Sore throats are an acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lower pharynx. Tonsils and the soft palate may also be inflamed. The main indication of a sore throat is pain when swallowing and sometimes a burning sensation and a tightness in the throat. Secretions may be discharged from the mucous membrane or the throat may be very dry.
A sore throat is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial. It is most commonly caused by a contagious viral infection (such as the flu, cold or mononucleosis), although more serious throat infections can be caused by a bacterial infection (such as strep, mycoplasma or hemophilus). Bacterial sore throats respond well to antibiotics while viral infections do not. For viral infections, there are many natural remedies that you can take to cure a sore throat. Some of these folk remedies work within an hour or two, others take effect overnight.
The compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity were wine acids, notably succinic, malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and acetic acids. "Overall, our findings seem to indicate that wine can act as an effective antimicrobial agent against the tested pathogenic oral streptococci and might be active in caries and upper respiratory tract pathologies prevention," the study states.
The bacteria infection leads to strep, mycoplasma, or hemophilus. The strep infection can cause tonsillitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and ear infections. The strep infection can also damage heart valves and kidneys and should be treated with antibiotics. Note that coughing is not associated with strep throat, unlike viral or dryness related soreness. If you have frequent sore throat from tonsillitis, this suggests that the infection is not fully eliminated from your body.
While the relief from pain and swelling is real, gargling with salt doesn't necessarily cure the ailment. Also, the principle of too much of a good thing can apply. While the warm water and salt grains dancing in your throat may feel good, too much salt can harm your mucosa. Gargle in moderation, then go see a doctor if your symptoms persist.
The herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a common ingredient in herbal teas for sore throat, such as the herbal tea products Throat Coat (Traditional Medicinals) and Throat Comfort (Yogi Teas).Although licorice has not been associated with adverse effects when used for ten days or less, excessive longer-term use may result in side effects such as high blood pressure, swelling, and headaches. There is some evidence that licorice may lower testosterone in men.
Make fenugreek tea and gargle with it. In 6 cups of water, add 2 tbsp fenugreek leaves. Gargle with it 3-4 times in a day.
Try salt water gargling. But when I get sour throat, I keep chewing 4-5 pepper corns every 30-45 minutes and the whole day the pungent flavour gets into the throat. The results are instant. But keep doing it.
Eat oranges, ice cream and drink hot beverages. Don't talk all day. Take some medication. Not sure if you have Nyquil where you live, but that stuff is awesome. Lots and lots of rests and fluids.
