Different Types of Sore Throats and How to Treat Them

Sore throats are extremely annoying and can get in the way of everyday life. Whenever a sore throat occurs, we want the fastest solution available to get rid of them so we can move on with our lives.

There are several different types of sore throats and different ways to treat them. This article will briefly explain the different sore throats and ways to help you alleviate them or get rid of them. Always contact your doctor for questions and see your doctor if you have a sore throat for more than three days.

Viral Infections

Most sore throats are caused from a viral infection. A common cold and the flu are viral infections and a sore throat may result from catching either one of these illnesses. You may also experience no other symptoms but a sore throat and that too could be a viral infection.

Viral infections are not treated by antibiotics and usually go away by themselves. As annoying as a sore throat is, you basically have to wait this type of a sore throat out. You can take over the counter lozenges to help temporarily soothe your sore throat, but the lozenges will not help cure it.

As a home remedy, the best treatment is to drink hot fluids and gargle several times a day with warm water and salt. Germs grow from cold temperatures and although you'll be craving ice cream or something cold, don't give in to this urge. It will only multiply the germs in your throat. Instead, drink lots of hot fluids; tea, coffee, warm apple juice or cider, soups, or simply a cup of hot water. The heat will prevent the germ from multiplying and will soothe your throat.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are much different from viral infections and need the assistance of a doctor and usually a medical prescription. A sore throat caused from a bacterial infection may turn into strep throat or help create an upper respiratory infection. Sinus infections also create sore throats. If you think you have any of these conditions, then you'll need to see a doctor who will most likely prescribe an antibiotic for you.

As with viral infections, the germs from a bacterial infection will increase with cold fluids. Stick to the hot fluids. Gargling with warm water and salt may kill some of the germs, but usually an antibiotic is still needed for these type of infections. Your doctor will know what's best.

Injury Can Create A Sore Throat

By yelling and screaming too much at a football game, concert, or some other event, you may also create a sore throat. This type of sore throat is not a bacterial infection or a viral infection. It's an injury to your throat. Other instances of an injured sore throat can be from choking or coughing too hard.

The best way to treat an injured sore throat is to talk less and use lozenges to temporarily soothe the pain. The lozenges do not have to be medicated; simple Life Savers or any other type of hard candy will do. Since there are no germs related to this type of sore throat, you don't need over the counter medicines except ibuprofen to keep the inflammation down. This type of injury usually lasts several days before going away on its own.

When To See A Doctor

If a sore throat persists after three days, its best to visit a doctor to make sure you're doing all the right things to get rid of your sore throat. If at any time a fever accompanies a sore throat, call your doctor.

This article is intended to help you understand the different types of sore throats, their causes, and how you can treat them. It in no way replaces the advice of a doctor. You should always contact your doctor with any medical questions or to get the best care for your illness.

Source: WebMD.com
MedicineNet.com