Sore throat- How to get rid of it?

What is a sore throat?

When you wake up in the morning with an itchy sensation in the throat, coupled with pain and dryness, you might have the “SORE THROAT”. SORE THROAT can be a standalone ailment or a part of a larger condition. It is common in children during the autumn and winter seasons. According to research, it accounts for about 4% of all GP visits. Though it’s not cause for major concern, it’s important to understand it and how to alleviate its symptoms.

Sore throat’s Types

• Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, affects the area situated just behind the mouth. It is often characterized by inflammation and discomfort in this region.
• Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils, which are soft tissues located at the back of the mouth, become inflamed and swollen. This condition can result in pain, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes even fever.
• Laryngitis impacts the voice box or larynx, resulting in symptoms like hoarseness, soreness, and occasional loss of voice. Inflammation in this region may stem from multiple factors, including viral or bacterial infections, exposure to irritants, or excessive strain on the vocal cords.

• Dry scaly feeling
• Itchiness
• Burning
• Tender or irritated

• Body ache
• Nasal congestion
• High temperature
• Cough
• Flu
• Difficulty in swallowing

Signs of Sore Throat:

• Redness in the affected area
• Voice hoarseness
• White patches on the tonsils

Common causes 

• Colds or flu: Accompanied by a blocked or runny nose, cough, high temperature, headache, and general aches.
• Laryngitis: Features a hoarse voice, dry cough, and constant need to clear your throat.
• Tonsillitis: Exhibits red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing, and a fever.
• Strep throat: Shows swollen glands in the neck, discomfort when swallowing, and tonsillitis.
• Glandular fever: Includes fatigue, fever, and swollen glands in the neck.
• Other causes: Irritants like smoke, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergies.

Causes of sore throat

• Allergies: Allergens specific to environments trigger immune responses, such as dust, pollen, and pets.
• Viral causes: Leading viruses include the flu, measles, chickenpox, and infectious mononucleosis.
• Bacterial causes: Group A STREPTOCOCCI is a common bacterium causing sore throat.
• Injury to the throat: Occurs due to hits or sticks, or long sessions of singing or speaking loudly.
• GERD: Acid reflux from the stomach can damage the throat lining.
• Tumor: Rarely, a tumor can cause persistent sore throat, requiring long-term treatment.

COVID-19 AND SORE THROAT:

WHEN TO WORRY ABOUT?

While sore throat typically resolves within 6-7 days, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you encounter any of the following symptoms:

• High-grade fever: persisting for more than a couple of days
• Difficulty in breathing: especially if it worsens over time
• Stiff neck: Stiff neck accompanied by discomfort or limited movement
• Earache:  Persistent earache that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Blood in sputum or saliva: The presence of blood in sputum or saliva, may indicate underlying issues.

For persistent or severe sore throat, it’s advisable to consult an ENT specialist who may recommend further evaluation through diagnostic tests such as CBC, ESR, Blood Culture, and ASO TITRE to pinpoint the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

• Gargles: Embrace the soothing power of lukewarm saltwater gargles, which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the throat.
• Drink warm fluids: Keep your throat moist and comfortable by indulging in warm beverages like herbal teas or broths. Hydration is key to easing sore throat symptoms.
• Alternate hot and cold treatments: Experiment with hot and cold therapies to reduce throat inflammation and provide relief. Try sipping on warm tea followed by a soothing cold beverage.
• Prioritize rest and sleep: Allow your body the time it needs to recover by getting ample rest and quality sleep. Resting your vocal cords can aid in the healing process.
• Harness the power of honey: Explore the natural antibacterial properties of honey, which can promote healing and soothe throat irritation. Add a spoonful to your tea or enjoy it on its own.
• Suck on lozenges: Combat throat dryness and irritation by sucking on throat lozenges or candies. These can help keep your throat moist and alleviate discomfort.

• Over-the-counter medications:

Explore options like Brufen, Panadol, and Aspirin to manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.

• Avoid giving aspirin to children:

Aspirin use in children can lead to Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare provider when administering medications to children.

Consult a doctor:

Antibiotics may be necessary to treat bacterial infections, but they should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent antibiotic resistance.