These Causes and Remedies for Throat You Need to Know

Sore throat is generally characterized by pain and itching in the throat which can be accompanied by coughing, sneezing, or fever. Knowing the causes and the right medications for strep throat, can help you overcome them. Generally strep throat can go away on its own within 5-7 days. Even so, in certain conditions you may need a sore throat medicine to speed healing. Thus, you can recover faster to resume your normal activities.

Causes of Sore Throat and How to Treat It

Viral infection is one of the most common causes of a person experiencing strep throat. For example influenza viruses and mononucleosis which often cause respiratory infections, beginning with strep throat. In addition to viral infections, strep throat can also be caused by several other factors which include:

• Bacterial infection

Streptococcus bacteria is one of the most common bacteria that causes a person to experience strep throat.

• Toxic or irritant

Sore throat can also be caused by chemicals contained in cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, eating spicy or oily foods, or pollution of air pollution or harmful chemicals.

• Injury

Injuries that occur around the neck or throat can also trigger someone to experience strep throat. For example, when you accidentally swallow fish spines, or chokes.

Sore throat medications can vary from person to person, depending on the underlying cause. To reduce pain and fever you can try to take paracetamol. Then, your doctor may give special treatment to relieve inflammation, or antibiotics to treat sore throat if caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, if you experience complaints of strep throat, consult your doctor to get the necessary treatment. Take medications according to the doctor's recommended dosage, and take antibiotics according to prescription instructions. Avoid the habit of taking drugs without a doctor's prescription, especially antibiotics. Besides being dangerous, it also risks increasing bacterial immunity against these antibiotics, so that later strep throat will be more difficult to overcome.

Treatment for sore throat at home

In addition to taking medication as directed by your doctor, there are several ways you can do at home to relieve symptoms and cure strep throat. If the sore throat that you experience is not too severe, you can try a few treatment tips at home as below:

• Gargle with warm salt water

Try gargling with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 200 milliliters (ml) of warm water. This method is considered effective for children and adults because it can help relieve sore and itchy throat. Avoid this method for children, if he is too small and has not been able to spit or rinse well.

• Eat foods that are easy to swallow

Foods that are easily swallowed such as broths, soups, porridge, cereals, mashed potatoes, team rice, soft fruit, yogurt, or eggs are very good for people with strep throat. Food like this feels comfortable and is easy to consume, so it doesn't hurt in the throat. Avoid spicy foods, foods that are too hot, or foods that are acidic such as foods containing vinegar, because of the risk of exacerbating inflammation.

• More rest

Adequate sleep can help your body fight infections, and help the body overcome inflammation. In the meantime, distance yourself from busy office routines. If your child is sick, make sure he or she rests at home until the symptoms subside and the condition gets better.

• Use an air humidifier

Adding moisture to the air inside the house can help reduce discomfort in the throat or in the respiratory tract as a whole. However, you must be diligent in cleaning it every day, because bacteria and fungi can develop inside the air humidifier.

In addition to the several ways above, make sure you also always drink lots of water. If strep throat does not heal for a long time, you should consult with a doctor. The sooner it is treated, the greater your chance of recovery.