Severe Sore Throat

Clinically termed as 'pharyngitis', a sore throat that may persist for over a period of 3 days and is indicative of a more severe condition. A severe sore throat could be a symptom of certain underlying medical conditions like tonsillitis or laryngitis. One common cause is viral infection. Common viruses which cause this condition include those which are known to cause common cold, mononucleosis and flu. Measles, chickenpox, and croup (a disease of infants and young children causing harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing) are some other viral illnesses which may also cause sore throat. Less commonly bacterial infections are the cause.

Apart from the viral and bacterial infections, other factors which may also be held responsible are allergies, dryness, pollution, muscle strain, acid reflux disease (GERD), HIV infection and tumors.

Symptoms that May Accompany Sore Throat

A dry, scratchy and swollen throat is a general symptom of sore throat. However, there are other symptoms which might indicate the presence of some severe underlying medical condition. These symptoms include vomiting, skin rash, swollen tonsils and headache. Inability to swallow, formation of white patches or pus on the throat or tonsils, severe throat pain and the recurrence of the illness could also occur. Sore throat with no fever is usually brought on by viral infections. However, in other cases, babies may suffer from a fever of about 101º F and older children, 103º F.

Treatment

A sore throat caused by a virus generally gets resolves on its own within a week or so. Moreover, there is no treatment for a viral sore throat infection. In case of bacterial infections, patients are treated with antibiotics for the cure and also to curb any serious complications. Apart from following the entire course of prescribed medicines from the doctor, there are some self-care measures that can be followed at home to relieve the condition.

The quantity of fluid intake must be increased to help with the recovery. Along with drinking plenty of water; juice, tea and warm soups must be added to the diet. Alcohol and caffeine must be avoided, as these substance tend to dehydrate the body more and aggravate the sore throat.

Gargling with warm saline water is one of the oldest home remedies for sore throat. Take about 2 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for sometime. Do not drink the water though. This will help in providing a soothing relief to the scratchy and aching throat.

Make a solution of honey, lemon and hot water and allow it to cool down to room temperature. The honey will coat and, soothe a sore throat, while the lemon will manage the mucus, thus, alleviating the pain and discomfort.

Using a humidifier offers a great deal of help. Moisture in the air keeps the mucous membranes from drying out. Sucking on a throat lozenge helps in cleansing the throat. Before going to bed, chew on some cloves of ginger root. The juice of ginger when taken with honey, also provides relief from sore throat.

As mentioned, smoke and other irritants may also cause a sore throat. So, while you are still recovering, keep away from getting exposed to such elements. Talking less and resting your voice will help in the recovery and covering the mouth while sneezing will help to prevent the spread of the illness to others.

A sore throat, generally, is not a serious medical concern. Most cases of the condition is caused by a virus which gets resolved on its own. So take the appropriate medicines and follow the above home remedies until you have a full recuperation.