Your throat is sore if there is a scratchy, dry, and uncomfortable feeling in the throat. It is one of the most prevalent symptoms since 2 percent of all adult visits to doctors happen due to throat discomfort. The majority of sore throats are brought on by environmental factors like dry air or infections. Though it is uncomfortable, it usually goes away without much treatment. Based on the area of the throat they impact; sore throats can be classified into different types:
The symptoms of pharyngitis involve swelling and soreness. The soft tissue in the back of the mouth, the tonsils, can become swollen and inflamed when someone has tonsillitis. When the voice box or larynx faces redness and swelling, it is called laryngitis.
Symptoms of sore throats
Symptoms can differ depending on the cause of the condition. One can sense a soreness in throat by dry, sensitive, raw, agitated feeling in the throat. Speaking or swallowing may cause extra pain. The tonsils may occasionally develop pus-filled or white spots. These white areas are more common in strep throat than viral a sore throat (อาการคออักเสบ, term in Thai).
You can have some other symptoms when your throat is sore like congestion of the nose, sneezing, coughing, fever chills, and runny nose.Enlarged glands in the neck, hoarse speech, bodily pain, and headache can also happen to a patient. Difficulty swallowing and loss of appetite are also quite common.
Bacterial versus viral sore throats
Some viral illnesses like chickenpox, measles, flu, and common cold often include the symptoms. The viral infection-induced sore throats will typically go away on its own with time and no medical intervention. However, in order to avoid complications, antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of sore throats brought on by a bacterial infection. If your throat is sore for more than a week, it is better to visit a doctor to determine the cause and start treatment.
How to treat sore throats at home
Most sore throats can be treated at home. To help your immune system combat the illness, get lots of sleep.
Home remedies for relief
Use a solution of warm water and half to one teaspoon of salt to gargle. Warm drinks that are easy on the throat, like soup broth, hot tea with honey, or warm water with lemon, should be consumed. Herbal teas are very effective at relieving sore throats. Eat a cool treat, such as ice cream or a popsicle, to soothe your throat. You can use a cool humidifier as it would add moisture to air and lessen the dryness. Put your voice to rest.
When to consult a physician
Viral infection-induced sore throats typically resolve on their own in 7 days. However, it is necessary to address certain causes of sore throats. Make sure to visit your doctor if you see any severe symptoms including fever, blood in saliva or phlegm, pain or stiffness in the neck. If your throat discomfort is paired with joint pain, breathing issues, and joint pain, it is better to get some medical intervention.