Sore Throat

The dry scratchiness and painful swallowing which are the symptoms of a sore throat known medically as pharyngitis can be miserable. It is basically caused by either a bacterial or viral infection. About 90% of cases are caused by viruses. The main gesticulation of a sore throat is pain when swallowing and sometimes a burning sensation and a tightness in the throat. Strep throat usually includes a fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), white draining patches on the throat, and swollen or proffer lymph glands in the neck, along with headache and stomach pain in children. Occassionally breathing through the mouth will cause a sore throat in the dearth of any infection.

During the months of dry winter air, some people will wake up with a sore throat most mornings. This frequently disappears after having something to drink. Secretions may be excreted from the mucous membrane or the throat may be very dry. It is often a hallmark of several illnesses such as colds and flu, glandular fever, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, quinsy, chickenpox, measles and mumps. And antibiotics aren't effective against viruses, that react best to self-care measures such as resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Till you're feeling better, salt-water gargles, throat lozenges or warm water with honey and lemon can help make having a sore throat easier to swallow.

Causes of Sore Throat

The common Causes of Sore Throat :

• Endotracheal intubation (tube insertion)
• Viral pharyngitis
• Influenza
• Surgery such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Common cold
• Breathing through the mouth (can cause drying and irritation of the throat)
• Fish, chicken bone, or other foreign substance stuck in the throat. (For emergency actions, see choking child or adult or CPR )
• Strep throat (caused by streptococcal bacteria)

Symptoms of Sore Throat

Some Symptoms of Sore Throat :

• Fever.
• Sneezing.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Swollen, red tonsils.
• Headache.
• Cough.
• Vomiting.

Treatment of Sore Throat

• On most occasions it is not helpful, or souhaitable to take an antibiotic, as viruses predominate, and there is no cure for a virus, furthermore antibiotics have the potential for side-effects, which can, on occasion, be serious.
• Cold liquids or popsicles help some sore throats.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifer to moisten and sooth a dry and painful throat.
• Sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges can be very soothing, as it increases saliva production. This is typically as effective as more expensive remedies, but should not be used in young children due to the choking risk.
• Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.