Common Sore Throat or Strep Throat

Common Sore Throat or Strep Throat

There are many reasons for a sore throat. Allergies, postnasal drip, colds, the flu, and bacterial infections all cause a painful throat. There are some symptoms, however, that make it more likely that you have strep throat, and need to be seen by a doctor.

2.If you have associated cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sinus congestion, postnasal drip, scratchy throat with loss of voice (laryngitis), and cough, usually this indicates a viral source of your sore throat, rather than strep throat

5.Some home remedies for relieving the pain of sore throats include warm saltwater gargles and tea with honey. Remedies are aimed at keeping the throat moist, and symptom relief.

6.Keeping the throat moist can help reduce the pain from a sore throat. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, or lean over a sink with hot running water (drape a towel over your head and inhale).

7.Keeping the throat warm may help soothe tender lymph nodes. Use a warm compress on your neck to help relieve the pain.

8.Soft, cool foods such as ice cream, milkshakes, gelatin, and pudding are good choices to eat when you have a sore throat. The coolness of the food soothes the pain, and soft foods are easy to swallow past the inflamed areas.

9.It is important to stay hydrated when your body is fighting an infection. Drink plenty of water. Use a straw to sip water or other fluids to make it easier for the fluid to go down the middle of the throat. Avoid citrus juices or alcoholic beverages when fighting an infection.

To help relieve the pain of a sore throat, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve) may be used. Children and teens should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, which can be fatal.

Be sure to use these products as directed, and consult your doctor before taking decongestants if you are taking other medications.

A sore throat that does not respond to initial medical treatment may be a sign of another cause. A persistent sore throat may be a sign of mononucleosis, a sexually transmitted disease, tumors in the throat, meningitis, or acid reflux. See your doctor if you have been treated for strep throat and it has not improved or resolved within three to four days.

                                                By Belinda Yeboah