Strep Throat: 5 Fixes For A Sore Throat
Strep Throat: 5 Fixes for Sore Throat
When we talk about strep throat we are referring to an infection that attacks the throat. As a result it causes adverse effects and symptoms which can not only be disturbing, but also painful. Once a person has strep throat it takes a short amount of time before you start suffering from throat complications.
Strep throat is a contagious disease. This means that the infection can be transmitted from one person to another. There are a number of ways through which the infection can be transmitted.
The main cause of strep throat is a bacterium referred to as Group A Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacterium is very contagious and spreads easily due to its droplets. Such droplets can be found in the nose, mouth or hands of an infected person. Sharing utensils with an infected person can also cause the complication.
Relationship between strep and sore throat
The two terms are almost synonymous. If you have strep throat then chances are you have a sore throat that accompanies it. Streptococcus bacteria is known to live within the human skin and throat. However, the bacteria does not cause harm.
Immediately after contracting strep throat, the bacteria enters the throat and invades the tissues surrounding the throat. As a result it causes swelling and inflammation of several body tissues, especially those connected to the throat.
During this period, the most immediate effect of the infection is a sore throat. Due to the invasion of streptococcus bacteria in the throat tissues, it causes sores and patches in the affected area.
What you should know about sore throat
Sore throats are known to go away within a short time. However, those caused by strep can last for some time until the infection is managed with medication. Sore throat can also be caused by many other factors such as:
- Laryngitis
- Colds
- Glandular fever
- Tonsillitis
- Epiglottitis
- Quinsy
5 Fixes for sore throat
Sore throat is a condition that can be really painful at times. It is known to cause a number of effects in the patient. These effects might include:
- Difficulties swallowing
- Pain around the throat
- Feeling uncomfortable
- Fever in rare cases
Sore throat, especially one that is brought about by strep, can be treated in a variety of home and natural remedies, medication and treatment options. The main fixes for this condition involve measures that can be taken to treat the symptoms of the sore throat istelf, helping to alleviate symptoms.
1. Prevention of strep throat
This is the simplest and most effective method that can be used to fix any sore throat cases related to strep throat. First, the cause of the sore throat must be identified. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, and it is also contagious.
Avoiding contact with infected people can prevent strep and sore throat. You can as also take necessary measures that ensures your safety and prevents recurrence of strep throat. This may include washing your hands after coming into contact with people, avoiding congested areas and changing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes are known to keep bacterial droplets for strep throat.
2. Medical treatment
Medical treatment for sore throat involves treating both strep throat and sore throat itself. Once you visit a doctor there are a number of medications that will relieve the symptoms as well as fight the cause of the infection.
These may include:
- Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs contain combinations that will help relieve pain and inflammation. Some of which include Aleve and Advil.
- Taking of painkillers such as paracetamols. Ibuprofen can also be used but paracetamol is a substitution, especially for people who cannot take ibuprofen and children. You should also note that children below the age of 16 should not take aspirin.
- Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are not necessarily used for treatment of sore throat but they are effective. These are medications that help in treating strep throat, which in this case is the cause of sore throat.
3. Self-care
When we talk about self-care we refer to the steps a person should take to help the body deal with sore throat. Most of these steps are geared towards making the body more comfortable to allow easier functioning and to get rid of the sore throat.
Such tips include:
- Resting - Resting allows the body to correct any imbalances in the system. Since sore throat is a condition that is known to go away after some time, rest is crucial. In case you detect any signs of sore throat, take ample rest to allow the body to fight the condition and to prevent it worsening.
- Avoid throat irritants - There are a number of chemicals and substances that exacerbate symptoms of sore throat. Avoiding such substances is a step towards fixing sore throat.
- Taking a warm bath or shower - Warm steam helps in moistening the throat and reducing congestion. You can also breathe in steam through your mouth or nose.
- Drink plenty of water - It is advised in this case to drink warm water. Drinking water helps in moistening the throat.
4. Use of rinses and rubs
Rinsing your mouth with the right substances can help to relieve sore throat.
- Use of warm salty water - This is done by not only rinsing the mouth with salty water but also gargling salt water 3 times a day, 30 seconds each time. By doing this, the salty water helps reduce inflammation of the tissues and enables recovery.
- Vapor rub - These are substances made to reduce coughing and reduce the effects caused by sore throat. They contain a menthol-like substance that helps in treating the condition.
- Use of throat spray - These are substances that contain menthol-like ingredients that help in opening up the nasal passages. They also help in soothing the throat, as a result treating sore throat.
5. Drink soothing fluids
There are a number of soothing fluids that a patient can take to sooth the throat, and as a result treat sore throat. However, most of these soothing fluids are homemade. Frequent use of such fluids helps in relieving the effects of sore throat. They may include:
- Drinking ginger water
- Drink garlic broth
- Use of honey, cayenne drink
- Chamomile tea
- Taking licorice cinnamon tea
- Chicken soup
The bottom line
Strep throat is known as one of the major causes of sore throat. The infection is contagious; it can be mild or severe. Therefore, sore throat caused by strep throat can be severe as well. However, the main way of controlling sore throat, especially one that results from strep throat, is by preventing the infection.
Sore throat can also arise from other causes. In both cases, treatment is almost the same. Make sure you do not use a treatment method that you do not fully understand. This is especially true with natural remedies, so it is important to consult a specialist for guidance.
Untreated sore throat can be dangerous and causes other detrimental effects in the body. Some of these effects can be severe, mild, short or long term. It commonly subsides within a short amount of time under necessary treatment. If all the treatment methods listed above fail, visit a doctor immediately.
