A mild discomfort while swallowing and a scratchy feeling in the throat are the first symptoms noticed when a cold sets in. The most natural compliant is that the glands are swollen and the throat is sore. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, can also be the cause of a sore throat. Sore throat, swollen glands, and fever are indications of a bout of flu or influenza that is about to strike the body, and one finds other symptoms such as a cough, ear ache, fatigue, fever, and headache accompanying it. One may also suffer from sore throat with swollen glands and no fever. Swollen glands refer to the term used in everyday language to denote a swelling of the pharynx and the lymph nodes in the neck. Before looking for swollen throat remedies, it should be understood that prolonged neglect of severely swollen glands could lead to serious illnesses. While looking for information on how to cure swollen glands, one might find it necessary to determine the possible reasons and the exact location of the swelling. Salivary glands under the jaw and in front of the ear may be swollen or it could be a problem with the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. Swelling in the lymph nodes usually occurs when the body gears up to tackle an infection and increases the number of white cells present in the lymph nodes.
Swollen glands treatment usually starts at home with simple steps like gargling with warm salt water three or four times a day. Adding a drop of antiseptic liquid to the solution might help relieve the pain and swelling. For sore throats caused by cold, steam inhalation two or three times a day with a blanket or towel over the head can help clear the nose and ease the pain caused by the swelling of the glands. Adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to the steaming water can help soothe the discomfort. Drinking herbal tea made with holy basil and sucking on herbal lozenges with ginger and mint extracts are common natural home remedies for a sore throat and swollen glands. Sucking on popsicles or hard candies increases the production of saliva, and this moistens the throat and reduces irritation. A mixture of honey and the juice of ginger taken three times in a day is another effective remedy for treating the inflammation of the glands.
Applying hot and cold compresses alternately on the swollen area of the neck soothes the pain and offers a temporary cure for swollen glands in the neck and throat region. Circulation to the affected area improves when a towel dipped in hot water is applied on it. Drinking chamomile tea, warm water with lemon juice and honey or warm milk with turmeric and honey are all natural remedies for a sore throat and swollen glands. Apart from gargling with salt water, one can also add turmeric to the salt water and use it for gargling as turmeric is known for its antiseptic properties. An antiseptic mouthwash can also serve as a useful additive in a warm water gargle. There are a few more options for those who prefer to gargle. A tea made with dried raspberry leaf is considered effective as a gargle. Adding cider vinegar and honey to a decoction of sage steeped in hot water is another gargling option for swollen glands cure.
In eastern Europe, they make a soothing drink with warm water, honey, a teaspoon of ground cloves, and a tablespoon of horseradish or horseradish root to treat a sore throat and swollen neck glands. In the Far East, a solution of one teaspoon sea salt and one teaspoon baking soda in one glass of water is taken to rid the body of toxins and reduce the swelling of the glands. However, this may result in loose stools, so it is essential to increase the intake of fluids; warm water or lemon juice and honey will do the trick. Eating fried food or oily, spicy food may irritate the throat and start off a bout of coughing, so it is best to eat bland food. Avoid cold food from the refrigerator and opt for hot soups and freshly cooked food. Garlic and mint are known for their medicinal properties and should be added to the food and soups.
Among the common causes for swelling in the throat in children, German measles or Rubella is one of them. Rubella is a contagious virus that manifests as a rash and causes swelling in the lymph nodes. Tonsillitis is another bacterial or viral infection that affects children more often than adults. Pain, irritation and swelling in the throat are common, along with headaches and fever. Standard remedies for swollen glands in the neck and throat, like plenty of fluids, rest, and pain relievers will work well with most children. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection like strep throat. When there are other children in the home, it is advisable to follow simple hygiene practices like covering the mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing and disinfecting common surfaces that harbor bacteria like telephones and computer keyboards, and so on. Placing a humidifier in the room helps when you have a sore throat. Also, with repeated gargling with salt water, swelling can be reduced and the irritation can be alleviated. These were just some of the common sore throat and swollen glands remedies that can be applied at home. While it is always advisable to consult a doctor, some people also opt for aroma therapy, Ayurveda, and homeopathy to treat chronic coughs and sore throat. Hoarseness in the voice, headaches, chills and a light fever, and a stiff neck may sometimes accompany a sore throat and swollen glands. In such cases, it would be best to consult a medical practitioner. If the condition is chronic or if there are white spots on the throat, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Before starting swollen throat glands treatment, the doctor may take a sample of the sputum or a throat swab for testing. While the causes of swollen glands and a sore throat may be as simple as a cold or a bout of flu, it must be understood that if the condition does not respond to standard home remedies after a couple of days or if the fever continues, a doctor must be called in. Inflammation of lymph nodes, in a few cases can be due to some forms of cancer, including cancer of the blood. Another case which requires immediate medical attention is when the skin over the lymph nodes is red and infected. This indicates that the infected lymph node needs to be drained in order to heal.
answered by G M