Home Treatment For Sore Throat

Sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria. especially in the winter, breathing through the mouth can dry and irritate the throat. this type of irritation subsides quickly after the throat becomes moist again.


Sore Throat Viruses
Viral sore throat, like other viral infections, can't be treated successfully with antibiotics; they must run their course. pain relievers are often helpful. older children and adolescents may develop a viral sore throat known as infectious mononucleosis or "mono". it's also called "kissing disease" because the virus is spread through saliva. the monosore throat is often severe and lasts more than a week. the person may feel particularly weak, but complications seldom occur. resting is important. there is no antibiotic curer for this virus.


Strep Throat
Sore throats due to the streptococcal bacteria are commonly referred to as "strep throat". a strep throat should be treated with an antibiotic because of two types of complications, first, an abscess may form in the throat. this is an extremely rare complication but should suspected if a child shows great difficulty in swallowing or opening the mouth, or excessive drooling. the second and more significant type of complication occurs from one to four weeks after the throat pain disappears and takes one of two forms. one form, called acute glomerulonephritis, causes an inflammation of the kidney. it is isn't certain that antibiotics will prevent this complication. the other form is the greatest concern, is the complication of rheumatic fever, which is rare today but still a problem in some regions. rheumatic fever is a complicated disease that can result in painful, swollen joints; unusual skin rashes; and heart damage. rheumatic fever can be prevented by antibioitic treatment of a strep throat. strep throat is much less frequent in adults than in children, and rheumatic fever is very rare in adults. strep throat is unlikely if the sore throat is a minor part of  a typical cold (runny nose, stuffy ears, cough, and so on). the question of when to use antibiotics for sore throats is controversial. many doctors believe that a test for strep is the best way to determine the need for antibiotics. however, the test's accuracy has ranged from 31 to 98% in various studies. furthermore, many people are "strep carriers" they have strep in their throats, but the strep isn't causing illness. in the decision chart, the same symptoms that lead you to "call doctor today" are those that will make your doctor more likely to prescribe antibiotics.


Home Treatment:
Cold liquids, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are effective for sore throat pain and fever. because recent information indicates an association between aspirin and a rare but serious problem known as reye's syndrome, children and teenagers shouldn't take aspirin or cold remedies containing it. home remedies that may help include saltwater gargles and tea with honey or lemon. time is the most important healer for pain. a vaporizer makes the waiting more comfortable for some.


Sore Throat
Is there severe difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, or excessive drooling in a young child?
* if yes, see a doctor
* if no, test for strep throat

Are any of the following condition present?
1. A temperature of 38'C or greater
2. Pus in the back of the throat
3. A red rash that feels like "sandpaper" increased redness in the skin creases, and a fever
* if yes, see a doctor
* if no, test for strep throat

Is the person's age less than 35?
* if yes, test for strep throat
* if no, use home treatment

Are the person's tonsils swollen?
* if yes, test for strep throat
* if no, use home treatment