Sore Throat

Description

Sore throats are fairly common. They are usually characterised by painful, dry, or scratchy sensations in the throat. Most sore throats although uncomfortable will usually go away on their own.

Sore throats are categorised by the part of the throat they affect:
1. Pharyngitis causes swelling and soreness in the throat.
2. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils and the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
3. Laryngitis which affects the voice box or larynx.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the underlying cause, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

1. Pain or discomfort: The primary symptom of a sore throat is pain or discomfort in the throat, which can range from mild to severe. The pain may worsen when swallowing or talking.
2. Scratchy or irritated throat: The throat may feel scratchy, dry, or irritated, often accompanied by a tickling sensation.
3. Redness and swelling: The back of the throat, tonsils, or surrounding tissues may appear red and swollen.
4. Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing may be painful or difficult, especially if the throat is severely inflamed.
5. Hoarseness or voice changes: Inflammation in the throat can cause hoarseness, a raspy voice, or changes in vocal quality.
6. Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck may become tender and swollen due to the underlying infection or inflammation.
7. Cough: A sore throat can sometimes be accompanied by a dry or productive cough.
8. Runny nose and sneezing: If the cause of the sore throat is a viral infection like the common cold, you may also experience a runny or congested nose, sneezing, or other cold symptoms.
9. Fever: In some cases, a sore throat may be accompanied by a mild fever, particularly if the cause is a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
10. NOTE: If the following symptoms are experienced with a sore throat please visit a medical health professional
    1. A persistent or high fever
    2. A rash, which may be a sign of strep throat or other more serious condition
    3. A stiff neck or severe headache may indicate meningitis
    4. Having a hoarse throat for a prolonged period.

Treatments

1. Hydrate well, by drinking filtered water or fresh juices.
2. A mixture of raw honey and lemon juice will help coat and soothe the throat.
3. Stop smoking. Smoke inhalation is one of the causes of sore throats.
4. Gargling with a salt and water mix (Half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) may provide relief.
5. With recurring sore throats an old toothbrush may be the culprit since toothbrushes may contain a lot of bacteria potentially infecting the throat, changing your toothbrush frequently may assist.
6. Humidifying dry rooms may provide relief where dry air is responsible.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Colloidal silver – is a natural antibiotic, that can be used as a gargle and/or taken internally.
2. Buffered Vitamin C – is an anti-oxidant with antiviral properties.
3. Vitamin E – will promote healing and tissue repair.
4. Echinacea – reduces the body’s susceptibility to colds and flu. Limits the duration and severity of infections and acts as an immune booster.
5. Olive leaf extract – has immune-boosting properties and is a good remedy for sore throats.
6. Septogard lozenges – a soothing throat lozenge that helps relieve a sore throat commonly associated with colds and flu.
7. Septogard tablets – nature’s antibiotic and immune booster.
8. Oxy101 & Activator – is a strong immune booster and may be used for viral, bacterial, and parasitic conditions.

Causes

Although seldom serious most sore throats may be linked to other conditions such as:

1. Colds and flu
2. Measles
3. Chickenpox
4. Herpes simplex
5. Epstein-Barr virus
6. Tonsilitis
7. Gingivitis

Environmental factors like dry air or irritants to the sensitive mucous membranes such as certain medications, surgery, tooth or gum infections, dental work, hot and cold drinks, dust, smoke, chronic coughing, excessive loud talking, and allergies may also be a factor.

In rare instances, laryngeal cancer, abscesses, or diphtheria may account for a sore throat.

With recurring sore throats, an old toothbrush may be the culprit since toothbrushes contain a lot of bacteria potentially infecting the throat, changing your toothbrush frequently may assist.

Underlying Emotions

With sore throats, there may be an inability to express oneself and therefore feelings of anger are experienced for not being able to defend yourself when being confronted or verbally attacked.

There may be fears of saying what needs to be said, therefore suppressing your truth which causes a great deal of emotional, and physical pain and sadness.

There may be anger and resentment toward others for ignoring or dismissing you

Diet

1. Cook food until it’s soft and tender in order not to irritate the throat. Poaching, scrambling, and steaming are good methods.

2. Avoid spicy, hot, acidic, and salty foods.

3. Cutting food into small pieces, blending, or pureeing will lead to less throat irritation.

4. Chicken soup has cold/flu and infection-fighting properties.

5. Honey has medicinal benefits. Studies have shown it to be effective in warding off bacterial and viral infections. A mixture of raw honey and lemon juice will help coat and soothe the throat.

6. Yogurt is full of probiotic bacteria that help to protect the immune system. Its cool, soft texture also ensures less throat irritation.

7. Eggs contain vitamin D and B12, as well as zinc, iron, and selenium, all of which help fight infection. Scrambling the eggs will make them easier to eat.

8. Oatmeal contains magnesium, zinc (zinc assists with healing and improves immune function), and antioxidants, It has a soft texture making it easier to swallow for sore throats.

9. Ginger assists in reducing pain and inflammation, it also helps prevent bacterial growth. Mixing ginger with raw honey will boost the effectiveness of either ingredient.

10. Smoothies low in sugar content and high in antioxidants such as berries, kale, or celery may help soothe the throat and boost the immune system, adding fruits such as oranges or tangerines will increase the Vitamin C content speeding up recovery.

Remedies