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Sore throats are among the common ailments recording the highest numbers of hospital visits globally. Throat pain can occur to people of all ages and gender. They are most common in winter and are caused by different reasons ranging from infections to injuries and environmental factors.
While they can be very painful and discomforting, they usually go away within a period of seven to ten days. In this article, we will discuss more about throat pains and outline the available sore throat home remedies to help you arrest any signs of throat pains.
Sore throat is a dry, scratchy painful feeling in the throat. Pain in the throat is a common symptom associated with a sore throat. Generally, it accounts for more than 13 million visits to the hospital each year.
Sore throat is divided into three different types depending on the part of the throat it affects.
Apart from pain, irritation, or scratchiness, there are other symptoms related to sore throat, which vary according to the condition’s underlying cause. These symptoms include:
Along with the symptoms, a sore throat can feel:
It may hurt more when talking or swallowing. The throat or Tonsils may look red and swollen. Occasionally, are of pus, or white patches will form on the swollen tissues. These symptoms of white patches and pus areas are common in strep throat than a virus-caused sore throat.
There are several causes of sore throats ranging from infections to injuries. Here are some of the common ones.
Most of the common viruses can cause a sore throat and are eligible for up to 90% of the recorded cases. Among the viruses causing the ailment includes:
The most common sore throat caused by bacterial infections is strep throat- a condition of the throat characterized by painful swallowing and even talking. The tonsils may become red and very swollen make it hard to open the mouth.
If left unattended for a long time, strep throat can lead to more severe organ complications like heart and kidney damage. Fortunately, bacterial infection causes of sore throat are treatable using some of the common antibiotics found in over-counter pharmacies.
Immune system reactions to allergens such as dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, and grass cause the body to produce chemicals that trigger symptoms like watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and throat irritation.
A post-nasal drip or the flowing back of excess mucous down to the throat can irritate the throat.
Also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, this is a condition where acid from the stomach flows back to the mouth through the esophagus- a tube that transports the food from the mouth to the stomach.
They burn the walls of the throat and esophagus, causing throat pains. A sore throat caused by acid reflux worsens in the morning hours since the acid enters through to the mouth, causing teeth erosion at night when you are asleep.
While a sore throat might not be serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, it is still discomforting and painful and may deprive you of a peaceful night’s sleep. Luckily enough, there are home remedies you can try to soothe the pain away.
Let’s find out the common sore throat home remedies below.\
Honey is a natural sweetener that is often mixed with other traditional ingredients to help relieve sore throat. Honey is used as a medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.
Besides relieving pain and fighting infections, honey can also make specific sore throat home remedies taste better.
Despite its effectiveness, children below one year are advised not to use honey because their guts do not have healthy bacteria.
Althaea Officinalis, an extract from the marshmallow plant, has been in use for the treatment of sore throat since ancient times. The roots contain a gelatin-like substance known as mucilage that coats and lubricates the throat when swallowed.
Several research has been conducted on the effectiveness of lozenges made of marshmallow roots on animals and were found to be effective and non-toxic even at high doses.
Here is the recipe for making a cold marshmallow root fusion at home as a remedy for sore throat.
Ingredients.
Directions.
Once it is ready, you can take sips throughout the day to help soothe the burning sensation in the throat. It is essential to choose quality and dried marshmallow roots from a trusted supplier.
Saltwater gargling is one of the commonly known natural ways of relieving throat pains. The salt is helpful in pulling out water from the soft tissues of the throat hence reduces swelling. Besides, it also kills harmful microbes in the throat.
Mix 1 cup of warm water with one tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolution. Gargle with a mouthful of this combination for 30 seconds after every one hour.
Gargling with salt water every hour can be an effective throat pain remedy at home. It can help keep you comfortable during a recurring attack until you see a medical doctor.
There are several herbal teas you can use as a throat pain remedy at home if you begin to feel the symptoms of a sore throat. Both green tea and clove tea have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help fight infections and provide relief.
Others like chamomile, raspberry, and peppermint are some of the practical choices for reducing inflammation and reducing pain. Chamomile tea is also a natural lubricant, so it is best for hoarse voices.
Check the caffeine content when choosing the best tea remedy for your sore throat. It is vital to rest when recovering from illness, so it is not advised to get caffeinated drinks when going to sleep.
Garlic too contains antibacterial properties known for fighting infections. It has elements of allicin- an organosulfur compound that has the ability to fight illness.
According to studies, taking a garlic supplement regularly can help prevent the common cold virus. Using raw or processed garlic in your diets is another way of getting its antimicrobial activity.
Additionally, you can suck on raw garlic as a throat pain remedy at home. However, you will want to brush your teeth afterward to improve your breath and protect your teeth from enzymes.
Though saltwater gargle is commonly used, gargling with baking soda and saltwater can also relieve sore throat. Using this mixture will help kill bacteria and prevent yeast and fungi growth.
It is recommended that you should gargle and swish a mixture of one cup of warm water, ¼ tsp baking soda, and 1/8 tsp of salt every three hours until the pain fades away.
Conclusions.
Regardless of how healthy a person may look, age or gender, sore attacks everyone occasionally. It is recorded as one of the leading reasons for hospital visits globally.
While the pain might not call for specialized attention, it can be very discomforting to the extent you cannot swallow, talk or open your mouth correctly. Despite all the pains and discomforts, there are various sore throat home remedies to help soothe the pain.
Gargling saltwater has been a renowned natural way of relieving throat pains for the longest time than others. Besides, taking honey either raw or adding it as a sweetener in most of the remedies is an effective method of lubricating your throat and avoid sore throats.
Check for marshmallow roots fusion, add garlic to your diet, or use it as a supplement to prevent the development of sore throat.
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