A sore throat is one of the most common ailments that has many possible causes. A viral infection, like the common cold or the flu, is one such highly probable cause of the sore throat. These infections result in inflammation and irritation of the throat, causing pain and discomfort to the individual. A sore throat can be caused by bacterial infections like strep throat too. Sore throats can be caused by other reasons like allergies, dryness of the atmosphere, smoking, and irritants found around the person, too.
Aside from irritants and infections, some medical conditions can be the cause of having a sore throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), for instance, can cause stomach acid to flow backward into the throat, which causes inflammation and irritation. Sometimes, the sore throat is but one indication of a more severe problem, like tonsillitis or mononucleosis. Knowing the cause of the sore throat is crucial so that the best course of action can be determined.
Natural Therapies To Ease A Sore Throat
There are numerous natural treatments that may ease the soreness of the throat and alleviate the pain and discomfort of the condition. Honey is one of the best natural treatments for sore throats, possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can eliminate redness and soothe the irritation of the throat. Consuming warm tea and honey, or eating a spoonful of pure honey, can ease the pain of the sore throat.
Another one of the natural treatments for a sore throat is salt water gargle. Gargling with warm salt water has the effects of reducing inflammation and eradicating bacteria so that the pain and soreness can be relieved. All you would need to do is mix up one teaspoon of salt with warm water, gargle the mixture up to 30 seconds, then spit the water out. Repeat this several times daily for optimal results. Besides the use of honey and salt water gargle, consuming enough water, resting well, and using a humidifier can alleviate the soreness of the throat too.
Teas to soothe the sore throat
Herbal teas are an effective traditional method of treating a sore throat. Numerous herbs possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial capacities that can alleviate inflammation and eliminate bacteria present in the throat. Some of the best herbs that can be used to alleviate sore throats include ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and licorice root. These herbs can be made into warm tea that can ease the pain and discomfort of the sore throat.
Ginger tea, for instance, has anti-inflammatory compounds that can alleviate the inflammation of the throat. Chamomile tea has antibacterial agents that can eliminate the bacteria of the throat. Peppermint tea contains cooling agents that can alleviate irritation of the throat. Licorice root tea contains soothing compounds that can alleviate pain and discomfort of the throat. Consuming herbal teas on a regular basis can alleviate the soreness of the throat and facilitate the process of healing.
Gargling and rinsing for sore throat
Aside from herbal teas, gargles, and rinses can be helpful too to soothe the sore throat. Gargling with apple cider vinegar, for instance, can eliminate the bacteria that cause the soreness of the throat, decreasing inflammation at the same time. Gargle one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with one cup of warm water, then spit it out after 30 seconds. Do this three to four times daily to be effective.
Sage tea is yet another good gargle to help alleviate sore throats. Sage has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that can eliminate bacteria and lower the inflammation in the throat. Simply steep a strong tea of sage, let it cool, then use it to gargle several times throughout the day. Aside from apple cider vinegar and sage tea, gargling with warm saltwater, which has been discussed above, can also ease the discomfort of a sore throat.
Foods and beverages to help ease sore throat symptoms
Several foods and beverages can also ease the symptoms of the sore throat. Warm broth and soups, for instance, can ease the irritation in the throat while offering much-needed fluid replacement. Vitamin C-containing foods like berry fruits, orange, lemon, apple, grapefruit, papaya, kiwi, and strawberry can enhance the immune response to heal the condition quickly. Adequate fluid intake through drinking lots of water and herbal teas can help moisturize the throat and ease the pain and discomfort too, home remedies for sore throat.
Apart from foods and beverages, some herbs and spices can be used to treat symptoms of the sore throat too. Turmeric, for instance, has anti-inflammatory qualities that can treat inflammation inside the throat. Mixing turmeric with warm milk or tea can ease the pain and discomfort. Ginger, which is another anti-inflammatory herb, can be added to warm tea or be prepared into a comforting ginger tea.
Preventive lifestyle changes to maintain healthy throats
Certain lifestyle changes can prevent and treat sore throats. Steer clear of smoking and secondhand smoking, for instance, to minimize irritation to the throat and prevent sore throats altogether. Having a humidifier at home can keep the air moistened and prevent the drying of the throat.
Practicing proper hygiene, like hand washing frequently and not coming too close to individuals who are ill, is also effective at preventing the transmission of infection that causes sore throats. Maintaining good nutrition that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can strengthen the immune system and foster good overall health. Adequate resting and stress management can prevent sore throats too.
When To Seek Medical Attention For A Sore Throat
Although most sore throats will heal with self-care and at-home treatments, there are some situations where medical care should be sought due to a persistent sore throat. If the sore throat is accompanied by fever, trouble swallowing or breathing, or tender glands in the neck, it could be indicative of an underlying condition that needs to be treated medically. Also, if the sore throat does not get any better after several days of self-care at home, or if it is accompanied by the symptoms of rash or joint pain, one should go see the doctor for an examination. A persistent sore throat can, at times, be an indication of an underlying medical condition that has to be treated medically. An early visit to the doctor for persistent sore throat is crucial so that the cause of the sore throat can be found out and proper treatment can be initiated.
