Does your throat feel scratchy? Have you experienced discomfort when swallowing? A sore throat can manifest itself in these ways, causing a lot of discomfort to the sufferer.
Although it is quickly associated with the flu, the causes can vary, as a sore throat can be caused by inflammation of the tonsils, viral diseases, bacterial conditions, and other reasons.
There are various home treatments, however, it is important to go to a specialist to find out the real cause of the problem.
Why does my throat hurt?
According to doctor Iris Cazali, a sore throat can have multiple causes. However, the specialist mentions that it should be considered that this ailment is always an indication that the throat is inflamed, either due to a viral infection or another disease.
However, it can also be caused by a bacterial infection, especially streptococcus. This disease can have other symptoms such as mucus, and body aches, among others. Likewise, the specialist mentions other causes that can cause sore throat:
- Allergies, especially attributed to climate change
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Eating irritating or very hot food, which can inflame the throat
- Smoke inhalation
- Sinusitis
- Bruxism
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Depending on the cause, these symptoms may vary. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these discomforts could accompany this inflammation if it is a viral cause:
- Pain when swallowing
- Dry and irritated throat
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Hoarseness (changes in voice)
- Conjunctivitis
When to see a doctor?
Cazali says it is always advisable to consult a doctor to determine the cause, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms such as fever. She also emphasizes that there are currently outbreaks of viral diseases such as parainfluenza and COVID-19, which is why, in addition to seeing a professional, we should wear a mask and take other measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
Some home remedies
According to the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these home remedies could be considered for pain relief However, it is important to consult a doctor first, as mentioned above:
- Drink hot lemon tea or soup.
- Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candy.
- Gargle with warm salt water. You can also use ice.
- Throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers may also help, although consulting a doctor is recommended.
- You can use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially while sleeping, to prevent the air from becoming too dry.
- Use honey to relieve cough in adults and children over one year of age.