Swollen Throat

As I have mentioned, swollen throat, is more of a symptom which serves as a manifestation of some underlying medical condition in the body. The swelling may be accompanied by an additional number of other signs and symptoms. Common ones include redness of the inside of the throat, dryness of the throat and itchiness. Not to forget, most people also experience excruciating pain while they try to swallow food or drink. This in turn, may result in eating disorders thus, giving rise to some other complications. However, some people may also have swollen throat but no pain. Other severe symptoms which may accompany the swelling include vomiting, bleeding, development of pus in the throat or skin rash.

Responsible Factors

There could be a multiple of causes of this symptom. One of the most common causes is what is known as sore throat. It is caused by a viral or a bacterium infection. While viral infection is a common cause of swollen sore throat and gets resolved on its own, the bacterial one, although uncommon, requires treatment.

Throat may swell up because of allergy. And it could be the outcome of ingesting certain foods or drink. Foods which are commonly associated with this condition are ones which are too spicy or acidic. Even taking too hot or too cold foods can cause the throat to swell up. It may also occur as a result of any physical trauma to the mouth or the throat.

Other causes could include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Nasal congestion
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Canker sores
• Chronic coughing
• Smoking
• Snoring
• Medications

Home Remedies

Treatment depends upon what has caused it. If the cause is a bacterial infection, then antibiotics would be recommended. If the offender is a viral infection, then treatment is not required, as it will clear up in some days. Apart from medications, there are a few simple but effective home remedies which provide a great deal of help in managing the pain and other bothersome symptoms of the condition. These are as follows:

• The symptoms of swollen glands in throat can be managed by a home remedy as simple as a mixture of lemon juice mixed in hot water, with some honey added to it.
• Another simple remedy is drinking black tea with some black pepper, few ginger cloves, added to it. Ginger is anti-bacterial in nature thus, has the capability to curb the infection from spreading further.
• Drinking green tea several times a day also helps in reducing the irritation of a swollen throat. It does help in hastening the recovery. You can add honey to improve the taste and the efficacy of the tea, as well
• Mix some salt to a glass of hot water, and gargle whenever you feel any pain or irritation in the throat. Do not use the water when it is too hot lest, it may burn your mouth or throat.
• Get some basil leaves, and boil them in water. Strain the mixture and drink it several times a day.
• One more remedy is infusing dried sage (1 tsp.) in boiling water (1 cup). Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Thereafter, strain the mixture and add vinegar to it. This mixture can be taken as a tea or can also be put to use as for gargling.

Most cases of swollen throat are caused from bacterial or viral infection. So the best way to prevent it is to practice good hygiene which involves keeping your hands clean, abstaining from sharing personal items, using tissues or a handkerchief while sneezing, and avoiding people those who are ailing.