What is a Sore Throat? || Dr. Abida Sultana

Sore Throat is also called Pharyngitis . Which is due to inflammation in our pharynx. This kind of problem is seen in the throat due to the infection of cold and flu (influenza) germs. Many times due to sore throat there is difficulty in swallowing, dry itchy throat or difficulty in swallowing food.

Causes of Sore Throat

Many factors are responsible for sore throat including viral illnesses such as cold, flu, other viral illnesses such as measles, chicken pox. Bacterial infections, such as streptococcal infection (Mainly Group A), tonsillitis and diphtheria also cause sore throat. Besides, throat pain can also be caused by other reasons such as: allergy related problems, dry weather, smoking, eating more spicy food, stress on throat muscles, HIV infection, and throat tumor due to alcohol consumption etc.

Sore Throat Symptoms

A sore throat mainly causes some of the following signs and symptoms. For example-

• Throat may become scratchy, itchy and even swollen.

• Sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.

• Pain in oral cavity, pharyngeal inflammation.

• Pain in the throat may be felt while breathing, swallowing or speaking.

• Palate pain and sometimes swelling of the palate.

• Sore throat due to cold can be accompanied by body aches, runny nose, cough, sneezing and fever.

• Phlegm accumulates near the throat but does not come out, there may be dry cough, hoarse voice.

Different symptoms of sore throat

If the sore throat becomes severe, the following symptoms may occur, including swollen tonsils. As soon as the following symptoms appear, you should go to the doctor and get medical treatment.

• Difficulty swallowing or eating food.

• Recurrent sore throat.

• Vomiting.

• Appearance of rashes in different parts of the body.

• Excessive headache.

• Sore throat becoming fatal.

• Swollen and reddened tonsils in the throat.

• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit in children under 6 months of age and up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit in adults.

• Sometimes there may also be pus in the throat or tonsils.

Who is more at risk of sore throat?

The following people are most likely to develop a sore throat.

• Children and adolescents who are more exposed to dust and sand.

• Those who smoke or are indirectly exposed to it such as those who live in close proximity to smokers.

• Those who have dust and sand allergy problems.

• Those exposed to household fuels and chemicals.

• Those with long-standing sinus problems.

• Those who live close together For example in classroom, office etc. If one person has a problem here, it quickly spreads to others.

• Besides, people with low immune system are also more prone to this problem.

Remedy:

By following the following rules, we can easily stay away from this sore throat problem. For example-

• Avoid drinking water directly from the refrigerator.

• Avoid sharing food and items used by others such as glasses, plates, napkins, or towels.

• Avoid using telephones or mobiles used by others.

• Avoid touching jugs or glasses of the same water with mouth.

• Regularly clean telephone, TV remote and computer keyboard.

• Try to stay away from the sick person as much as possible.

• If the climate of the house is dry, it should be humidified.

• Sneezes or coughs must be cleaned regularly, including using a clean tissue.

• Stay away from smoking or contact with people who smoke.

• Drink plenty of fluids like hot tea, water and fruit juice.

• Gargling a glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt is very beneficial.

• Cold problems can be cooled by mixing a glass of very hot water with honey and lemon and then drinking it.

• Try to talk as little as possible.

• Patient should take adequate rest at home till recovery.

Sore throat treatment

In most cases, a sore throat usually gets better after a week or so. However, if the prevalence is high, some tests such as throat culture and other physical tests may be necessary. Knowing the type of disease, regular medicine should be taken according to the advice and instructions of the doctor. In addition, adequate liquid intake, adequate and extra Antibiotics may also be required in many cases.

Sore throat is a normal physical problem. Almost everyone suffers from this problem. We can have a sore throat at different times and for different reasons. So one should try to stay away from this problem by living properly along with being careful.

Home Remedies for Sore Throat:

Take steam- while taking steam you can take steam with basil leaves, mint leaves in water. It will relax the throat. Itchy throat, cough will also go away.

Honey-Cloves-Cloves can be dried in the sun and powdered or mixed with honey mixed with clove powder and consumed three times a day. But you will get benefits quickly. Sore throat will decrease.

Pepper- to reduce any pain, inflammation but the pairing of pepper is great. So grind ginger, basil, pepper, raw turmeric and boil it with tea leaves. It will not only reduce the infection but also soothe the throat. You can drink this tea three times a day.

Gargle- Take a spoonful of turmeric, little salt in a glass of water and boil it well for 5 minutes. Now gargle with that water. Gargling at least three to four times a day will give good results. Pain, infection will reduce a lot.