Sore throats can be caused by lots of things. Anything that irritates the sensitive membranes at the back of our throats and mouths: dust, smoke, hot foods, tooth and gum infections, even loud talking or excessive coughing can irritate a throat.
However, the majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or others, like mononucleosis. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, is caused by Streptococcus, a common strain of bacteria that can live in your respiratory system for months.
Most sore throats will run their course within a few days to a few weeks. If your sore throat follows a cold or allergies, it is most likely viral. However, if it comes on rapidly, is accompanied by a fever, the back of the throat is raw and red, or you have white pus on your tonsils, it may be strep. If your throat is hurting in absence of “cold-like” symptoms, such as a cough or stuffy nose, it may indicate a strep infection as well.
Antibiotics won’t help a viral infection; but if it is strep, you should not take it lightly. A doctor will need to test for the bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
The best way to avoid a throat infection is to keep your immune system fortified. Get plenty of rest, reduce stress, exercise and eat healthy. You can also supplement your diet with vitamins (C,E and A are the most common for fighting infection), as well as other nutritional supplements. Zinc has gained a lot of attention recently as an immunity booster. Garlic is thought to be good for fortifying one’s immune system too.
Whether it’s viral or bacterial, a sore throat hurts. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help relieve the pain. There are other remedies and tonics that may help, too.
Home Remedies for sore throat:
- Just like mom used to say, gargle with salt water (½ tsp. mixed with 4 oz warm water) every few hours or as needed.
- Mix a cup of warm water, 2 tsp. honey and the juice of one lemon (or several teaspoons) and sip
- Mixing white vinegar, water, salt and crushed vitamin C together, gargle
- Others swear by gargling with chili pepper (yes, chili pepper!) Capsaicin, the ingredient in chili pepper that makes them hot, also numbs the throat. Mix ½ tsp. dried chili or cayenne pepper in a few ounces of water and gargle.
- Remember to drink plenty of liquids. Orange juice and other acidic juices may irritate a sore throat, so be careful.
Some added thoughts and suggestions:
- A constant tickle or cough could indicate an allergy to certain foods.
- If sore throat recurs or lasts longer than two weeks, or if you have difficulty swallowing, don't wait; see your doctor.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. Any time you’ve been ill, you should throw away your toothbrush and start fresh (When your not sick, monthly replacement is suggested)
- If you smoke, stop.
And again, drink plenty of liquids. Teas and water are best.
For further reading, there is an interesting connection between strep throat and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.
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