Throat ache can be caused due to a number of conditions. These are classified into types, based on the part of the throat gets affected. The most common conditions that tend to cause throat pain are laryngitis and tonsillitis.
The symptoms of throat ache or sore throat may vary depending on the underlying cause. However, there are certain common symptoms. Some of those are:
If an infection is responsible for sore throat/throat ache, then it might cause other symptoms such as:
Throat ache which usually develops from the infection of sore throat can get resolved away spontaneously in most of the cases when the symptoms are mild to moderate. A time period of up to one week is required for this. The time duration depends upon the cause and severity of the infection. Application of over-the-counter medicines and home remedies may also prove to be effective in control and management of the condition. In severe cases, consultation with the doctor is necessary.
The initial signs of the disease are as common as its symptoms, however, it often takes a drastic turn due to lack of attention and is generally widespread. Here are some of the first signs of sore throat that may help you identify it at early stages:
Summary: Initial signs of sore throat can be a sign of something going on. It is important to see these signs and address the issue on time for early treatment.
Some of the most common causes of throat ache are:
Most of the beverages and other liquid or semi-solid food items are beneficial to give rest to the sore throat. The warmth gives the throat a rest while its form does not hurt the muscles while swallowing. Mention below some drinks that are more effective towards sore throats:
Summary: Most of the beverages and other liquid or semi-solid food items are beneficial to give rest to the sore throat. The list mentions some drinks that are effective towards sore throats.
To diagnose the cause of throat ache or sore throat, your physician may:
A physician may also take a sample of throat secretions with a swab. The swab is then used for rapid antigen test to detect streptococcal bacteria. Your doctor may also carry out a throat culture test depending on the outcome of the antigen test.
Compared to a rapid antigen test, a throat culture test is more accurate. However, throat culture test takes more time (24 to 48 hours) to provide results while the antigen test gives results within minutes. In certain cases, a molecular test may also be recommended to test for streptococcal bacteria.
It is important to address the warning signs that are associated with the seriousness of the escalating disease. Sore throat is not just a disease but is also a sign of numerous medical conditions. Here are some of the things that may help you to detect the need of the doctor in case of a sore throat:
Also, in case the signs are frequent, then it is also a good idea to seek advice from your doctor as it can be more than just scratchiness in your throat.
Summary: It is important to address the warning signs that are associated with the seriousness of the escalating disease. some of the things can be done to detect the need of the doctor in case of a sore throat.
The cause of this form of throat infection can be both viral and bacterial. They both almost have the same set of symptoms, yet they can be differentiated if you look for the following key points:
While bacterial infection can be cured within a day or two, viral infection will take around 14-15 days to fade.
Summary: The cause of this form of throat infection can be both viral and bacterial. They both almost have the same set of symptoms, yet they can be differentiated.
Yes, easy-to-use strep throat test kids are available which can be used by anyone who wants to be tested. This test kit may include a cotton swab, mixing cultures, a dropper/ stick, and a device that lets you know the final result.
As per the studies, the accuracy level of the test is 75- 86 percent, which means it sometimes shows false results as well. So even though the results are not positive, you need to visit the doctor for a more accurate diagnosis.
Summary: It is easy to test the presence of strep throat at home with simple kits. However, the accuracy level of the test is 75- 86 percent, which means it sometimes shows false results as well.
The treatment for a throat ache usually depends on the cause contributing to that condition.
Throat ache is one of the symptoms of the sore throat which is accompanied by irritation and pain in the throat. The pain gets triggered when we try to swallow during deglutition. Though it can be controlled and managed by the application of medicines such as antibiotics or antivirals under the supervision of a doctor, some natural ways of treating the infection proved to be much more effective. Some of the recommended home remedies generally include the following:
A sore throat can be very discomforting, especially when you swallow, drink, or just breathe. There are several easy tricks that might help you with it. Here is the list of some that you can try at the comfort of your home:
Summary: Sore throat can be treated very quickly with some care and home remedies alongside your medical treatment. Check how you can get rid of sore throat easily with simple tricks.
There is no medical evidence that can show whether apple cider vinegar is effective on strep throat or not. However, its elements are known to have effective results. For instance, apple cider vinegar creates an alkaline environment that helps you kill some forms of bacterial and viral infection.
But it is not specific that they also kill the bacterial or viral infection in your throat as well.
Summary: There is no medical evidence that can show whether apple cider vinegar is effective on strep throat or not. However, its elements are known to have effective results on an individual body.
In most cases, one can expect the bacteria to fade within 2-3 days within itself or with the help of some home remedies, however, if not it can go up to weeks. Without antibiotics in this case will increase bacterial growth leading to more complex forms of medical conditions.
Untreated strep throat also weakens your immune system which can cause more problems in your immune system. So it is advised to skip antibiotics if you have a bacterial throat infection.
Summary: In most cases, one can expect the bacteria to fade within 2-3 days, yet in some cases, it can go for weeks. It is important to take antibiotics if your doctor has prescribed you.
Usually, throat ache gets resolved away spontaneously in most cases related to mild to moderate symptoms. However, some of the cases may need a consultation with a doctor so as to undergo an adequate treatment plan for effective treatment of the impairment. Such cases of sore throat are accompanied by the following symptoms:
Throat ache which usually develops from the infection of sore throat can get resolved away spontaneously in most of the cases when the symptoms are mild to moderate. A time period of up to one week is required for this. The time duration depends upon the cause and severity of the infection. Application of over-the-counter medicines and home remedies may also prove to be effective in control and management of the condition.
Medication for a sore throat is usually prescribed by a physician after diagnosing the cause. However, certain OTC medication can provide relief from pain. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
You can also consider cough syrup, Low-dose corticosteroids, throat lozenges or sore throat spray to get relief from sore throat. However, aspirin shouldn't be given to kids due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that is associated with damaged brain and liver.
Usually, throat ache gets resolved away spontaneously in most cases related to mild to moderate symptoms. However, some of the cases may need a consultation with a doctor so as to undergo an adequate treatment plan for effective treatment of the impairment. Such cases of sore throat are accompanied by the following symptoms:
Throat ache, which is one of the symptoms of sore throat, can be prevented by some of the natural home remedies. Those include:
Penicillin, used to treat strep infection, has a number of side effects. They are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and headache. A person may also experience white patches inside the mouth or throat and a swollen, black and hairy tongue. Antibiotics in general can cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps.
A person on antibiotics may also experience severe allergic reactions in the lips, tongue, face and throat. Ibuprofen can cause dizziness, nervousness and ringing sensation in the ears in addition to the symptoms already mentioned above. Cough syrups can cause drowsiness, sleep problems, headache and vision problems.
There are a number of guidelines that a person can follow even after he/she has taken medications to deal with throat pain. A person should drink enough fluids to keep the throat moist, include comforting foods broth, caffeine-free tea and warm water with honey to care for the throat and also gargle with salt water.
He/she should avoid talking too much, use a cool air-humidifier to keep the air moist and avoid coming in contact with irritants like cigarette smoke and other products. Tonsillectomy is generally performed in children. A child undergoing this surgery should take enough rest and also drink lots of water.
Throat pain due to strep throat can be treated with antibiotics. In this case, the throat pain may subside within 48 hours. A sore throat does not require medications if it is caused by a viral infection. It generally lasts for five to seven days and so the accompanying throat pain will also subside after that period. A child may require about 7-10 days to recover from a tonsillectomy.
It is very important to know about the food items which are preferable in conditions of sore throat as swallowing food triggers the pain of the throat infection. Hence the food items to be consumed in such conditions should be soft and smooth and easy to swallow. Some of those food items include:
Ibuprofen, which is used to treat throat pain, is available within a price range of Rs 15- Rs 230. Tonsillectomy may cost a lot if it is done from a reputed private hospital. The cost of the surgery in such cases will exceed Rs 2 lakhs. Penicillin antibiotic can cost anything between Rs 500 – Rs 1000. Cough syrups to treat throat pain are available within a price range of Rs 100- Rs 200.
Sore throats can be caused due to a number of causes including viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions to environmental pollutants, dry air, smoke, chemical and other irritants, injury and even tumors. Thus although the bacterial or viral infections can be dealt with quite easily, pain in the throat can recur. This is due to the fact that the triggering mechanisms cannot b controlled so easily. Hence, there are no permanent cures.
Irrespective of the underlying cause, there are certain home remedies that are widely believed to provide relief from the condition. Some of those are detailed below:
Exercises are preferred in the cases of throat ache depending upon the condition of the infection as well as severity. If the symptoms of the sore throat persist in the region which is above the neck and restricted to that particular area, then it is preferred to do some form of exercise. Such symptoms include throat ache, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes, in which we can adopt some light form of exercise.
Some of the alternatives to the treatment of the condition of sore throat include the following:
Summary: Sore throat can be described as the infestation of infections in your throat. It can be either bacterial or viral. While bacterial growth can be healed within 3-5 days, viral infection can take up to 15 days to heal completely. Sore throat is quite common and can also be cured with the help of home remedies and self-care. But it is advised to seek medical attention as it can lead to serious diseases like rheumatic fever and influenza.