Evgeniya Gaeva
Don’t be sick!
Unpleasant sensations in the throat can be a signal of an inflammatory process in the region of the posterior pharyngeal wall, the tonsils. Sore throat can occur for various reasons: it can be an infection, an allergy, hypothermia, or dry mouth. How to help yourself and remove unpleasant symptoms – let’s find out!
Because my throat hurts
A sore throat can be severe, sharp, stabbing, or it can be a slight burning sensation or discomfort that occurs constantly or only when swallowing or talking.
In 50% of cases, the cause of a sore throat is an infection that enters our body with air and food. In this case the inflammation develops gradually, the symptoms progressively increase: from a slight tickle to inflammation of the tonsils and cough.
With the infectious nature of the disease, the following symptoms appear:
- Sore throat, cough;
- Rhinorrhea;
- Chills, fever;
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weakness, loss of appetite.
If the inflammation is caused by bacteria, the sore throat begins suddenly and immediately in a severe form. The most common bacterial throat infection is strep infection.
Throat diseases caused by viruses and bacteria:
1. Pharyngitis – inflammation of the pharynx – dryness and sweat are felt, it becomes painful to swallow, the temperature rises (up to 37.5-38 ° C). Often develops against the background of a runny nose;
2. Laryngitis – inflammation of the larynx. Laryngitis is characterized by sore throat, barking cough, and pain when swallowing.
3. Angina (tonsillitis) – inflammation of the palatine tonsils, characterized by severe sore throat, especially when swallowing, swelling and redness of the tonsils, as well as a sharp rise in temperature up to 38 ° C and above.
4. Peritonsillar abscess – inflammation of the tissues adjacent to the tonsils. It usually develops as a complication of tonsillitis or pharyngitis. It is characterized by the resumption of sore throat, severe and “shooting”, high temperature – up to 39 ° C, an increase in the tonsils on one side.
Non-infectious causes of sore throat can be associated with irritating and traumatic factors: prolonged stress on the vocal cords, trauma to the larynx with food, burns of the mucous membrane, foreign bodies, allergic reactions.
When to see a doctor
If a sore throat is not accompanied by a high fever, you can deal with it on your own. This will help you drink plenty and gargle.
If after a few days the pain intensifies and the condition worsens, this is an occasion to consult a doctor. In this case, self-medication may not be useful.
You should definitely see a doctor if:
- the pain is very strong, it is difficult to swallow or open the mouth;
- pain is accompanied by a sharp rise in temperature;
- sore throat accompanied by a rash;
- discomfort in the throat and pain occur in a chronic form.
Effective folk remedies for gargling
Gargling is a good way to relieve pain and clear the throat of bacteria. Gargling will help eliminate swelling, moisturize the mucous membrane, gently clear the throat of accumulated mucus, and also wash away pathogens from the tonsils and the back of the throat.
Saline and soda solutions for gargle are considered the most effective and harmless. Plus, they’re easy to make at home.
How to make a saline solution
The saline solution has an antibacterial effect, reduces swelling of the tissues and, consequently, pain in the throat.
Take a glass (250 ml) of warm water and dissolve 1 teaspoon of fine table salt. Mix well and gargle with your head tilted back. If you are making a solution for a baby, reduce the amount of salt by half.
How to make a soda solution
Rinsing with this solution will help kill bacteria and prevent fungal growth.
To prepare a classic soda rinse solution for an adult, 1 teaspoon of soda is diluted in 200 ml of warm water. For baby rinses, you need to take 250ml of water.
How to gargle properly
1. It is recommended to gargle 3 to 5 times a day.
2. Each time it is necessary to prepare a new solution.
3. Use only warm water to prepare the solution.
4. Do not eat before and after the procedure for 30 minutes.
5. Gargle properly:
- Take a moderate sip of the solution;
- Tilt your head back and rinse your mouth for 7-10 seconds;
- Spit and then repeat this process again;
- To thoroughly rinse your throat, tilt your head back, while gargling, say a long “YY” aloud.
6. The total duration of the procedure must be at least 30 seconds.
7. Do not ingest the rinse solution.
Prevention
Preventive tips for sore throat include:
- Get rid of bad habits: alcohol, smoking;
- Proper and balanced nutrition;
- Strengthening of immunity;
- Thorough oral hygiene;
- Control of air humidity in the apartment;
- Refusal to eat cold foods and drinks.
