Sore Throats: Everything You Need To Know About This Condition

Sore throats are very common at this time of the year. Come winter, and you’ll have that scratchy and dry feeling on your throat, as well as a hoarse voice for a few days. And while it’s no cause for concern, a sore throat can be pretty annoying and uncomfortable.

Aside from the irritation, the symptoms include swelling and difficulty in swallowing, in addition to other things. Most of the time, the symptoms go away on their own within seven days, however, at some people they can last over a day or two. Note that when it comes to symptoms, they usually vary depending on what causes a sore throat as it’s a very general health complaint that might indicate many problems.

Sometimes, a sore throat can be the only symptom – it could be the first symptom to appear or could be the most serious symptom of an underlying infection, according to AllBetterCare. But it is more likely to be from something you ate that irritated your throat, or some kind of allergen.

Many are the causes of a sore throat, but in most cases, it’s due to viral infections, like cold and the flu. Other reasons include allergens, dry air, massive pollution, or cigarette smoke. But don’t forget that even singing loudly or shouting can hurt your throat, leading to pain and inflammation.

What causes sore throats?

1. Bacterial infections

While many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat, the most common one is Streptococcus pyogenes – the bacteria associated with strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), according to Verywell Health. Although the illness affects more children aged 5 to 15, anyone can get it. You might experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, bad breath, and visible inflammation of the throat.

See less common bacterial throat infections that cause a sore throat:

Bacterial tonsillitis
Bacterial pneumonia
Bordetella pertussis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)

2. Allergies

A sore throat can be one of the symptoms in case of an allergic reaction. Due to allergens like pollen, dust, mold, and even pet dander which can get in the air, if you are allergic you can become congested, says AllBetterCare. These allergens coupled with the postnasal drip, can irritate your throat and cause inflammation, or you might have the feeling of a lump in the back of your throat.

3. Infectious diseases

If you have a sore throat, it’s probably because of a cold or the flu. However, there are other causes as well, according to Healthline, which include:

Measles – is a viral infection of the respiratory system and is very contagious. The illness is transmitted through contact with infected mucus or saliva, and the infected person could even release the infection into the air when coughing or sneezing. Measles is the number one cause of deaths in children; therefore you should check with your doctor immediately if you suspect you have the illness.
Mononucleosis – also known as mono, is an infectious disease that is spread through saliva, which is why it’s also called “the kissing disease.” While it’s more common to occur in teenagers, people of any age could get it as well.
Chickenpox – or varicella, is accompanied by itchy red blisters all over the body, caused by a virus. It is more likely to appear in children, and rarely you can get the infection twice. Since the chickenpox vaccines were first introduced in the mid-1990, the number of cases has decreased.

4. Environmental conditions

Irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and industrial fumes, all lead to direct inflammation of the pharynx and associated organs, so it’s best if you reduce exposure to these contaminants. Alcohol, chewing tobacco, and spicy foods also count as irritants, including dry air, claims AllBetterCare.

For more, head over to our article: Sore Throat Causes: Learn More About What Leads To It

Treating sore throats with natural remedies

Before you go for medicine to treat your sore throat, why don’t you try out and ease the discomfort with natural home remedies? While the infection goes away on its own, we could all use some help to make the condition more bearable. Follow us for the best home remedies to turn to when dealing with a sore throat.

1. Saltwater

It may not taste good, but it’s an effective remedy for killing bacteria, loosening mucus and easing the pain. Add half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, mix the solution and then take a mouthful. Don’t swallow down but gargle away as it will help reduce the inflammation, swelling, and it’ll keep your throat clean.

2. Lemon

Lemons are also great for a sore throat as they help break mucus too and ease the pain. Moreover, lemons are high in vitamin C and can boost your immune system, thus helping you fight off the infection. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink it to soothe the soreness.

3. Honey

Honey is one of the oldest remedies, and it has been used for health ailments due to its antibacterial properties. It acts as a wound healer and helps fight off bacteria and viral infections. Now, whether you add it to your tea or just eat a spoonful of it, rest assured as it will soothe the discomfort. If you’re also suffering from a bad cough in addition to a sore throat, honey works as an effective cough suppressant as well. It really does wonders for our health.

4. Peppermint tea

Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint tea is great for soothing the throat. The mint might also numb your throat a little, relieving pain. Ideally, you’ll make your own tea by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for three to five minutes, and then straining off the leaves. It will soothe your irritated throat, and what’s more, it tastes great.

For more, head over to our article: Home Remedies For Sore Throat: Here Is What You Can Do

Avoid foods that might be hard to swallow, instead go for soft foods and soups. But if you feel like the home remedies we mentioned aren’t really helping, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Also, remember to keep your throat moist. A sore throat usually seems worse in the morning, and that’s because our throat gets dry overnight. Whether it’s lozenge or hard candies, use anything that stimulates saliva production to keep your throat moist. And most importantly, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.