Throat Inflammation

Throat inflammation in medical terms is called pharyngitis and often termed as sore throat. It is actually caused due to a respiratory tract infection which leads to inflamed pharynx. Pharynx lies between the mouth and the voice box - larynx. In most cases, it is causes are viral or bacterial infections. When it is caused due to viral infection, there are chances that it can be contagious. The inflammation is also caused due to seasonal allergies, especially due to sudden climate change.

Symptoms

A person suffering from pharyngitis, may suffer from all or a few of the following symptoms.

• Continuous pain in the throat
• Pain and discomfort while swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes or tonsils
• Red Spots at the back of throat
• High Fever followed by body pain
• Sore throat
• Gray or white coating on the tonsils
• Cough
• Nausea and Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal congestion or mucus discharge

Though the symptoms will remain the same, the severity of the above symptoms may vary.

Treatment Options

If the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to a severe case of tonsillitis, hence availing remedies at the earliest is necessary. When you discover some of the above symptoms, seek medical help. Doctors will perform some tests by taking a throat swab to determine the cause. Knowing the cause will help take an appropriate treatment option. In most cases, the inflammation is caused due to bacteria treated with antibiotics. When the inflammation is caused due to virus, it will cure on its own. However, some pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are prescribed by the doctor. Medications are generally used to reduce pain and other related symptoms. Medications should be taken only under medical supervision, over the counter medicines should be avoided. Children should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Home Remedies

There are some home remedies, which are the best for throat infection. Home remedies can reduce the discomfort, pain and distress caused by throat inflammation. Following are some of the home remedies which can provide you immediate relief.

Salt Water Gargle
Add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and stir it well. Now gargle with the solution, let the solution be inside your mouth for 15 - 20 seconds and spit it out. Do this four to five times a day. It can provide great relief. The salt prevents further growth of the bacteria.

Milk and Turmeric
Add a pinch of turmeric to a warm glass of milk, you can also add sugar for taste. Drink this milk after meals everyday at night. This is the most effective and traditional method. It will help to get rid of sore throat.

Garlic
Garlic has many antibacterial and antifungal properties. Chewing and swallowing 2 - 3 cloves of garlic with a spoon of honey, can be beneficial. It is one of the effective sore throat remedies.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Add few drops of apple cider vinegar to water and gargle with it three to four times a day. The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar can efficiently kill the bacteria present in the throat. It can also soothe a sore throat effectively.

I hope the above remedies will help you to get rid of the pain, discomfort and distress caused due to it. If you are recurrently suffering , it is always better to seek medical help than wait and watch the inflammation curing on its own.