All About Sore Throat and it’s Home Remedies.

• Bacterial Infection:

  Strep throat is a bacterial infection, caused by Streptococcus bacteria which infects the throat and tonsils. About 20-30 % of sore throat cases in children are caused by Strep throat. Bacterial infection is serious and requires medical attention.

• Viral infections:

  Viral infections usually remain a cause of sore throat. It stays for a very short period. Also, does not require any medical help to cure it. It can be caused by cold or flu and many others.

• Tonsillitis:

  It involves inflammation of the tonsils, and can be caused by viruses and bacteria. Tonsils are oval-shaped and located at the back of the throat.

• Acid reflux:

  It is a burning sensation that produces pain in the throat known as heartburn. It occurs when acid backs up from the stomach to the esophagus. The esophagus acts as a passage between the mouth and stomach to pass food.

• Breathing:

  A Sore throat is also seen when you breathe through the mouth instead of the nose while sleeping.

• Tumor:

  Throat or voice box tumor can cause sore throat.

• Irritants:

  Irritant is any substance that causes pain. There are many irritants that we consume directly or indirectly in our daily lives. They include smoke, chemicals, air pollution, etc. that usually irritate the throat and cause sore throat.

• Allergies:

  Many things can cause an allergic reaction such as mold, dust, pollen, or pets. These reactions result in a dry and scratchy throat.

  Postnasal drip (accumulated mucus at the back of the throat) is behind sore throat caused due to allergies. This causes pain in your throat.

• Dry Air:

  Dry air makes your throat scratchy and dry by sucking moisture from your throat and mouth. It is mostly experienced in the Winter season.

• Pain or Discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry throat
• Swollen glands
• Hoarseness or Loss of voice
• Swollen tonsils
• Coughing
• Runny nose and congestion
• Headache
• Loss of Appetite

There are many ways to prevent sore throat including:

• Hand Hygiene:

  Wash your hands frequently with soaps or sanitizers.

• Avoiding Irritants:

  Using a mask for protection against irritants.

• Allergen Management:

  Stay away from allergen sources using purifiers.

• Balanced Nutrition:

  Eating healthy every day keeps your immune system strong.

• Hydration:

  Try to drink enough water to keep your body and throat hydrated.

• Contact:

  Avoid close contact with infected people.

1. Turmeric Milk:

   Turmeric is both, a spice and a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory properties. A drink made by mixing turmeric in a cup of milk will work magically in decreasing throat inflammation.

2. Ginger and Honey Tea:

   Ginger and honey are known for their anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties respectively. Consuming ginger tea with honey on it works amazingly in sore throat. Slice ginger into thin pieces, add sugar and milk to it, and boil it well till the dark color appears. Then add honey to it and enjoy it.

3. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea:

   Holy Basil is referred to as an Ayurvedic medicinal plant. It is known for its antimicrobial and immune-enhancing properties. Make ginger tea or any tea and boil holy basil leaves in it. Now, drink it to soothe your soar throat.

4. Licorice Roots:

   They are known to fight against infection. According to NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), to prevent sore throat after surgery, licorice gargles or lozenges are used. Consuming licorice tea is also recommended.

5. Saltwater Gargle:

   Prepare a warm saltwater solution by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water. It is said to gargle once an hour for people who have sore throats, according to AOA (American Osteopathic Association). Gargle with this solution to decrease inflammation and clear the throat.

6. Garlic:

   Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties. According to a 2020 literature review, It can also fight against viral infections because it contains a compound called allicin. Add garlic to your daily meal to clear your upper respiratory tract as claimed by a 2018 article. Make a habit of consuming 2-3 garlic cloves with water or you can also chew daily morning.

7. Fenugreek:

   Fenugreek is known for its antifungal properties. The best part is that you can consume it as seed, or tea or apply it as an oil. Fenugreek tea is best to cure sore throat as it destroys bacteria that irritate when drunk hot.

   According to NCCIH, pregnant ladies and children should avoid large doses of fenugreek.

8. Taking Steam:

   Dry air usually results in a sore throat, so adding some moisture would help to cure it. Pour boiled water into a container. Cover your head with a towel and try to inhale the hot steam through your mouth and nose. Do this for 10-15 min. for a few days. This will help to recover your throat.

9. Baking Soda:

   It is known to kill bacteria. Pour 1 cup of warm water into a glass, then add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Now, use this mixture to gargle at night, as recommended by NCI (National Cancer Institute).

10. Cloves:

    Cloves with rock salt cure sore throat in a short time because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sore throat usually cures on its own within 7 days, but if it takes a long time, you should see a doctor.

Visit a doctor, when:

• Painful throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Painful breathing
• High fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit and above)
• Neck pain
• Blood in saliva
• Long-term sore throat