A Sore Throat is normally a symptom of a viral or occasionally bacterial infection. It can be caused by the viruses responsible for colds and flu-like illnesses. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat a virus.
Sometimes a sore throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This is sometimes called a ‘strep’ throat. Your body will normally fight off the infection within a week without the need for medical treatment. But if the sore throat is caused by bacteria, you may benefit from antibiotics.
Few Common causes of a sore throat
A sore throat is often a symptom of:
- Coldsor flu: you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches
- Laryngitis: you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat
- Tonsillitis: you may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing and a fever
- Strep throat: you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis.
Treatments for a sore throat
The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat:
- Take ibuprofenor paracetamol – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can’t take ibuprofen (note that children under 16 should never take aspirin)
- One must drink plenty of fluids, and avoid hot drinks like tea or coffee
- Eat cool, soft foods
- Avoid smoking and smoky places
- Gargle with a homemade mouthwash of warm, salty water
Home remedies for sore throat
- Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort: Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (240 mL) of warm water.
- Prevent dehydration. Fluids can greatly help in thinning of secretions and soothe the throat. Hot fluids, such as tea, hot coffee or soup, may help decrease throat irritation.
- Lemon- You can use fresh lemons to get relief from a sore throat as they help remove mucus. Lemons are known as best home treatment for sore throat. Try hot lemonade with honey. Also, you can try a mixture of half lemon and one teaspoon of honey in one cup of warm water. And Sip it slowly.
- Apple cider vinegar is also helpful in treating a sore throat due to its antibacterial properties. you can simply add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of lemon juice and some honey to a cup of warm water and drink it slowly. You can even create gargle solution with ACV, by mixing one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water. Gargle with it several times a day.
