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| Soar Throat |
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 Most sore throats are part of a viral infection also causing a cough or cold. These viral infections cannot be cured with antibiotics. If you develop severe pain, high fever, a rash, or have a lot of difficulty swallowing, you should see a nurse/doctor.
Usually in most cases your sore throat will get better in one week or less.
Sore throats can be caused by many things. Viruses (such as those that cause colds and mononucleosis) can lead to a sore throat. Bacteria (such as those that cause strep throat) can also cause a sore throat, as can smoking, breathing polluted air and allergies to pet dander, pollens and molds.
Sore throats are difficult to deal with, and cause frustration and tough days. Make your career as difficulty-free as possible with a Master's in Health Administration from SJU Online.
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Symptoms |
Symptoms of tonsillitis and strep throat
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headache
- White patches in your throat or on your tonsils
- Pain when you swallow
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Swollen, sore glands in your jaw and throat
- Abdominal pain (usually in children)
- Vomiting (usually in children who have strep throat)
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Causes |
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Most sore throats are caused by viruses — the same germs that cause colds and flu (influenza). Less often, sore throats are due to bacterial infections.
Viruses and bacteria both enter your body through your mouth or nose either because you breathe in particles that are released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or because you have contact with an infected person or use shared objects such as utensils, towels, toys, doorknobs or a telephone.
Because the germs that cause sore throats are contagious, they can spread easily wherever large numbers of people congregate, such as schools, child care centers and offices.
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Home Remedies |
Water/salt Mix a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of quite warm water. Gargle the whole mixture several times a day. This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies.
Honey/apple cider vinegar Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup of honey. Take one tablespoon every four hours or as needed for pain relief.
Honey/lemon juice Take several tablespoons of this mixture several times a day. Let it sit in your throat a little while. This remedy will also help alleviate that irritating throat "tickle."
Lemon Add the juice of one lemon and one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Gargle three times a day for one minute.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Herbal Remedies |
Ginger Peel the skin from a small ginger root. Slice the root into thin coins and place the pieces into a small pot of water. Boil the pieces to make tea. The tea should turn a yellowish (straw) or tan color. Add three tablespoons of your favorite honey to sweeten the tea. Sip the hot tea slowly. The tea gives a sharp tingle to the throat after swallowing it. After you sip it, gently clear your throat.This tea also works for trying to get your voice back after a cold.
Goldenseal Boil a pint of water and add ½ teaspoon of powdered goldenseal root. Drink hot. Goldenseal is well known for its antibiotic properties.
Gargle with an infusion of Agrimony to relieve sore throat.
Thyme Make a tea by lightly crushing five fresh or dried leaves; place in a cup and fill with water cooled to just below boiling; cover and leave to infuse for five minutes; remove leaves and drink. May also be used as a gargle. Thyme has antiseptic properties.
Slippery elm bark Make a tea by putting one or two teaspoons in a cup of hot water. Drink several cups a day or as needed. This tea will coat the throat and relieve soreness and coughs. Slippery elm lozenges may also be used and are much more convenient if you are going to be away from home.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Wellness Program |
There is no sure way to prevent a sore throat. To help reduce your risk:
- Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Wash your hands often, especially when you are around people who are sick.
- Identify and avoid irritants, such as smoke, fumes, or yelling, that cause a sore throat.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
- Avoid contact with people who have strep throat.
- If you have mononucleosis, do not share eating or drinking utensils to prevent spreading the virus to others. A brief kiss on the lips is not likely to spread mono; it is spread when saliva from an infected person enters another person's mouth.
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