Pharyngitis, which is characterized by an inflamed throat, often causes symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, muscle aches, etc. This story provides information on the causes and home remedies for this condition.
The inflammation of the throat is medically referred to as pharyngitis. Commonly referred to as sore throat, pharyngitis is caused by a respiratory tract infection. The common contributing factors for an inflamed throat include infections that are caused by bacteria or viruses.
The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat. More often than not, sore throat is observed in viral infections such as common cold or influenza. In some cases, the causal agent for the infection might be Streptococcus bacterium. Under such circumstances, one is diagnosed with strep throat.
Symptoms
A person affected by an inflamed throat might experience all or a few of the following symptoms:
➻ Continuous pain in the throat ➻ Pain and discomfort while swallowing ➻ Swollen tonsils ➻ Swollen lymph nodes
➻ Redness at the back of throat ➻ High fever followed by body pain ➻ Sore throat ➻ Gray or white coating on the tonsils ➻ Cough ➻ Loss of appetite ➻ Malaise
The severity of the aforementioned symptoms may vary from person to person.
Treatment Options
If the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to tonsillitis. It's advisable to seek medical assistance, if the symptoms are severe. Doctors might take a throat swab to identify the causal pathogen. Antibiotics are prescribed, if the throat infection is caused by a bacterium.
When the inflammation is caused due to virus, it usually resolves on its own in a couple of weeks. However, analgesics and antipyretics might be prescribed to alleviate pain and fever, respectively. It's advisable to take these drugs under medical supervision.
Self-care Measures
Following certain self-care measures or home remedies might help alleviate the symptoms caused by throat inflammation. These include:
➻ Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
➻ Drink herbal teas or broths to soothe a sore throat.
➻ Add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and stir it well. Gargle with this solution four to five times a day. It will provide great relief. Moreover, salt will also prevent the growth of the bacteria.
➻ Add a pinch of turmeric to a warm glass of milk. Drink it before going to bed at night.
➻ You can also use throat lozenges or throat sprays to get relief.
Take the necessary measures when common cold and flu are prevalent. It is advisable to seek medical assistance when the affected individual experiences symptoms such as a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat for more than a week.
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.