A sore throat is an inflammation of throat and is very common. It is usually caused by a viral infection, and often develops with a cold or the flu. It may also be a symptom of mononucleosis, mumps, laryngitis, or tonsillitis. In addition to a painful throat, patient may also have difficult swallowing, a mild cough, hoarse voice, fever, headache, and enlarged glands in front of neck. Normally, the soreness gets worse over a period of 2-3 days, and then begins to clear up.
Sore Throat Symptoms
- Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Dry throat.
- Hoarse or muffled voice.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
- Turmeric and Salt: Gargle with hot water mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of salt.
- Milk and Turmeric: Drink 1 cup of hot milk boiled with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric.
- Honey and Cinnamon: Take 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon, a pinch of pepper, and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of boiled water.
- Basil: Drink water boiled with basil leaves, and also use to gargle to relieve sore throat.
- Onion and Honey: Consume equal mixture of onion juice and honey can relieve a sore throat and cough.
- Popsicles or lozenges: Suck on popsicles or lozenges containing licorice, slipperyelm, or marshmallow.
- Tea: Drink warm tea with honey which help soothe the soreness of strep throat.
Do’s for Sore Throat
- Rest your voice.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day. Warm drinks with honey and lemon are particularly soothing.
- For acute sore throat eat foods that are light and mild in flavor such as olives, figs, turnips and peppermint.
- For chronic sore throat eat pears and water chestnut.
- Gargle with a salt solution. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, gargle for 20-30 seconds and spit it out.
Don’ts for Sore Throat
- Avoid talking too much or straining your voice.
- Avoid undiluted citrus juices as they are acidic and may irritate throat.
- Don’t use mouthwash containing alcohol.
- Avoid smoky or polluted environments.
- If you smoke, stop it.
- Avoid spicy foods.
- Avoid fermented foods and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt.
- Sore throat becomes more severe or has not got better after 5 days.
- Having very difficulty in swallowing.
- Develops other symptoms such as joint pain or swellings.
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