamine,
• analgesic: Lidokaina, benzokaina.
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