Sore throats are a common complaint received by many doctors in medical practice. People who experience sore throats generally experience it in connection with upper respiratory tract infections. Most sore throats are believed to be due to viral infections as they account for approximately 60 percent of all sore throats. Hence the use of antibiotics in treating sore throats caused by virus helps in preventing secondary infections, while doing nothing for the current infection. Most doctors recommend palliative medications or therapy in treating sore throats.
Treatment for sore throats is usually divided into two categories namely symptomatic and remedial. Symptomatic or diagnostic therapy aims in reducing the pain and discomfort caused due to the condition. Remedial therapies on the other hand attempt in curing the condition. Most bacterial infections that cause a sore throat respond to remedial treatments as they are effective for bacterial infections.
In the absence of medication or drugs as therapy or treatment for sore throats caused due to viral infection, most people resort to alternative therapies and medicines. However the medical community does not advocate the use of alternative treatments as they are poorly supported by medical research or evidence. Some doctors also warn their patients against the use of alternative therapies specially in treating pharyngitis.
Some alternative therapies that have shown promising results include the use of marshmallow roots, eucalyptus oil and chamomile, although they shown limited evidence in their efficacy in clinical trials. An effective simple home remedy that can help in easing the pain caused due to severe sore throat is to gargle with warm salt water. To do so, boil some water in a saucepan and add a teaspoonful of salt in it. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stay for a while, and while the water is still tepid, gargle the mouth with it. The salt water method is believed to be highly effective as the salt in the water kills the bacteria causing the throat infection, while providing immediate relief from the soreness.
Marshmallow roots and Slippery Elm are popular folk remedies used in treating sore throats. An herbal tea or concoction prepared from the extracts of these herbs is believed in curing even the most stubborn of sore throats. Simple herbs such as ginger and mint leaves can also be had in its raw form or in the form of a herbal tea to reduce the infection and the dryness caused due to the sore throat. Remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day in the form of warm water or soups, as these help in keeping your body hydrated during the course of an infection.
answered by G M