Throat Infection Treatment

A throat infection usually refers to the infection that affects the throat and its surrounding areas. More commonly, it is known as sore throat and is caused by infectious agents like, virus and bacteria. It is usually characterized by a scratchy feeling in the throat and pain, especially while swallowing.

Causes of Throat Infection

It is more commonly caused by viruses such as, common cold virus, adenovirus, measles, flu virus, parainfluenza virus and even herpes simplex virus. It has been observed that children are more susceptible to get the viral infection of the throat, while adults are more likely to get bacterial throat infection. Bacterial throat infections are usually caused by streptococcus bacteria and staphylococcus bacteria. Infection caused by the streptococcus bacteria is commonly known as strep throat. Sometimes, conditions like, mononucleosis, whooping cough and infection of the upper respiratory tract can also cause throat infection. Occasionally, throat infection can be caused by fungal infection, especially infection caused by the fungus, candida albicans.

Throat Infection Symptoms

Soreness or scratchiness of the throat, pain and discomfort in the throat, swelling, especially of the tonsils, redness of the throat and the tonsils, pain while swallowing, difficulty in speaking, cough, headache, white or yellowish spots on the tonsils are some of the most common symptoms. Swollen glands in the neck and white or yellowish coating on the tonsils can be some other symptoms. Apart from these, it can be accompanied by mild fever, runny nose, redness of the eyes and bad breath.

Throat Infection Cure

The treatment mainly depends on the causative agent, as well as the severity of the infection. It is commonly caused by virus, and viral infection usually runs its course. Drinking plenty of fluid and taking adequate rest can however, help to speed up the recovery process. In the meantime, one can use medications like, analgesics to get relief from the symptoms. On the other hand, antibiotics are used, if it is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can help to accelerate the process of recovery. If throat infection is caused by fungus, then its treatment would require the appropriate antifungal medications.

Along with medications, several simple home remedies too can help to get relief its annoying symptoms. One such simple remedy is water. Drinking plenty of water is very important to clear out the infection. Another effective remedy for sore throat is saline water. You can use slightly warm saline water to gargle several times a day to get considerable relief. One of the most effective treatment is to drink a mixture of lukewarm water, honey and lemon juice. Some other effective remedies are, ginger tea, chamomile tea, sage tea, basil leaves and garlic. In addition to these, using humidifier is recommended to prevent nasal or throat obstruction due to excessive phlegm.

During a throat infection, it is better to eat foods that can be swallowed easily or which do not irritate the throat. Soups, broths, mashed potatoes, cooked cereals, yogurt, soft fruits, porridge, applesauce are some types of foods that can be consumed while suffering from a throat infection. It is advisable to avoid foods that can irritate the throat such as, spicy or acidic foods during this period.

For prompt treatment, it is very important to find out the causative agent and this can be done by visiting a certified physician. So, if you get throat infection and it seems a bit serious in nature, then consider to get the condition properly evaluated with the help of your physician. In the meantime, be sure to avoid smoking and stay away from irritants like, smoke and fumes.