Is your throat irritating you?

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A sore throat may cause you pain, itchiness and irritation that can make it hard for you to swallow. This is generally accompanied by other infections such as a rash, joint pain or a fever. 

• You may also experience swelling in your neck glands, infection of the tonsils and a rough voice if you have a sore throat.
• You have a higher chance of getting a sore throat if you smoke or if you have allergies or if you have a weak immune system.
• Children are also susceptible to throat infection due to their rather weak immune system, hence care should be taken to avoid cold items and contact with germs.

WHAT CAUSES A THROAT INFECTION?

• The major cause of a throat infection is a viral infection (cold or flu). The virus mainly infects your pharynx and produces all the above-mentioned symptoms.
• A bacterial infection can also sometimes cause throat infection. It is often called as a ‘strep’ throat due to the name of the causative agent (a streptococcus bacterium). A ‘strep’ throat is very uncommon in children below 3 years and more pronounced in adults.
• Some allergic reactions caused by allergens such a pollen grains, pet hair etc. can cause a throat infection. Environmental factors like smoke, dust, smog etc. also play a role in throat infection.
• You may also get a sore throat if you shout and scream too much! So be mindful when you cheer for your favorite team of actor next time!

CLEARING YOUR THROAT:

• You can always treat yourself at home before going to a doctor. Try to curtail your throat infection at home, if it begins to worsen, a doctor’s consultation would be a wise decision.
• Salt water gargles are the first choice of treatment for a throat infection. Do a salt water gargle once in the morning and once in the evening, and this will clear your throat in no time.
• Drinking tea, warm water, soup or other hot beverages will greatly aid the time taken to get rid of the infection.
• Wear a face mask while going out if you’re generally allergic to dust or pollen. This will reduce the chance for contact and prevent any further infection.
• Keep yourself hydrated at all times. This will prevent your throat from getting dry and you won’t feel any irritation.
• Honey has always been put to use as an antibacterial. Mix two spoons of honey with water and drink it early in the morning.
• If you throat doesn’t get any better with all the above-mentioned treatments, you may need to consult the doctor as the throat infection could be a symptom of an underlying infection. 

All said and done, prevention is better than cure. So, avoid drinking something too cold, protect your face while you go out, maintain proper sanitation and hygiene to avoid any kind of bacterial or viral infection and always remember to drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated! 

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