Sores in Throat

The back part of the tongue, soft palate and tonsils, in combination form the back portion of the throat called the pharynx. Bacterial or viral infection may cause the inflammation of the pharynx. The condition of inflamed pharynx is known as pharyngitis or sore throat. It is also termed as tonsillitis, probably because sore throat usually involves the tonsils. The occurrence of sores in throat is common in humans. It is generally worse in the morning and improves as the day progresses. The common symptoms of sores in throat are pain in the throat area, difficulty in swallowing, ear pain and a high fever. They may or may not be contagious in nature. The chances of sores in throat are prevalent throughout the year but they especially increase during winter and early spring.

What Causes Sores in Throat
One common cause of sores in throat is viral infection but they can also be caused by bacterial infections. The common causative bacteria are mycoplasma, streptococcus and Haemophilus. A bacterium called Arcanobacterium haemolyticum causes sores in throat mainly in people between 20-35 years of age. It is responsible for fine red rash in the throat. Other causative factors include sinus drainage and improper practices like breathing through the mouth. It can result in dryness and thereby, soreness in throat. Sometimes, sores in throat occur after undergoing chemotherapy or antibiotic prescriptions. The most possible reason for such sores in throat and mouth is candidiasis.

The non-contagious, painful sores with a red border are called canker sores and they may occur in the throat. The exact factor leading to canker sores in throat is yet unknown. They generally get healed on their own in a couple of weeks' time. Recurrent canker sores can be a symptom of diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, Behcet's syndrome and squamous cell carcinoma.

How to Heal Sores in Throat Naturally
You can heal sores in throat naturally with the following remedial methods.

• Take 4-5 holy basil leaves and chew them twice a day. This is one of the very effective home remedies for sores in throat.
• Mash a banana with a cup of yogurt. Eat it daily on an empty stomach for curing sores in throat and mouth.
• Extract juice from mulberries and drink it once daily. This will provide relief from sores in throat and mouth.
• Eat a cup of yogurt as it contains acidophilus bacteria that helps in treating candidiasis by preventing the growth and reproduction of yeast.
• Increase the intake of amla in your diet. You may use it either as a part of dishes or take its juice directly. This will boost your immune system, and hence will help in curing sores in throat.
• Take a teaspoon each of coconut oil and honey, and drink it once every alternate day. This will speed up the process of healing of sores in throat.
• Astragalus is a herb that contains antiviral properties. Take a small amount of it daily to enhance immunity and kill the viruses responsible for causing sores in throat.
• A herbal plant called chamomile is one of the best canker sores in throat remedies. Consult a herbalist for directions of its usage.
• Echinacea is known for its antiviral properties. It is very efficacious in healing wounds and strengthening immunity. Swish 5 ml of liquid echinacea for 2-3 minutes, and then swallow it, to treat canker sores in throat and mouth.
• Lysine is an amino acid found in eggs and avocados and it helps to treat chronic cold sores. To add to this, it assists the body to prevent future occurrences of cold sores in throat and other parts of the body.

Sores in throat is very common condition and it is mostly self-diagnosed. Try out the above suggested natural treatments for sore throat cures. If you find no relief and suffer from persistent sore throat accompanied with vomiting and fever, you should visit a doctor. Seeking medical attention will help cure sores in throat.