Throat pain is a common ailment that can affect individuals of all ages. From viral infections to environmental irritants, throat pain causes can be different. Therefore, knowing the root cause is essential for effective throat pain treatment and optimal recovery. While the commonly experienced throat pain can be treated with home remedies, consulting a doctor is advisable if the symptoms worsen. This blog looks at the various causes, symptoms, and home remedies for throat pain, offering practical solutions to help you feel better quickly.

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Throat Pain Causes

Throat pain that occurs frequently is typically known as a sore throat. The common throat pain causes include but are not limited to the following:

1. Viral Infections

• Common Cold: Caused by various viruses, common cold often results in throat pain, a runny nose, and coughing.
• Influenza: Also known as the flu, this viral infection can cause severe throat pain, high fever, body aches, and fatigue.
• Mononucleosis: Often called "mono" or the "kissing disease," this viral infection is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is characterised by severe throat pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and extreme fatigue.
• COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 can present with various symptoms including throat pain, fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. Throat pain may be one of the initial symptoms of this viral infection.

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2. Bacterial Infections: 

• Strep Throat: Caused by Streptococcus bacteria, signs and symptoms of strep throat include intense throat pain, red and swollen tonsils, white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils, and fever. 
• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. Symptoms include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, and sometimes fever.

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Apart from these, other causes of throat pain may include allergies, acid reflux, exposure to chemical irritants, injury, and cancerous growths in and around the throat and neck.

Throat Infection Symptoms

Some of the common throat infection symptoms include:

• Severe pain with swallowing
• Swollen tonsils
• Fever with chills
• Headache with an occasional body ache

Home Remedies for Throat Pain

Here are 4 top home remedies for symptomatic relief from throat pain that you can try in addition to professional medical advice:

• Honey Tea: Honey tea is one of the most common home remedies for throat pain. It is prepared by mixing a teaspoon of honey and ginger juice in a glass of hot water.
• Salt Water Gargle: Adding one to two teaspoons of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and gargling with it helps relieve a dry, itchy throat. It also helps to break down the thick mucus and kill the bacteria. 
• Chamomile Tea: Chamomile leaves have plenty of medicinal properties. Warm chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and acts as an astringent for sore throat.
• Garlic: Garlic has been of medicinal value since ancient times owing to its antibacterial properties. Some studies suggest that garlic consumption daily keeps sore throat at bay and promotes upper respiratory tract health.

Red Flags

If you experience persistent or severe throat pain, it is important to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Consider the following symptoms as red flags:

• A sore and painful throat that lasts for more than a week.
• Difficulty swallowing
• "Hot potato" voice
• Sore joints
• Difficulty in opening the mouth and breathing

Conclusion

Throat pain is a common discomfort that can arise from various causes, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to environmental factors and allergies. While over-the-counter medications and prescribed treatments can provide relief, numerous home remedies for throat pain can also be effective in throat pain treatment. Staying hydrated and gargling with warm salt water are simple yet powerful ways to soothe a sore throat. By understanding the underlying causes and incorporating both home remedies and professional medical care, you can effectively manage throat pain and promote overall respiratory health.
 

Consult Apollo’s ENT Specialists