Throat Pain Got You Again? Try These Sore Throat Home Remedies

It all begins with a scratchy throat and before you know it, it’s escalated into a bellowing cough and pain in your throat. What do you need to know about a sore throat that can help you catch it early and skip the uncomfortable symptoms? Read on to find out.

What Can Cause Pain in the Throat?

True to its name, a sore throat (also known as pharyngitis) causes pain and irritation in the throat, making it uncomfortable to swallow. The causes for it could be any of the below:Viral infections:The most common cause for a sore throat is a viral infection, and this type of infection resolves faster and on its own, often without medication. Viral illnesses that could give rise to a throat infection include: common cold, influenza (flu), measles, chicken pox, etc.Bacterial infections:They are fairly less common and can be caused by a streptococcal infection. Bacterial throat infections usually require antibiotics for treatment. Other causes:There are other conditions too that can cause a sore throat: allergies from mold, dust, pollen, or animal dander; dryness caused by dry indoor air or breathing through your mouth; irritants such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, and spicy food; muscle strain in your throat caused by hollering (perhaps at a sporting event) or talking loudly for long periods (at a lecture or a public address); and finally, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a digestive system disorder where stomach acids back up in the food pipe.

Common Sore Throat Symptoms

Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Scratchy throat or irritation in the throat
• Pain that worsens when talking or swallowing
• Swollen, inflamed tonsils or infection in tonsils
• Swollen glands in neck or jaw
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hoarse voice
• Body aches

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Here are a few throat infection remedies you’ll find in your kitchen:

• A warm, salt water gargle is among the first things physicians recommend. Adding a little baking soda is also recommended for better results.
• Calming tea like chamomile and peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties that can thin mucus and help relieve sore throat.
• Fenugreek (methi seeds) offers plenty of health benefits and is also known to relieve pain by killing bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation.
• Thanks to its antibacterial properties, garlic can help relieve sore throat as well. Try adding fresh garlic to your food.
• Honey is great to tame cough and throat irritations. Mix it with hot tea or warm water, or simply take a spoonful as is.

Preventing Throat Infection

Prevention is always better than cure, so here are a few hygiene practices that can help avoid germs that cause throat infections:

• Wash your hands well, particularly after using the restroom and before eating.  Use good alcohol-based hand sanitizers when you don’t have access to water and soap.
• Use disposable tissues to cough or sneeze into.
• Avoid sharing water bottles, drinking water glasses or food utensils.
• Exercise extra precaution when you are around people who are sick.
• Keep shared surfaces clean such as keyboards, TV remotes, and telephones.

[av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult a doctor through MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog']When it comes to viral and bacterial infections, it’s almost impossible to identify them ourselves. A doctor’s advice is always the way to go to make sure you are on the right course of treatment.[/av_promobox] Sources: Sore Throat - Mayo Clinic 12 Natural Remedies for Sore Throat - Healthline