Sore throat is an annoying problem that most people experience. And it becomes more troublesome when accompanied by swollen glands. Here I give you some self care measures to manage the condition, and a brief on what causes the same.
A person suffering from sore throat exhibits many signs and symptoms and fever is one that is commonly observed. Another prominent sign is that of difficulty in swallowing. Pain is experienced in the throat and adjoining areas like ears.
Swelling of lymph nodes occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. The condition in which these lymph nodes become swollen in more than two areas, is known as lymphadenopathy.
Self Care Measures
Gargling
» This is the most common remedy and one that is quite effective. You should add a pinch of salt and single drop of the Dettol antiseptic liquid to a large glass of warm (not boiling hot) water. Gargling three to four times a day can significantly reduce the amount of swelling and provide a certain amount of relief.
Steam Inhalation
» You should cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam with both your nose and mouth. You should do this twice or thrice a day and each session should last a maximum of 15 minutes.
Lozenges
» Throat lozenges help in moistening the throat and in the process, help reduce the throat soreness and irritation. Lozenges are easily available across the counter in the form of chewable tablets in various flavors.
Holy Basil Leaves
» A medicinal potion made from water and holy basil leaves makes for a very effective herbal medicine for treating a sore throat. Boil a few holy basil leaves with a glass of water and allow it to cool so that the medicinal properties of holy basil leaves mix with water. After a while, filter the potion and drink it in doses of 2-3 teaspoons at regular intervals throughout the day.
Cloves
» Keep a couple of cloves in the corner of the mouth and let them remain that way for a few hours. Juices that are secreted from cloves help in reducing the soreness and providing relief.
Allopathic Medication
» If nothing works, you need to consult a doctor who can then prescribe the necessary medicines, tablets, syrups, etc. The medicines used for treating sore throats and swollen glands vary, depending on the cause of the problem.
For example, the medicines prescribed for a viral infection would be different from those prescribed for treating an allergy. Therefore, visiting a doctor is important in such cases.
Causal Factors
Following are some of the most common causes of sore throat:
Viral infection
Bacterial infection
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Pet allergies
Tonsillitis
Excessive shouting
Fever
Respiratory infection
Excessive smoking
Mouth or throat ulcers
Common cold
Ear infection
Inhaling chemical fumes or excessively polluted air
Many a time, a sore throat is an indication or early symptom of an oncoming case of influenza. In such cases, recognizing the symptoms well in time can help in early treatment and thereby, early recovery. The term 'swollen glands' in the context of this article, refers to swelling of lymph nodes present in the neck.
The possible causes for swelling of these lymph nodes include tuberculosis, dental problems, lymphoma, strep throat, and glandular fever in addition to all the above-mentioned causes of sore throat.
Many a time, the condition of sore throat and swollen glands can be cured by making use of a few simple home remedies. However, if the problem persists or worsens, it is always recommended that you visit a doctor who would diagnose the exact problem and then prescribe the necessary medication.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.