Sore throats range from a mere scratch to pain so severe that even swallowing saliva hurts. They can be caused by heavy cigarette smoking and infections of the throat, tonsils, or nasal passages from a virus, fungus, or bacteria such as streptococcus, the one that causes strep throat.
If an infection is the cause, your doctor may take a throat culture. If streptococcus or any other type of bacteria is the culprit, he or she will prescribe an antibiotic. Be sure you take all of the antibiotic.
If strep throat is left untreated, serious complications, including abscesses, kidney inflammation, or rheumatic heart disease, could arise. An antifungal medicine is used to treat a fungal infection.
Is it very hard for you to breathe, are you unable
to swallow your own saliva, or are you unable to say more than 3 or 4 words between
breaths?  |
 |
| Do the tonsils or the back of the throat look
bright red or have visible pus deposits? |
 |
Do you have any of the following problems with the
sore throat? Fever Swollen, enlarged neck glands Headache General aching feeling Ear pain Bad breath Skin rash Loss of appetite Vomiting Abdominal pain Chest pain Dark urine |
|
| Does someone else in the family have a strep throat
or do you get strep throat often? |
 |
| Has even a mild sore throat lasted more than 2
weeks? |
|
Gargle every few hours with a solution
of 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water.
Drink plenty of warm beverages, such as tea
with lemon (with or without honey) and soup.
For strep throat, eat and drink cold foods
and liquids such as frozen yogurt, popsicles, and ice water.
Use a "cool-mist" vaporizer or
humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time. If you get a sore throat often
consider adding an electronic air filter and humidifier to your furnace system.
Don't smoke.
Avoid eating spicy foods.
Suck on a piece of hard candy or medicated
lozenge every so often. (Do not give to children under age 5.)
Take an over-the-counter medicine for the
pain and/or fever. {Note: See Pain relievers in Your Home Pharmacy.}
Do not get in close contact with anyone you
know who has a sore throat.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 12/31/00