Contents
Congestion throat
Sore throat can be defined as that feeling of pain, dryness, or irritation in the throat, which is usually more severe when swallowing or speaking. The most common cause of sore throat is a viral infection estimated at about 90%, as in the case of having a cold or flu, there are more than 200-300 types of viruses that can cause sore throats and colds , and the remaining percentage of cases Sore throat, which is estimated at about 10%, which is attributed to exposure to a bacterial infection or other pathologies. Although sore throat can affect individuals of different age groups, it is more common in children aged 5-15 years, smokers, and people who suffer from allergies or have a weak immune system .[1] [2]
Treatment of congestion of throat
Home remedies
Although sore throat is not considered a serious health problem that requires a visit to the doctor in most cases, it is painful and causes discomfort to the patient, and may impede his ability to sleep well , and therefore it was necessary to explain the most important methods that the sufferer can follow at home to treat sore throat and relieve Pain and inflammation: [3]
- Eating honey: Honey helps relieve sore throat symptoms, and you can benefit from it by drinking it as is or mixing it in a cup of tea.
- Rinsing with water and salt: Rinsing with water and salt can help get rid of mucous secretions and soothe sore throat, and it may also have a role in killing bacteria, and the rinse solution can be prepared by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and it should be noted That rinsing can be repeated several times a day. You can also add a little baking soda, or what is known as baking soda, to the saline solution due to its usefulness in killing bacteria and inhibiting the growth of fungi in the throat.
- Eating chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is used in many medical fields, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and oxidation factors, and chamomile tea can be used to soothe sore throats and relieve cold symptoms by drinking chamomile tea or making a steaming of hot water and chamomile.
- Use of mint: Peppermint contains menthol, which helps reduce the viscosity of mucus to facilitate disposal, in addition to its role in relieving cough and other cold symptoms.
- Consumption of fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds can be eaten, fenugreek decoction, or fenugreek oil applied topically to the skin to help relieve symptoms of irritation and inflammation, and reduce pain.
- Rinsing with diluted apple cider vinegar: A person who suffers from a sore throat can dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and rinse with it.There are many studies that indicate the role of apple cider vinegar in fighting infection, and due to the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar, it can be It also helps thin the mucus and get rid of it.
- Use of throat lozenges : There are throat lozenges available in pharmacies that can be sucked to calm sore throats and stimulate saliva production. [2]
- Humidify the atmosphere: by using humidifiers, and taking a hot bath can help relieve congestion. [2]
- Drink plenty of fluids: especially warm ones, dressing chicken, warm lemonade , and herbal teas. [4]
Pharmacological treatments
There are a number of medicines that can help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat, including the following: [5]
- Painkillers: The pain of congestion can be relieved by using painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, and it should be noted that aspirin should not be given to children and adolescents who have symptoms similar to the flu, because it is possible It can cause them to develop a serious and rare health problem known as Reye's syndrome.
- Antihistamines: Antihistmines are used if the sore throat is caused by exposure to an allergen . [2]
- Antibiotics : Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of sore throats in most cases because the infection that causes congestion is often viral, and therefore the use of antibiotics in these cases will not affect the course of the disease and will not help in relieving symptoms. The administration of antibiotics is limited to the sufferers, whose sore throat is caused by exposure to a bacterial infection, and the doctor can verify the cause of the infection and determine whether it is bacterial or not by ordering some tests and tests. It should be noted that it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the use of antibiotics, and to take the drug doses completely and for the period recommended by the doctor. [2] [5]
- Antacids: Antacids or proton pump inhibitors are given in case the sore throat is caused by the backflow of stomach acids into the throat. [2]
See a doctor
Cases of sore throat go away and heal on their own, usually within seven days if they are caused by exposure to a viral infection, but this does not mean that all cases of sore throat do not require medical care, and among the most important symptoms and signs that should be seen by a doctor in the event of suffering from any Among them are the following: [4]
- Sore throat that is severe in nature, or that lasts for more than seven days.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath or pain during breathing.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Fever and a high body temperature of more than 38 ° C.
- Neck stiffness or suffering from neck pain.
- Blood with mucus or phlegm.
References
- ? "Sore throat" , www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 16-1-2018. Edited.
- ^ A b t w c h "Treating Sore Throat" , Www.pharmacytimes.com , Retrieved 16-1-2018. Edited.
- ? "12 Natural Remedies for Sore Throat" , www.healthline.com , Retrieved 16-1-2018.
- ^ A b "Sore Throat 101: the Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment" , Www.healthline.com , Retrieved 16-1-2018. Edited.
- ^ A b "Sore Throat" , Www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 16-1-2018. Edited.
