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A sore throat may cause you pain, itchiness and irritation that can make it hard for you to swallow. This is generally accompanied by other infections such as a rash, joint pain or a fever.
- You may also experience swelling in your neck glands, infection of the tonsils and a rough voice if you have a sore throat.
- You have a higher chance of getting a sore throat if you smoke or if you have allergies or if you have a weak immune system.
- Children are also susceptible to throat infection due to their rather weak immune system, hence care should be taken to avoid cold items and contact with germs.
- The major cause of a throat infection is a viral infection (cold or flu). The virus mainly infects your pharynx and produces all the above-mentioned symptoms.
- A bacterial infection can also sometimes cause throat infection. It is often called as a ‘strep’ throat due to the name of the causative agent (a streptococcus bacterium). A ‘strep’ throat is very uncommon in children below 3 years and more pronounced in adults.
- Some allergic reactions caused by allergens such a pollen grains, pet hair etc. can cause a throat infection. Environmental factors like smoke, dust, smog etc. also play a role in throat infection.
- You may also get a sore throat if you shout and scream too much! So be mindful when you cheer for your favorite team of actor next time!
- You can always treat yourself at home before going to a doctor. Try to curtail your throat infection at home, if it begins to worsen, a doctor’s consultation would be a wise decision.
- Salt water gargles are the first choice of treatment for a throat infection. Do a salt water gargle once in the morning and once in the evening, and this will clear your throat in no time.
- Drinking tea, warm water, soup or other hot beverages will greatly aid the time taken to get rid of the infection.
- Wear a face mask while going out if you’re generally allergic to dust or pollen. This will reduce the chance for contact and prevent any further infection.
- Keep yourself hydrated at all times. This will prevent your throat from getting dry and you won’t feel any irritation.
- Honey has always been put to use as an antibacterial. Mix two spoons of honey with water and drink it early in the morning.
- If you throat doesn’t get any better with all the above-mentioned treatments, you may need to consult the doctor as the throat infection could be a symptom of an underlying infection.
