Sore Throat and Headache

One of the most common of all medical conditions or illnesses happens to be a sore throat and headache. It is something that both children as well as adults are equally susceptible and vulnerable to.

In fact, one could safely say that as far as common, minor illnesses are concerned, this ailment would definitely find a place among the top ten contenders, if not the top five. There are different reasons for these conditions to arise, and some effective ways of treating them too. This story attempts to enlist some of them.

Possible Causes

• Smoking
• Airborne allergies
• Food allergies
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Continuous breathing through the mouth
• Tonsillitis
• Strep throat

• Influenza
• Fever
• Common cold
• Swine flu
• Sinus infections
• Adenoid disorders
• Bird or animal allergies
• Gingivitis
• Laryngitis

• Measles
• Mouth ulcers
• Mumps
• Respiratory infections
• Postnasal drip
• Throat cancer
• AIDS
• Inhaling atmospheric pollutants and particulate matter
• Inhaling chemical pollutants from vehicle exhaust fumes, etc.

Now, in certain cases, this condition is often accompanied by a headache. This is quite a common phenomenon in case of flu, fever, severe respiratory or sinus infections, airborne allergies, etc. Also, lifestyle patterns, at times, result in these two occurring together.

A very common example of this is the case of a severe morning hangover after a long night of partying, chain smoking, and drinking. Of course, depending upon the triggering factor, the level or the severity can vary, i.e., it can range from a discomforting, dull, mild ache to a severe, throbbing pain, which is enough to drive a person crazy.

• Gargle. Add a pinch of salt and a drop of any household liquid disinfectant such as 'Dettol' to a glass of warm water. Stir it well and use it for gargling. Gargling is one of the best things that you can do to soothe a sore throat. Gargle at least three to four times a day, and you will soon notice the difference.

• Make use of a lozenge. You can keep one in the corner of your mouth and suck on it from time to time. Its medicinal juices soothe the soreness and provide relief.
• Cloves are another good way of obtaining relief. As is case with a lozenge, similarly, in case of cloves too, keeping one in the corner of your mouth and sucking on it from time to time will help.

• Holy basil leaves are also known for their efficacy. You can make use of them in two ways. One way is to boil a few leaves along with some drinking water, and then to drink the same water. The other way is to gargle with the same water (instead of drinking it).

• Avoid smoke and fumes (both indoors as well as outdoors). Covering your mouth and nose with a scarf or a handkerchief will protect you.

• As far as the headache is concerned, try to get some sleep. Often, a good night's sleep can be the cure to many minor health niggles and worries. Alternatively, you can try taking an aspirin or something similar. If the pain persists, or is very severe, then you should straightaway head to a doctor, rather than experiment with solutions of your own.

This was a brief overview of how sore throat and headache are associated with each other. Take care!

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.