Symptoms of Sore Throat

Sore throat is nothing but an inflammation of the pharynx, that is, back of the throat. This usually happens when a person suffers from influenza or common cold. It can also be due to strep throat infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. It can either be a viral or a bacterial infection. The condition of sore throat is common amongst children and teenagers. Some other factors causing sore throat are sinusitis, diphtheria, measles or even leukemia in certain rare cases. There are certain symptoms are usually seen when people suffer from a sore throat. People suffering from acute cases of sore throat usually experience irritation, pain and inflammation of the throat. These symptoms may be followed by chills, fever, laryngitis or hoarseness. Swelling and tenderness is seen in the lymph glands. The pharynx gets covered with a grayish white membrane and becomes very red. Swallowing food and liquid becomes painful. In case of a sore throat due to a strep throat infection, one might have headaches, difficulty swallowing, and pain in the stomach.

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Home remedies can help reduce pain and irritation and cure this condition. One of the many home remedies for sore throat is mango bark treatment. Extract the fluid in the bark by grinding and apply it locally. One could also use it for gargling. Add a few drops of the extract to half cup of water and gargle at least thrice in a day. For herbal treatment, one can try a herb named belleric myroblan. Make a mixture of the pulp of this fruit, common salt, long pepper and honey. One will need 2 grams of the fruit pulp, a quarter teaspoon of common salt, half a teaspoon of long pepper and 2 teaspoons of honey to prepare this mixture. Have this mixture twice a day. One can also roast the fruit and cover it in flour as a cure for sore throat.

Cure for a Sore Throat

Bishop’s weed is said to be helpful for curing sore throat. Make an infusion of these seeds. Mix it with common salt and warm water and use it as a gargle. People suffering from acute symptoms of sore throat can reduce their diet to fruit juices and water for a few days till the pain and irritation subsides. Once the symptoms subside, do not start the usual diet immediately. Try an all fruit diet for 4 to 5 days before resuming to your normal diet. Once on a normal diet, emphasize on fresh fruits, raw vegetables, nuts and seeds.