Sore Throat

What is a Sore Throat?

A sore throat is when your throat feels scratchy and hurts, especially when you swallow. It can be very irritating, but it usually goes away on its own because it's often a mild problem.

Causes of a Sore Throat

There are several reasons you might get a sore throat:

• Viral Infection: This is the most common cause. Viruses like the cold or flu can make your throat sore.
• Toxins: Things like cigarette smoke, pollution, or chemicals can irritate your throat.
• Injury or Overuse: Yelling or talking loudly for a long time can hurt your throat.
• Acid Reflux: This happens when stomach acid comes up into your throat, causing pain.
• Cancer: In rare cases, cancer cells in the throat can cause a sore throat.

Treating a Sore Throat

Most sore throats are easy to treat and often go away on their own. Here are some ways to feel better:

• Gargle with Warm Salt Water: This helps clean out germs from your throat.
• Honey in Tea: Honey can soothe your throat and help get rid of germs.
• Fenugreek: Eating fenugreek can help kill the bacteria causing your sore throat.
• Chamomile Tea: This tea has special properties that can reduce inflammation and help your throat heal.
• Drink Warm Liquids: Keeping your throat moist and warm helps reduce pain and bacteria.
• Antibiotics: If your sore throat is caused by bacteria and doesn’t get better with home remedies, you might need antibiotics. Don’t use antibiotics for young children without a doctor’s advice.

If your sore throat is very painful or doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor to find out what’s causing it and how to treat it.