Sore Throat: Causes, Home Remedies, and Everything You Need to Know!

Do you feel a scratchy, scratchy feeling in your throat when you wake up in the morning? Does your throat hurt when you swallow something? In fact, a sore throat is a very common health problem that we often experience. This is especially common during times of illness like colds and flu. Most of the time, this is not a big problem, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a serious illness. Therefore, let's be aware of this sore throat.

What is this sore throat?

Another medical name for our throat is the pharynx. That is why a sore throat is sometimes called pharyngitis . Simply put, a sore throat can come in two main forms: 1. Acute sore throat: This is the type that starts suddenly and gets better within a few days. This condition usually goes away in 3 to 10 days. Most often, the cause is a minor illness like a cold or flu. 2. Chronic sore throat: If a sore throat lasts for weeks, or if it gets better and then comes back again, it belongs to this type. Also, its nature varies depending on the area of ​​the throat that is affected. Think about it like this...

• Tonsillitis : This is when the two tonsils on either side of the throat become swollen and painful.
• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which produces our voice, causes a sore throat and hoarseness.
• Epiglottitis: This is a serious condition. It is a bacterial infection that causes the epiglottis, a small flap that covers the windpipe, to swell. This can cause difficulty breathing and requires emergency treatment.
• Croup: This is a viral infection that often affects young children. It causes swelling of the larynx and trachea.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

A sore throat can be accompanied by several other symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

What are the causes of a sore throat?

There are many reasons why a sore throat can occur. Let's look at some of the main ones.

Viral infections

This is the most common cause . A sore throat is a very common symptom of viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and chickenpox.

Bacterial infections

As well as viruses, bacteria can also cause throat infections. The most common type of bacteria is Streptococcus (Group A Streptococcus). We call this "strep throat" for short. It is a bit more serious than a viral infection. Tonsil infections and sinus infections can sometimes be caused by bacteria.

Allergies

Some people can also get a sore throat due to allergies. If you are allergic to things like house dust, animal dander, or pollen, you may start to have postnasal drip (mucus that runs down your nose). This mucus can build up in your throat and cause a sore throat. Also, your throat can become dry and sore because you breathe through your mouth when your nose is blocked.

Acid reflux (GERD)

This is when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus into the throat, causing a burning sensation and pain. If you experience chest pain, hoarseness, or a feeling of something stuck in your throat, GERD may be the cause. Imagine going to bed after eating a big meal at night and feeling sore in the morning.

Smoking and exposure to smoke

Smoking and being around people who smoke can damage the delicate lining of the throat and cause pain. Smoking also greatly increases the risk of throat, tongue, and mouth cancers.

Other reasons

• Dry air: When the humidity in the air decreases, especially when you are in AC rooms, your throat can become dry and sore.
• Mouth breathing: When you breathe through your mouth at night while sleeping, your throat becomes dry.
• Air pollution: Chemicals in things like vehicle exhaust and factory smoke are harmful to the throat.
• Spicy foods : Eating excessively spicy, chili-rich foods can cause a sore throat.
• Throat strain: When you shout loudly, speak loudly, or sing (for example, shouting at a cricket match), the muscles in your throat can become tired and sore.
• Cancer: Very rarely, cancerous conditions in the throat or tongue can also cause a persistent sore throat.

How does the doctor diagnose the disease?

When you go to the doctor, the first thing he or she will do is examine your throat with a small flashlight. He or she will also look at your ears and nose. Then, they will feel your neck and look for any swelling. If the doctor suspects that you have a bacterial infection like strep throat, he or she will take a sample from your throat. This is called a throat swab . This involves gently rubbing a long Q-tip-like device against the back of your throat. The sample is then tested to see if the bacteria are present. Some tests (rapid antigen tests) can give results in just a few minutes.

What are the treatments for a sore throat?

Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. However, there are things we can do to reduce the pain during that time.

Simple remedies you can do at home

• Rest: Resting your body gives your immune system the strength to fight the disease.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids like water, soup, and porridge. This will keep your throat moist and reduce pain. Stay away from coffee, tea (especially black tea), and alcohol, as they can dehydrate your body .
• Drink something warm:Drinking ginger tea with a little honey and coriander water is very good for the throat. But do not give honey to babies under one year old.
• Gargle with salt water: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle with that water several times a day. This will reduce swelling in the throat.
• Eat/drink something cold: Eating something like an ice pack or ice cream can help reduce sore throat inflammation and swelling.
• Stay away from things that are harmful to your throat: Stay away from smoke, spicy foods, and very hot drinks these days.

Medicines that can be taken on the advice of a doctor

• Painkillers: For fever and pain, you can take medicines like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as directed by your doctor. Do not give Aspirin to children and young people.
• Antibiotics: Your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection (like strep throat). If prescribed, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed for the full prescribed period. Don't stop taking it just because you feel better.
• Allergy medication: If the cause is an allergy, antihistamines can help.
• Medication for GERD: If the cause is GERD, the doctor will prescribe antacids or other medications that are appropriate for that.

When should you see a doctor?

A common sore throat will get better in a few days. However, if you have any of the symptoms below, you should definitely see a doctor.

How can you prevent a sore throat?

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after sneezing and coughing.
• Avoid touching your face: Our hands carry germs. When we touch our eyes, nose, and mouth with those hands, germs can enter our body.
• Don't share your utensils with others: Items like cups, spoons, and forks can spread germs.
• Stay away from people who are sick: It's wise to stay away from people who are sick, especially those with a fever or cold. If you are sick, stay home and rest.
• Get the right vaccinations: Get vaccinated on time to protect yourself from viruses like influenza and COVID-19.

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