Sourthrout – You know the struggle. You wake up and when you swallow and a familiar itch has returned to the back of your throat. It’s a reason people miss work and kids miss school, and yet we remain unsure of the reason. Is it the dry air? A cold? Or do we need to go to the doctor for something like strep?
Sourthroats, a.k.a, pharyngitis don’t often require you to panic, but it can be annoying to deal with. Many people deal with this for a week until it goes away, but knowing what is causing the burning to help.
This guide looks at everything to know about Sourthroats. This includes things like how to know the difference between a viral and bacterial infection, and good home remedies to help with Sourthroats. Here, we hope you learn how to treat your sore throat, and know when you need to go see a doctor.
How come I have a Sourthroat?
When the back of your throat gets inflamed, pharyngitis occurs. A lot of the time, people don’t think about how the causes of throat pain can vary.
Viral Infections
The most typical cause of a Sourthrout are viruses. If you feel pain in your throat and have a runny nose and a cough, a virus is probably responsible. The most frequently occurring viruses include:
- The Common Cold and Flu: These two respiratory viruses are among the most common Sourthrout causes.
- COVID-19: A Sourthrout continues to be an important symptom of the various coronavirus strains.
- Mononucleosis: This virus, commonly referred to as “mono,” can result in a significant Sourthrout lasting many weeks.
Bacterial Infections (Strep Throat)
Bacterial infections happen less frequently, but they need a certain response. The infection known as “strep throat”, which impacts the tonsils and throat, is caused by a bacterial species called Group A Streptococcus.
Strep is less common than its notoriety implies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that only approximately 1 in 10 adults with a Sourthrout have strep, which is a less common symptom in the adult population than it is in children. Similarly, 3 in 10 children with a Sourthrout have strep.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Occasionally, you aren’t “sick” in the traditional sense. Given your activities or the people around you, your habits may be just as irritating to your throat as a bug would be.
- Allergies: Allergic responses to pet dander, mold, dust, and pollen can cause an immune reaction which can result in the body producing excess mucus which can get stuck in the throat and cause irritation.
- Dry Air: In winter, indoor heating can remove moisture from the air which can cause dryness in the throat, particularly in the morning.
- Acid Reflux (GERD): If stomach acid backs up into the food pipe, it can cause throat irritation and tissue burning. This is often aggravated by lying down.
- Mouth Breathing: A stuffy nose can result in mouth breathing which can dry out saliva and make the throat feel dry and scratchy.
Identifying Your Symptoms
The first stage to isolating the issue is to analyze the company that the “Sourthroat” keeps. Infections, whether viral or bacterial, usually exhibit unique symptoms.
Signs of a Viral Infection
A virus may be the cause of your throat pain and these other symptoms:
- Coughing
- A nose that is runny or congested
- Hoarseness or laryngitis
- Conjunctivitis aka pink eye
Signs of Strep Throat
The symptoms of strep throat arrive quickly and there are no cough or other respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Severe pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils which may also have streaks or patches of white pus
- Petechiae (tiny red spots) on the roof of the mouth
- swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
In children with strep throat, symptoms may also include headache, stomach pain, or nausea.
How Is Pharyngitis Diagnosed?
It is possible to have strep throat or have other serious symptoms. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam which includes looking into your throat, ears and nose and palpating your neck to check for swollen glands.
A doctor may not be able to determine whether or not it is strep throat just from their examination. They may perform one of the following tests:
- Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT): This is a fast throat swab test, and results are ready in a few minutes.
- Throat Culture: In children and teens, if the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a culture may be sent to a lab. However, this is the “gold standard” for strep diagnosis, even though strep test results may take the longest to come back.
Treatment Options
It is important to get the right treatment, and that right treatment depends entirely on the cause. If there is a viral infection, taking antibiotics is not only ineffective, it can cause antibiotic resistance.
Home Remedies and Self-Care
Time and self-care does the best healing.
- Salt Water Gargle: This remedy is a good option that can help with swelling and create a little bit of relief. With a clean cup, mix 1/2 a teaspoon to a cup of warm water, and gargle for a few seconds.
- Hydration: Drinking fluids prevents dehydration and keeps the throat moist. Warm liquids are soothing like tea with honey, and broths, while popsicles can numb the pain.
- Humidifiers: A cool-mist humidifier can soothe dry tissues and help with moisture to the air, especially while you sleep.
- Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off infection, so take it easy and get plenty of sleep.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
If Pain Persists, ask a pharmacist.
- Pain Relievers: Pain Relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with fever as well as pain.
- Sprays and Lozenges: These give temporary relief, but can contain numbing and antiseptic agents that are harmful. Don’t give lozenges to young children as they are a choking hazard.
Medical Treatment (Antibiotics)
Antibiotics are the only things that can help in the case of a confirmed bacterial infection, like Strep. If your doctor prescribes you antibiotics
- Complete the course in full, as prescribed, even if you are feeling better.
- If you stop early, the infection will remain and the germs can become resistant to medicine.
Things to Do.
It is impossible to live in a bubble, but you can take some precautions to not get sick.
- Washing: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially before you touch your face or eat.
- Not Sharing: Don’t share food or drinks with other people.
- Hygiene: Tissues should be used and thrown away after a sneeze or cough.
- Getting a new toothbrush is a must: If you just had strep, and are on antibiotics, do a toothbrush swap after 24 hours to avoid giving yourself an infection again.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most Sourthrouts are a nuisance rather than a danger, but there are red flags you shouldn’t ignore. Seek medical attention if you experience a Sourthrout that persists for more than one week.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Excess drooling, occurring especially in young children, indicates that they are unable to swallow.
- A fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius}.
- Blood in saliva or phlegm.
- A cough and a visible swelling in the neck.
- Earaches, joint pain.
- A rash.
Listen to Your Body
A Sourthrout can mean suffering from an infection or inflammation. These annoying inflammation can be caused by dry air, or a common cold. By resolving to stay adequately hydrated, getting enough to rest, and being as clean as possible, you will be able to scratch that irritating throat, and feel like you are back to normal.
