Throat soreness can be a symptom of various health problems, but usually, it is followed by common cold and flu. Find out the various causes and remedies for sore throat in this story.
Swollen throat and difficulty in swallowing is usually experienced when infectious agents like bacteria and viruses attack your throat. Ingestion of certain airborne substances and/or inhalation of certain gases can lead to pain in the throat.
Sometimes, swollen, sore throat can be associated with some serious health conditions as well. If the symptoms are severe and persistent, you should consult a physician.
If you are suffering from common cold and throat pain, then certain home remedies can help relieve the pain. Before designing any treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause behind the swelling and pain in your throat.
Swollen Glands and Sore Throat
Causes
➺ A sore and swollen throat is more commonly a sign of viral infection, which can include common cold, mononucleosis (abnormally high proportion of monocytes in the blood ), as well as influenza.
➺ Sometimes, a red swollen throat can accompany conditions like measles and chickenpox as well.
➺ Soreness and swelling in throat can also be caused by bacteria, usually by the streptococcus bacteria. The condition is commonly known as strep throat. So, sore and swollen throat are mainly caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract. Swollen throat basically refers to swollen lymph nodes of the neck, which many times accompany soreness in throat.
➺ Sometimes, allergens like pollen and dust, pollution, and mold can cause allergic reactions, which too can lead to soreness and swelling in the throat.
➺ Some other common causes are sinus drainage or post nasal drip, breathing through the mouth, sinusitis, bronchitis, excessive smoking, acid reflux disease, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.
➺ In addition to these, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes of the neck can be associated with conditions like tuberculosis, glandular fever, lymphoma, throat cancer, and HIV infection.
➺ Various diseases and infections are responsible for weakening the immune system, which in turn can promote the growth of fungus like, Candida albicans. This can increase the risk for getting oral thrush, and can eventually result in throat soreness.
Remedies
➺ The discomfort associated with sore throat and swollen glands can be alleviated with throat lozenges. They can effectively soothe an irritated throat to provide considerable relief.
➺ If it is a bacterial infection, then appropriate antibiotics can help relieve the symptoms. Antibiotics are usually recommended for bacterial tonsillitis and strep throat.
➺ Sore and swollen throat caused by viral infections usually clears up on its own with adequate rest and home treatments.
➺ Drinking enough fluid (warm) such as hot soup and tea, and gargling with warm saline water are the two most simple and effective home remedies for sore throat.
➺ Taking lemon juice with a few drops of honey is another simple home remedy.
➺ You can also find considerable relief by drinking tea prepared with lemon, honey, cayenne pepper, and a small amount of apple cider vinegar.
➺ Even herbal tea, especially chamomile tea, marshmallow root tea, and tea prepared with honeysuckle flower are considered to be some of the popular and effective remedies.
➺ Apart from these, some other herbal remedies for this condition are cloves, slippery elm, holy basil leaves, thyme, licorice, and sage.
➺ Along with these, steam inhalation and installing a humidifier in your room can help you to get rid of this condition.
But, if the swelling and soreness of the throat persists for a considerable time period, then consider visiting your physician. This is particularly applicable for sore throat accompanied by swollen or enlarged lymph glands and high fever. This condition can also be an indication of serious conditions like lymphoma and HIV infection.
So, if red swollen throat lasts for several days, it is better to get the condition evaluated by a doctor to rule out the possibility of these serious illnesses, and address the underlying causes.
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.