A sore throat is a pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that frequently gets worse while swallowing.Viral infections, such as a cold or the flu, are the most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis), which usually goes away on its own.
SYMPTOMS OF SORE THROAT
Depending on the cause, there can be a wide range of sore throat symptoms, such as:
- The throat may hurt or feel scratchy.
- Speaking or swallowing causes more discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- aching, enlarged glands in your jaw or neck
- Swollen, red tonsils
- Your tonsils may have pus or white patches.
- a raspy or husky voice
There may be additional symptoms and signs associated with infections besides a sore throat, such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
OTHERS SYMPTOMS OF SORE THROAT
- a severe or protracted sore throat (more than a week)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Joint pain
- Earache
- Rash
- Fever higher than 101 F
- Blood in our phlegm or saliva
- Frequently recurring sore throats
- a growth on the neck
- more than two weeks of prolonged hoarseness
- An increase in facial or neck swelling
CAUSES OF SORE THROAT
Viral infections
The following viral conditions can result in sore throats:
- Common cold
- Flu (influenza)
- Mono (mononucleosis)
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- A common illness in children called “croup” is characterized by a barking, uncontrollable cough.
Bacterial infections
A sore throat can be brought on by a variety of bacterial infections, the most prevalent of which is strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus).
Other causes
A sore throat may also be brought on by:
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Postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat, can exacerbate the issue and aggravate allergies to pet dander, molds, dust, and pollen.
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Dryness-A dry, sore throat can be brought on by breathing through your mouth, which is frequently caused by persistent nasal congestion, dry indoor air, or both.
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Chronic sore throats can be brought on by irritants such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, chemicals, indoor air pollution, eating spicy food, and chewing tobacco.
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Yelling, speaking loudly, or talking nonstop for extended periods of time can all strain the muscles in the throat.
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The digestive system disorder known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acids to pool in the esophagus.
Heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents, and a lump in the throat are some additional symptoms or signs that you may experience.
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An individual with HIV infection may experience a sore throat and other flu-like symptoms right away.
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Hoarseness, trouble swallowing, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, and blood in saliva or phlegm are additional signs or symptoms of cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue, or voice box (larynx), which can also result in a sore throat.
RISK FACTORS
While sore throats can affect anyone, certain things increase your risk, such as:
- Age-Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection linked to a sore throat. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke: Tobacco use increases the risk of mouth, throat, and voice box cancers as well as irritation of the throat from inhaling smoke, whether it comes from smoking or passive smoking.
- Allergies-The likelihood of getting a sore throat is increased by ongoing or seasonal allergies to dust, molds, or pet dander.
- Exposure to chemical irritants: Burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can release particles into the air that can irritate the throat.
- Chronic or frequent sinus infections-Our throats may become irritated or infected by nasal drainage.
- Close quarters: In any setting where people congregate, including child care facilities, classrooms, workplaces, and airplanes, bacterial and viral infections can spread quickly.
- Weakened immunity-HIV, diabetes, steroid or chemotherapy treatment, stress, exhaustion, and poor diet are common factors that lower immunity, making one more susceptible to infections in general.
PREVENTION OF THROAT INFECTION
Following these guidelines and teaching your child to do the same will help you avoid the germs that cause sore throats.
- Wash hands regullarly
- Never share utensils, drinks, or food.
- If you must, sneeze into your elbow, cough into a tissue, and then discard the tissue.
- When soap and water aren’t available, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers instead.
- Keep your mouth away from drinking fountains and public phones.
- Clean phones and remotes in hotel rooms when you travel, and sanitize keyboards, TV remotes, and computers on a regular basis.
- Maintain a safe distance from sick people.
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR SORE THROAT
ACONITE :When a sore throat suddenly develops, frequently after being exposed to cold air, it is very helpful to treat the condition.
APIS MEL :When a child’s throat hurts even when they are not swallowing, there is dryness in the throat with a burning, stinging pain, they have constrictive feeling in the throat, the inner and outer throat is swollen, and the uvula which hangs from the upper throat is also swollen.
ARSENIC ABUM :Given when symptoms start with a nasal discharge and then move into the throat, advised when pains are typically worse on the right side, and useful for tonsillitis when kids have a burning throat pain that is relieved by warm food or drinks and made worse by cold food or drinks. There may also be dryness of the mouth and a great thirst for frequent sips of water.
BELLADONNA :When tonsils are visibly red, usually a scarlet red, there are burning pains and a constant desire to swallow but it hurts to do so. There is a constricted feeling in the throat, which makes it difficult even to swallow water. There is a tendency to crave lemons or lemonade. There is a tickling in the larnyx. These symptoms are useful for tonsilitis at the early stages of other types of sore throat.
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