Swollen Sore Throat

Sore and swollen throat are some common signs and symptoms of a number of health problems, usually caused by infectious agents like, bacteria, virus and also certain airborne substances. Many a time, swollen sore throat can be associated with some serious health conditions as well.

Swollen and Sore Throat

Causes
A sore and swollen throat is more commonly a sign of viral infection, which can include common cold, mononucleosis, as well as influenza. Sometimes, a red swollen sore throat can accompany conditions like, measles and chickenpox as well. Sore swollen throat can also be caused by bacteria, usually by the streptococcus bacteria. Sore throat caused by streptococcus bacteria 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, dust, pollution, and mold can cause allergic reaction, which too can lead to soreness and swelling in the throat. Some other possible 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 and HIV infection. HIV infection is 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, which can produce throat soreness.

Remedies
The discomfort associated with sore throat and swollen glands can be alleviated with throat lozenges. Throat lozenges can effectively soothe an irritated throat to provide considerable relief. If caused, by bacterial infection would however, require appropriate antibiotics. 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, along with gargling with warm saline water are the two most simple and effective home remedies.

Taking lemon juice with 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 conditon.

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 last 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.