A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow.
A sore throat is the primary symptom of pharyngitis — inflammation of the throat (pharynx). But the terms "sore throat" and "pharyngitis" are often used interchangeably.
The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own with at-home care. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires additional treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent complications
Causes -Viral infections-Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Common cold, Flu (influenza), Mononucleosis (mono), Measles, Chickenpox, Croup — a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough
Bacterial infections--Bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat include:
Strep throat, which is caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, Diphtheria, a serious respiratory illness that's rare in industrialized nations, but is more common in developing countries
Other causes- Other causes of sore throat include:
· Allergies. Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat.
· Dryness. Dry indoor air, especially in winter when buildings are heated, can make your throat feel rough and scratchy, particularly in the morning when you first wake up. Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat.
· Irritants. Outdoor air pollution can cause ongoing throat irritation. Indoor pollution — tobacco smoke or chemicals — also can cause chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
· Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat just as you can strain them in your arms or legs. Yelling at a sporting event, trying to talk to someone in a noisy environment or talking for long periods without rest can result in a sore throat and hoarseness.
· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids or other contents of the stomach back up in the food pipe (esophagus). Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat.
· HIV infection. A sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes appear early after someone is infected with HIV. Also, a person who is HIV-positive may have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a secondary infection. Common problems include a fungal infection called oral thrush and cytomegalovirus infection, a common viral infection that can be serious in people with compromised immune systems.
· Tumors. Cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Other signs or symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, and blood in saliva or phlegm.
Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat causes a sore throat. Another rare cause of a sore throat is a condition that occurs when the small cartilage "lid" that covers the windpipe swells, blocking airflow (epiglottitis). Both causes can block the airway, creating a medical emergency.
Symptoms--Symptoms of a sore throat may vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms may include:-Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat, Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking, Difficulty swallowing, Dry throat, Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw, Swollen, red tonsils,White patches or pus on your tonsils,Hoarse or muffled voice
Common infections causing a sore throat may result in other signs and symptoms, as well. They may include:Fever,Chills, Cough, Runny nose, Sneezing, Body aches, Headache, Nausea or vomiting
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
CAPSICUM 200-: Capsicum is the top-most remedy for cases of chronic sore throat. The main feature is that there is a constant, stitching pain in the throat. Capsicum may be prescribed in cases of chronic sore throat which are associated with gastric or rheumatic complaints. Swallowing of solids or liquids becomes an agonizing exercise. There may be a constant itching in the throat with a sensation of roughness. Capsicum may be given in sore throat when there is a dry cough with thick phlegm. This natural remedy may be prescribed in young girls who stay away from home and feel homesick. There may be a constant desire to drink cold drinks but there is a sudden, agonizing pain in the throat during an attempt to swallow.
IGNATIA 200: Ignatia is also a very well indicated remedy in cases of chronic sore throat. This may be associated with chronic tonsillitis. Ignatia may be prescribed when swallowing of liquids is more painful and the pain subsides on swallowing solids. The pain may be stinging and burning in nature. There may be a constant lump-like sensation in the throat with an urge to clear the throat.
PSORINUM 200-:Psorinum may be indicated insore throats which tend to be recurrent . There may be a constant pain in the throat which may radiate to the ears during an attempt to swallow. There may a constant desire to stay warm because of the extreme chilliness, so much so that there is a desire to be dressed warmly even during summers. Psorinum may be given to improve the immunity in children who suffer from recurrent upper respiratory infections. There may be a foul-smelling discharge from the throat. All the symptoms are aggravated by a cold in general and by drinking coffee, and usually get better with warmth
PHOSPHOROUS 200-: Phosphorous is best prescribed in cases of chronic sore throats in people who suffer from ill-effects of overuse of their voice, for example, in public speakers, singers, teaching professionals etc. Phosphorous may be given when there is a constant tickling and itching sensation in the throat. There may be hoarseness of voice and, at times, there may be a total loss of voice on attempt to talk. There may be an inability to talk on account of pain in the throat. Phosphorous may be prescribed when exposure to strong odours gives rise to a sudden bout of violent cough . There may be a burning pain in the throat on coughing. There is a constant desire to drink cold, refreshing drinks as it gives relief from the burning sensation in the throat. All complaints are worsened by mental exertion, change of weather as well as hot climate, and improved by cold drinks, gargling with cold water and by proper sleep.
SULPHUR 200-: This is one of the best indicated medicines in cases of chronic sore throat. Sulphur may be prescribed when there is a sensation of heat in the mouth and throat. There may a sensation of swelling in the throat as if some foreign body is stuck and there is a constant attempt to clear the throat. Sulphur may be given in people with a hoarseness of voice with a constant burning in the throat. The sputum may be rusty or stained or greenish. Sulphur may be given to reduce the recurrence of throat infections.
