Everybody at some time or the other must have experienced a sore throat, no matter what age they are. An uncomplicated sore throat can last up to 3 days. A severe sore throat that lasts over 3 days could be a symptom of a more serious condition like tonsillitis or laryngitis and you should see your doctor. Most sore throats result from virus from cold, flu or a sinus infection, dirty air, allergies, tobacco smoke, and dry air of winter heating. Even shouting for long periods of time can cause soreness. Sore throat comes with bacteria like streptococcus. Children have painful sore throats with measles and chicken pox. A sore throat can sometimes signal problems like epiglottitis (a serious throat infection).
Symptoms of sore throat
- Pain when talking or swallowing.
- Swollen, tender glands in the neck. .
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Earache.
- Hoarseness or lost voice.
- Fatigue and lost appetite.
- Swollen tonsils.
Prevention of sore throat
- Don't smoke. Stay away from smoky places and dirty air, fumes and dust.
- Stay away from people who already have sore throat.
- Try to prevent cold from occurring.
- Clean your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can prevent some sore throats.
Home remedies for sore throat
Most effective home remedies for sore throat are:
- Drink lots of liquids. Warm one's like herbal tea can be really soothing.
- Gargle with salt water every few hours. (Mix one teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) .
- Don't smoke and avoid smoky places.
- Take a non aspirin pain killer to ease pain and inflammation.
- Suck on throat lozenges or cough drops to keep the throat moist.
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier to moisten bedroom air.
- Rest your voice and talk by whispers.
- Gargle with aloe Vera juice two times daily.
- 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.
- Boil some pomegranate rinds and drink as a tea.
Identifying the need of Home Remedies for Sore Throat
- If you cant swallow liquids or have trouble breathing.
- If you have fever that's higher than 101 degrees.
- If the glands on your neck are swollen.
- If the tonsils are bright red or have spots of white pus on them.
- If your sore throat lasts longer than 5-7 day span of a cold.
