Winters has come and has brought some strange Viral Fevers in the country. Along with fever, people are getting throat infections. Patients are reaching doctors with these infections and fever and doctors are treating these infections with Anti-biotics.
What is Throat Infection?
Throat Infection also known as Sore Throat involves irritation, pain, and itchiness which sometimes makes hard to swallow food. In severe cases, it can even be followed by fever, breathlessness, voice change etc. In such cases, you need to consult a doctor.
What are the symptoms of throat infection?
- Irritation in throat
- Pain
- Itchiness
- Sometimes difficulty in breathing
- Cold
- Congestion in chest
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Swollen throat glands
- In rare cases, high fever, rash
What are the causes of throat infection?
Some of the major causes of throat infections are:
Sometimes the throat infections are result of the various environmental factors around us. This includes pollen, allergens, cold climate, poor immunity etc. They can also be triggered due to eating something cold or sour things.
- Viral Infection: Sore throat can be a result of a viral infection. In such cases patients might even suffer fever. Some of the viral infection include, mononucleosis, chicken pox, measles etc.
- Bacterial Infection: These infections include strep throat, whooping cough etc.
- Chain smoking is another cause of throat infections
- Continuous talking
What are the prevention methods of throat infection?
- Eat healthy food to increase your immunity which is a cause of all major diseases.
- Avoid eating too much of cold and sour food items.
- Keep yourself covered properly in case of cold weather.
- Don’t come in close contact of people with cold and cough.
- Consult a doctor on time.
When to see a doctor?
A person need to see a doctor if:
- The throat infection is there for more than two days.
- Throat infection is followed by fever, rashes, breathlessness etc.
- There is difficulty in talking or voice has changed.
- In case of kids, consulting a doctor is always advisable.
- Swollen throat glands.
- Difficulty in swallowing
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Throat Infections at an early stage can be easily treated at home. Some of the home remedies which you can try includes:
Saltwater gargles: Take some luke-warm water, add some salt to it and gargle 3 to 4 times a day.
Honey Water: You can also try luke-warm with honey and sip slowly. Do not take too much of honey as it is very warm.
Home Made Kadda (Mixture): Take some water, add some basil leaves, some ginger, garlic, honey and bring to boil. Keep the mixture aside. You can take one or two spoons twice or thrice a day or as required. However, again this is a very warm thing to take and should be taken in access.
Steam inhalation: – With a steamer / hot shower