How to get rid of a sore throat: useful tips and alternative remedies to drugs
Often at the base of the sore throat there is a "viral" infection, but in other cases it can be caused by irritating agents such as smog, cigarette smoke, air conditioning, gastroesophageal reflux or other. Even when we are forced to speak for too long or too loudly, we can experience pain in the throat that increases in the hours following the first symptom. Before continuing to read this article, watch this video with foods against colds.
Causes of sore throat
Bacterial infections (usually streptococcal) of the respiratory tract in most cases involve the throat and, sometimes, also the tonsils, but almost never reach the lungs. The most frequent contagion is airborne transmission or direct contact with contaminated objects. Let's see specifically, what are the underlying causes of sore throat.
- Cold
Sore throat almost always occurs accompanied by rhinovirus, which is the cold virus with symptoms such as red and watery eyes, runny and stuffy nose, dry or oily cough and frequent sneezing.
As we said, this type of virus is transmitted by air and after placing your hands on contaminated surfaces. The best way to avoid it is not to come into contact with people who have already taken it and wash your hands well. To heal you need a lot of rest, drink plenty of water, and only under strict medical supervision, use anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Mouth-dissolving sprays or lozenges, gargling with warm water and salt, may be other helpful ways to relieve symptoms.
- Influence
A sore throat can also be a wake-up call for the flu. In this case we will have other symptoms such as: headache, high fever, fatigue, tiredness, muscle aches and sometimes vomiting.
When the throat is irritated to accelerate healing, you can also intervene on "nutrition and" fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
- Streptococcus
Streptococcal infection spreads through direct contact with an infected person. In this case, the main symptoms will be sore throat and fever, swelling and redness of the throat, loss of appetite, headache and excessive mucus production inside the nose. Both adults and children can be affected, and in both. cases the best thing to do is to contact your doctor.
To be sure that it is a "streptococcal infection, it will be necessary to undergo a throat swab, from which the doctor will be able to decide whether to treat the ailments with an antibiotic.
In children, streptococcus may be related to scarlet fever, but in this case the sore throat would also be associated with an itchy skin rash.
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- Smoke
Bad daily habits are often the cause of sore throats: smoking is one of them, as smoking greatly irritates the throat causing pain and irritation.
- Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is an increasingly common disease among young and old: it has numerous causes and symptoms include sore throat.
- Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by infections of viral or bacterial origin and can lead to sore throat. The tonsils become swollen, irritated and with white plaques. The main symptoms are: bad breath, fever, lowering of voice, swollen neck lymph nodes. The doctor will decide whether to treat tonsillitis with antibiotics or not, but in general remember that you will have to rest as much as possible, drink a lot, humidify the air in the room. You can decide to proceed with the procedure. tonsillectomy only in severe cases in which there are relapses that interfere with normal daily life.
Sore throat: what are the symptoms?
Although we have already mentioned them in the previous paragraph citing the underlying causes of sore throat, let's recap on what the symptoms are.
- General malaise
- High or moderate fever
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea
- Red throat with plaques
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Cough
- Tonsillitis
- Pain in the back of the throat
- Tiredness
- Runny nose
- Difficulty and discomfort in swallowing
- Chills
- Bad breath
Useful tips to get rid of a sore throat
Sore throat is not considered a serious pathology and in most cases, it tends to resolve spontaneously in a short time, it takes about three to seven days. But what to do to relieve the symptoms and immediately feel a little better ? Here are our tips.
- Drink a lot, preferring cold or lukewarm liquids that will relieve sore throat.
- Eat foods that are cold and have a soft texture.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks that would make throat discomfort worse.
- Allow an ice cube or balsamic candy to melt in your mouth to relieve swelling.
- Gargle with water and lemon / bicarbonate, or simple rinses with mouthwash: they will help reduce swelling and soothe pain
- Do not smoke and do not stand in areas where someone has just smoked.
Only the doctor will be able to decide if it is appropriate to start a treatment based on antibiotic drugs: in most cases the antibiotic is not recommended because the origin of the sore throat is viral. If after a week your symptoms do not seem to improve, ask your doctor again for a consultation who will evaluate what to do.
Foods to prevent and treat sore throats
Food is the best friend of our health, so here are some foods to use as natural remedies to prevent and treat infections that also lead to sore throats.
- Oranges, tangerines, kiwis and bananas
Fruit in general and specifically oranges, tangerines, kiwis and bananas are a powerful ally for the immune system. Rich in nutrients and vitamins, including vitamin C, they will be consumed very often especially in cold seasons during which it is easier to get sick. - Ginger
Ginger is a highly disinfected root: to be taken in the form of capsules or as an infusion or herbal tea at the first signs of a sore throat. - Lemon and honey
Lemon and honey, mixed alone or added to a good cup of tea, are the best known and most appreciated natural remedy to combat swollen and irritated throat. Their antibacterial and disinfectant properties will give immediate relief to inflammation. - Sage and eucalyptus
Sage and eucalyptus both have antiseptic and balsamic properties useful in case of sore throat, phlegm and mucus as they act as a natural antibiotic. You can also opt for eucalyptus fumigations, useful before going to sleep to breathe well. - Mint and licorice
Mint is a powerful antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory to be taken in the form of an infusion capable of soothing sore throats and dissolving phlegm. Licorice, on the other hand, decongests and burns, is also indicated in case of cough. - Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most beneficial spices for the body: it has fluidifying, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and is therefore indispensable for everyday preparations. - Cinnamon
Its characteristic scent helps to clear the respiratory tract, but cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a valid remedy for fighting a sore throat. - Raw or boiled carrots
Carrots are a reinforcement for the immune system, are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as potassium, and should never be missing as a snack or side dish on our dishes. - Chicken broth
Chicken broth is a concentrate of beneficial substances for the body because it contains, in addition to chicken proteins, also vegetables that help fight viral infections. - Garlic, onion and sage
Garlic and onion are rich in sulfur, a substance that helps clear the respiratory tract. These are natural antibiotics as well as sage which can be used to prepare hot infusions to be taken in case of a sore throat.
