Prevent Sore Throat: Key Facts, Causes, Symptoms

Sore throat means the inflammation of the pharynx (back of the throat). It occurs normally when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, while sore throat may be a viral or a bacterial infection. Strep throat is common amongst children and teenagers, between the ages of 5 to 15.

Symptoms of Sore Throat

Following are the major sore throat symptoms:

1. Irritation of throat
2. Chills and fever
3. Pain in the throat
4. Swollen and tender lymph glands
5. Difficulty in swallowing

Causes of Sore Throat

Following are the major sore throat causes:

1. Common cold
2. Influenza
3. Sinusitis
4. Measles
5. Diphtheria

Natural Home Remedies for Sore Throat

1. Add lemon juice and some honey, to a glass of hot water. Drink this. It will give immediate relief from pain.

2. Cut a lemon into 2 pieces. Take one piece and put some salt and black pepper on it, press with a knife so that salt-pepper penetrates into the lime. Put the lemon on heat to make it warm. Slowly lick this lemon squeezing it until no juice remains. Do it 2-3 times a day.

3. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and sip slowly. It is also good for sore throat cure.

4. Prepare a tea by adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms to a pint of boiling water; steep and drink a cup every few hours.

Sore Throat Treatment and Advice

1. Gargle with warm salt water. It is an effective natural remedy for sore throat.

2. You can also gargle with Aloe Vera juice two times daily. It is also an effective home remedy for sore throat.

Herbal Remedies for Sore Throat

1. Chew some garlic pieces. It is an effective sore throat treatment.

2. Prepare marshmallow root tea by adding 1 tablespoon of the dried root to a cup. Add a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steep it covered for at least 10 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

3. Prepare honeysuckle tea. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. . Add 1 cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves). Steep for at least 10 minutes, covered, and then strain. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink up to 4 cups a day.

4. Water boiled with basil leaves should be taken as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat. It is also effective in sore throat treatment.