Sore throat presents as pain ,itching sensation or irritation in the throat, usually hurts more when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it will usually go away on its own.
Causes of sore throat
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Allergy to pollens, molds and smoke
- Poor Oro dental hygiene
- Acid reflux
Sore throats are divided into types,
Based on the part of the throat they affect:
- Pharyngitis causes swelling and soreness in the throat.
- Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
- Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.
Sore throat risk factors
Though anyone can get a sore throat, there are several factors that can increaseTrusted Source your risk.
Some common risk factors include:
- Age: Children are more susceptibleTrusted Source to certain conditions that can cause a sore throat, including strep throat.
- Time of year: Some types of infection are more commonTrusted Source during certain seasons, including winter.
- Exposure to irritants: Several irritants, such as cigarette smoke or pollution, can cause a sore throat.
- Personal hygiene: Infrequent hand washing could increase your risk of infection.
- Certain settings: Some settings, such as schools and daycares, can increase the spread of infections that could cause a sore throat.
- Vocal strain: People who regularly talk loudly, yell, or sing for long periods can strain their vocal cords more easily, leading to a sore throat.
Treatment includes
You can treat most sore throats at home. Get plenty of rest to give your immune a chance to fight the infection.
To relieve the pain of a sore throat:
- Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Drink warm liquids that feel soothing to the throat, such as hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon. Herbal teas can beTrusted Source especially soothing to a sore throat.
- Cool your throat by eating a cold treat like a popsicle or ice cream.
- Suck on a piece of hard candy or a lozenge.
- Turn on a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Rest your voice until your throat feels better.
Otherwise,
- a sore throat spray that contains a numbing antiseptic like phenol, or a cooling ingredient like menthol or eucalyptus
- throat lozenges
- cough syrup
How to prevent a sore throat
While a sore throat cannot always be avoided, there are several steps you can take to help prevent it.
Some ways you may be able to prevent a sore throat includeTrusted Source:
- clean your hands regularly
- limit close contact with others who have respiratory infections, sore throats, and colds
- if you smoke, consider quitting
- avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible
Conclusion:
Viral and bacterial infections, as well as irritants and injuries, cause the majority of sore throats. Most sore throats get better in a few days without treatment.
Rest, warm liquids, saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the pain of a sore throat at home.
Strep throat and other bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. A doctor can use a swab test to find out if you have strep.
See a doctor for more severe symptoms, like trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or a stiff neck.
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