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A sore throat is usually common, while suffering from cold and cough either as a result of tonsils being swollen or an infection and irritation in the throat which can also lead to ear-ache. A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is the first sign that you are getting sick. It causes dryness and scratchiness in the throat. The other major characteristics of sore throat include throat pain. Though it is most commonly seen in kids and young people, sore throat can affect people of all ages.
Causes
- The most common viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include, Common cold, Flu (influenza) and Mononucleosis (mono).
- Other viral illnesses that can cause a sore throat include, are Measles, Chickenpox, Croup — a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough.
- Bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat include, Strep throat, Tonsillitis, Diphtheria.
- Other causes include,
- Allergies
- Dryness
- Pollution and other irritants
- Muscle strain
- Acid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- HIV infection
- Tumors
Symptoms
- A dry, scratchy or swollen throat
- Pain when swallowing, breathing or talking
- White patches or pus on your throat or tonsils
- Inability to swallow
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Severe throat pain
- Swollen, red tonsils
- A high fever
Natural Cures
- Gently boil 2 teaspoons of bruised seeds per cup of water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day, to improve flavor add, honey, lemon, anise or peppermint. This will completely remove sore throat.
- Put two cups of water into a saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat and add 5 heaping tablespoons of Calendula flowers (fresh or dried). Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth and use as a gargle for sore throat while the liquid is still warm. This will help in treating sore throat.
- Mix together 1 teaspoon of cayenne, 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 300ml (½ pint) of warm water and use to gargle. This will give relief from sore throat.
- The juice of fresh pomegranates is good to gargle with then to drink.
Treatments
- Eat cool, soft food and drink cool or warm liquids, so as to relieve symptoms.
- Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
- Regularly gargling a mouthwash of warm, salty water may help to reduce any swelling or pain.
- Antibiotics are usually only prescribed for treating particularly severe cases of sore throat.
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