Do you have a sore throat too? Things you can do at home for a sore throat

A sore throat is a very annoying health problem that we often experience. The feeling of a scratchy throat when we wake up in the morning, the pain when we swallow food, or when we drink water... We've all experienced this feeling, right? So, today we'll talk about why this sore throat occurs, how we can get relief from it at home, and when it's time to see a doctor.

What exactly is a sore throat?

Simply put, a sore throat is an inflammation of the back of our throat, the pharynx. Just like when our skin is injured , it becomes red, swollen, and painful. There are two main reasons for this. 1. Viral Infections : It is similar to the common cold and flu that we usually get. Most sore throats are caused by a virus. Such a viral infection usually clears up on its own within a few days. 2. Bacterial Infections: This is a little different. We call a sore throat caused by the bacteria `( Streptococcus pyogenes)` `(Strep throat)`. In this case, you definitely need to take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

Other causes of sore throat

Aside from viruses and bacteria, a sore throat can be caused by several other reasons.

• Acid reflux: Acid from the stomach can travel up the esophagus and irritate the throat, causing a burning sensation and pain.
• Allergies : Allergies to things like dust, pollen , mold, and animal dander can cause a scratchy and sore throat.
• Dry air: The dryness in the air, especially when you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, can cause a dry and sore throat.
• Things that are harmful to the throat: Smoking, air pollution, spicy foods , and alcohol can damage the delicate tissues of the throat and cause pain.
• Muscle strain: Continuous shouting and loud singing can cause the muscles in the throat to become tired and sore.
• Other medical conditions: A sore throat can occur as a symptom of immune-suppressing diseases such as HIV, and rarely, throat cancer.

Home remedies for sore throat

Simple things you can do at home can provide great relief from viral sore throats, which are often caused by viruses.

Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.

This is the most important thing. Giving your body a good rest will help you recover from the illness faster. Also, drink plenty of fluids like water, hot water, porridge, and chicken soup. This will help prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. But don't drink coffee, tea (with caffeine), and alcohol. They can dehydrate your body even more.

Gargle with salt water

This is a very simple, yet very effective method. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. Salt water reduces swelling in the throat, helps flush out the virus, and helps remove mucus that is stuck in the throat.

Honey is a great medicine.

Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties . It also makes your throat feel great. Add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lime to a cup of hot water and drink it slowly.

Things that soothe the throat

• Lozenges: You can buy lozenges from pharmacies that are designed to soothe the throat and provide temporary relief. The menthol in these lozenges can provide a tingling sensation in the throat, which can provide relief.
• Ice cubes or ice pops: Sucking on an ice cube or ice pop can also help relieve a sore throat.

Humidity and cleanliness of the air

Using a humidifier in your room can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air and reduce the risk of a dry throat. Alternatively, you can also sit in a steamy bathroom with hot water for a few minutes. Also, stay away from smoke and harsh chemicals.

What do you do for a child's sore throat?

Children can also do many of the above-mentioned activities, but there are a few things to be aware of depending on their age.

When to see a doctor

If your sore throat doesn't improve after two or three days of home treatment, or if you have any of the following symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor. These could be signs of a bacterial infection (Strep throat).

• If you have a high fever .
• If the lymph nodes in the front of the neck are swollen .
• If there is severe pain when swallowing .
• If there are small red spots inside the mouth and on the roof of the mouth.
• If the tonsil stones are very red and swollen .

In this case, the doctor will take a throat swab from the back of the throat to check for a bacterial infection. If it is, they will prescribe antibiotics for about 10 days. It is important to finish the entire course of medication, even if the pain is less severe.

When to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)

If you or your child has any of the following serious symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• If you have difficulty breathing .
• If it is too difficult to swallow food and drink .
• If there is excessive salivation (especially in children), difficulty speaking , or pain that makes it difficult to turn the neck.
• If the pain lasts more than a few days.

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