A sore throat, pain when swallowing, difficulty speaking... We've all experienced this. A sore throat is a very uncomfortable thing. Simply put, it occurs when the back of our throat, the pharynx, becomes inflamed. Just like the common cold, most sore throats are caused by a virus. So it usually goes away on its own in a few days. But sometimes it can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
What causes a sore throat?
Let's first talk about how this happens. The two main causes are viruses and bacteria.
- Viral Infections: This is the most common type of infection among us. The same viruses that cause colds and flu are responsible for this. Antibiotics will not help with a sore throat caused by a viral infection. Our body's immune system must heal itself. Usually, when it's cold, we stay indoors more, so these viruses spread more easily. They are spread through droplets that are released into the air when we cough or sneeze.
- Bacterial Infections: This is a little different. ``Strep throat`` is the name given to this type of bacterial infection. The bacteria ``Streptococcus pyogenes`` is the cause. In this case, you should definitely take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
In addition to these two main causes, there are several other causes of a sore throat.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Acid reflux | Stomach acid can cause a burning sensation in the delicate tissues of the throat. |
| Allergies | Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander can cause an itchy and sore throat. |
| Dry air | Especially when staying in air-conditioned rooms, the low humidity in the air can cause a dry and sore throat. |
| Smoking and smoke | Inhaling things like smoking, vehicle exhaust, and chemicals can cause throat irritation. |
| Muscle soreness in the throat | When you scream or sing for a long time, the muscles in your throat can become tired and painful. |
| Other medical conditions | A sore throat can also be a symptom of serious conditions, such as HIV infection and throat cancer. |
Other symptoms that accompany a sore throat
In addition to a sore throat, you may also have these symptoms:
- Body pain and weakness
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Tonsil swelling
- Sotu
- Scratchiness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Vomiting
In particular, remember that a sore throat can also be a symptom of COVID-19. However, it is not as common as fever and cough. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has it, be sure to get tested and self-quarantine until you get your results.
What treatments can be done at home?
The good news is that there are many simple home remedies for a common sore throat caused by a virus. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
Rest is very important for the body at this time. Also, drink warm drinks like water, hot water, coriander, ginger tea regularly. Even drinking something like chicken soup is very good. These will prevent dehydration and keep the throat moist. However , things like coffee and alcohol are not good at this time at all , because they can dehydrate the body even more.
2. Gargle with salt water
This is a very effective method that many people know. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water and gargle with it. Do this several times a day. What happens here is that the salt draws fluid from the swollen tissues in the throat, helping to wash out the virus. It also helps to loosen the mucus in the throat.
3. Painkillers and lozenges
If the pain is unbearable, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. There are also numbing sprays available. However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Sucking on lozenges for sore throats can also provide relief. The menthol in these lozenges temporarily numbs the throat and reduces pain.
4. Honey - a natural herb
Yes, honey is a great remedy for a sore throat. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties . Drinking a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lime will provide great relief.
Warning: Do not give honey to babies under one year of age for any reason . Honey can sometimes contain spores of the bacteria `(Clostridium)`. If these enter the baby's body, a dangerous disease called `(infant botulism)` may occur.
5. Add moisture to the air
If the air in the room is dry, it can make your throat even more sore. If you can, use a humidifier. Alternatively, turning on the hot water tap in the bathroom and breathing in the steam for a few minutes can also help.
When should you see a doctor?
Although a common viral sore throat will go away in a few days, you should definitely see a doctor if you develop certain symptoms. These could be signs of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
| Symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Fever | Having a high fever. |
| 🔴 Tonsil swelling and redness | The tonsils are red, swollen, and may have white spots visible. |
| 😣 Difficulty swallowing | If you can't swallow even a drop of saliva due to severe pain. |
| Swollen lymph nodes | Swelling of the lymph nodes in the front of the neck. |
| 👄 Red spots on the mouth | Small red spots appear on the roof of the mouth. |
In such cases, the doctor will take a swab from the back of your throat and test it to see if it is a bacterial infection. If it is, he will prescribe antibiotics for about 10 days. Even if you feel better in two or three days, it is important to finish the entire course of medication prescribed.
How to take care of small children?
Many of the things that are done for adults can also be done for young children.
- Giving hot liquids (e.g. soup).
- Eating ice cubes or ice pops.
- Gargle with salt water (if the child can do it).
- Giving a lozenge to children over 4 years of age to suck.
But you need to be very careful when giving medicine to children:
- Never give aspirin to children.
- Only acetaminophen (e.g. paracetamol) can be given to babies under 6 months of age.
- Children over 6 months of age can be given a pediatric pain reliever such as `(Acetaminophen)` or `(Ibuprofen)`.
- Do not give any cough or cold medicine to children under 4 years of age without medical advice. For children over 4 years of age, consult your doctor and give the appropriate dosage for the child's weight and age.
When should you go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)?
If you or your child has any of the following serious symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you have severe difficulty breathing or swallowing .
- If there is excessive salivation from the mouth.
- If it is difficult to speak.
- If there is too much pain to turn the neck (especially for children).
Take-Home Message
- Most sore throats are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't help.
- Sore throats usually heal on their own within 4-5 days.
- Simple home remedies like resting, drinking warm fluids, gargling with salt water, and honey can provide great relief.
- If you have symptoms like a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or a swollen neck, be sure to see a doctor.
- Avoid giving honey to babies under one year old. Be very careful about age and dosage when giving medicine to children.
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