Throat inflammation is usually not a specific condition and rather a symptom of an illness. It is usually caused due to in infection of the throat, possibly combined with the infection of the upper respiratory tract, as it occurs with flu or common cold.
Throat inflammation or pharyngitis is commonly referred to as sore throat. The inflammation, in most cases, results for a viral or bacterial infection, but it can also be associated with mechanical or chemical irritation. Seasonal allergies are also known for causing throat inflammation and the related symptoms.
Symptoms of throat inflammation
Throat inflammation or sore throat may cause symptoms such as scratchy, irritated throat, pain and discomfort, especially when swallowing, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, hoarse voice, cough, postnasal drip, red or white spots on the throat and tonsils, bad breath, fever, nausea and headache.
It is not necessary to suffer from all these symptoms at once. It depends on several factors, such as the overall health of the patient and the extent of the infection, and so does the duration of the symptoms. Still, it is safe to say that in most cases the symptoms subside within seven to ten days.
Treatment for throat inflammation
It is important to identify the cause of the inflammation before deciding upon the treatment. For example, bacterial infections should be treated with antibiotics, while those drugs will have not effect on viral infections or allergic inflammation.
In most cases the treatment for throat inflammation will be directed towards alleviating the symptom. There are over-the-counter solutions, such as Throat lozenges with natural or chemical ingredients, sometimes with mild local anesthetic, cough drops, pain killers and fever reducers.
Home remedies are also highly recommended. There are many of them and they are mostly quite effective. Gargling with saline solution is one of the best ways to soothe the throat and reduce the inflammation. It should be done several times a day until the condition improves. Another liquid that can be used for gargling is sage tea, which has mild antiseptic properties. The same goes for diluted apple cider vinegar.
Drinking a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric is also very soothing for the inflamed throat.
Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. Chewing a few garlic cloves with a spoon of honey is a good remedy for sore throat, especially for those who do not mind the pungent smell and bad breath that follows.
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