A sore throat makes it more difficult to eat, drink, breathe, and talk. Home remedies for throat infection can help you soothe your throat.
Sore throat occurs as a part of the body’s immune response to viral or bacterial infection.
Inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat appear as an immune response.
It can be caused by:
- Viral infection like cold, flu or COVID-19
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Other issues like acid reflux or smoking
Symptoms of throat infection
- The throat appeared swollen and red.
- The throat feels scratchy or dry.
- The voice became hoarse.
- Tonsils may have white spots or pus.
- Lymph nodes in the neck become swollen.
Home remedies for throat infection can decrease these symptoms.
Diagnosis of throat infection
Physical exam that includes
- Using a lighted instrument to look at the throat, ears, and nasal passages.
- Feeling the neck to check swollen lymph nodes.
- Checking your breathing.
Throat swab
In many cases, doctors make a simple test to detect streptococcal bacteria that cause strep throat.
The doctor rubs a sterile swab over the back of the throat to get a sample of secretions and send it to a lab for testing.
How long does a sore throat last
It depends on what is causing your sore throat. If it is caused by a viral infection it will relieve itself within 3 to 10 days.
Home remedies for throat infection may be very useful here.
If a bacterial infection like strep or allergies is the cause, your sore throat could last longer if not treated with appropriate medications.
How do you prevent a sore throat
It is difficult to prevent a sore throat.
However, try resting up and limit exposure to things that could irritate your throat. Also, try reducing stress levels, as stress negatively affects your immune system.
You should avoid close contact with people with flu, strep throat, or other infection. Washing hands may also help.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods and chemicals that irritate the throat.
Drinking warm liquids and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water may help too.
If you have a sore throat, exposure to certain conditions can worsen your symptoms. So, while you are recovering avoid:
- Dry air
- Polluted air
- Smoking
- Alcoholic beverages
- Acidic foods or spicy foods
- Rough foods such as chips and popcorn
- Cleaning products
Treatment of throat infection
Trying out some natural home remedies for throat infection may help you feel better and save a visit to the doctor. But in some cases, you should go to your doctor.
Home remedies for throat infection
Gargling
Gargling is one of the most essential home remedies for throat infection.
Gargling with salt water can reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. Dissolve 1⁄2 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the mixture at least once an hour according to the American Osteopathic Association.
You can do the same with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Baking soda also soothes the throat and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux.
Plenty of fluids
Although swallowing may be uncomfortable, you must keep your throat always moist by drinking plenty of water or other fluids.
Have warm fluids like warm water with honey, tea, or chicken soup, or drink cold liquids such as ice water or popsicles.
Try and choose what you prefer and what soothes your throat best.
Also, liquids help transparent mucous membranes and prevent sinus infections.
Honey
Best one of the natural home remedies for throat infection. Honey mixed with water or taken on its own is a common treat for a sore throat.
It reduces irritation and has antibacterial properties, it helps soothe your sore throat quickly.
Children less than one-year-old should not consume honey.
Marshmallow roots
One of the home remedies for throat infection is marshmallow.
Its roots contain a gelatinous substance - called mucilage - which coats and soothes the throat.
Licorice root
Drinking or gargling licorice tea is one of the home remedies for throat infection.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may help fight throat pain and infection caused by cold or flu. Drink cinnamon tea, or add cinnamon to a warm beverage, to reduce throat discomfort.
Chamomile tea
As one of the home remedies for throat infection, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties.
It may stimulate the immune system to help your body treat the infection that caused your sore throat.
Herbal lozenges
Lozenges are available over the counter (OTC). Purchase herbal throat lozenges to have them on hand when a sore throat develops.
Rest
The physical rest of your body and your voice is very important. Try elevating the bed or sitting in a chair to reduce the pain and discomfort.
Steam and humidity
The dry air may further irritate your throat. Adding some additional moisture can help. For example, inhaling steam or using a humidifier.
Over-the-counter drugs
Antihistamines may relieve throat pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen also help with pain that's located deeper in your glands and other parts of the neck.
All these home remedies for throat infection and others can help you but if you need an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, don't rely on alternative treatments alone.
Ask your doctor before using any herbal home remedies for throat infection, as they may interact with prescription medications and may not be safe for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain health conditions.
It is important to see the doctor if you
- Have throat pain that's severe, prolonged, or not improving, or stretches into the ear.
- Have trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Are coughing up blood.
- Have enlarged lymph nodes.
- Have white patches in the back of your throat that may be a sign of strep throat.
- Have a high fever.
Summary
Finally, a sore throat is a complaint that makes you feel discomfort. Washing hands and avoiding contact with contagious people may protect you. Also, home remedies for throat infection are a very easy and useful solution for sore throat. Let the doctor help you if you need to.
And remember, prevention is better than cure.
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