Yes, pharyngitis (viral and bacterial) iscontagious and can be transmitted from one person toanother. Usually, mucus, nasal discharge and saliva can contain theviruses and/or bacteria that can cause sore throat.Consequently, even kissing can cause transfer of theseorganisms.
Rest, warm liquids, saltwater gargles, andover-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the pain ofa sore throat at home. Strep throat and otherbacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Yourdoctor can use a swab test to find out if you havestrep.
Here are 15 natural sore throat remedies.
- Marshmallow root. The marshmallow plant has been used to treatsore throats and other conditions since the Middle Ages.
- Sage and echinacea.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- Salt water gargle.
- Honey.
- Licorice root.
- Lemon water.
- Ginger root tea.
Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, muscleaches and colored mucus do not occur with allergiesand generally indicate an infection.
You'll want to have soothing drinks, like tea and warmchicken soup. Frozen foods such as ice cream or popsiclesalso can help to ease throat pain. It's best to avoid spicyand acidic foods, such as orange juice, because they could hurtyour tender throat.
More serious conditions, such as immune system disordersor cancers, can cause the lymph nodes throughout thebody to swell. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system,also causes the lymph nodes to swell. Somemedications and allergic reactions to medications canresult in swollen lymph nodes.
The following measures can often helpsoothe a sore throat: take ibuprofen or paracetamol– paracetamol is better for children and for people whocan't take ibuprofen (note that children under 16should never take aspirin) drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, andavoid very hot drinks.
Some foods you may want to eat are:
- warm, cooked pasta, including macaroni and cheese.
- warm oatmeal, cooked cereal, or grits.
- gelatin desserts.
- plain yogurts or yogurts with pureed fruits.
- cooked vegetables.
- fruit or vegetable smoothies.
- mashed potatoes.
- broth and cream-based soups.
Differences
- Itchy and watery eyes are often telltale signs that thesymptoms are due to an allergy.
- A fever can occur with a severe cold, especially in children,but is not an allergy symptom.
- A sore throat can occur with allergies but is more common witha cold.
Postnasal drip is a common cause of throatirritation and pain. Inflammation can alsocause a blockage in the ears that prevents mucus fromdraining properly, leading to pressure and ear pain. You mayalso have other symptoms of allergies, including:sneezing.
Various over-the-counter (OTC) medications canhelp soothe a sore throat. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) oribuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are analgesics that can providepain relief. These medications also can reducefever if the sore throat is caused byinfection.
It can happen for a number of reasons:allergies, viral infections (including the common cold),sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust).Temporary – and normal – causes ofpost-nasal drip includes certain weather conditions(especially cold, dry air) and spicy foods.
Even in people without asthma, inhaling pollen, dust,pet dander, and other airborne irritants can triggerallergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that cancause coughing, along with symptoms such as stuffy nose andsneezing.
A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms,which may include:
- A runny or stuffy nose.
- A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat(postnasal drip)
- Frequent throat clearing and sore throat.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth.
Your nose and throat make mucus all thetime. But when you have a cold, congestion, or allergies, theamount of mucus can increase, build up, and thicken. The feeling ofthis mucus draining down the back of your throat ispostnasal drip. It often causes a sore throat,coughing, and problems swallowing.
Allergies cause symptoms that happen all at once.Check how long the symptoms last: Cold symptomsgenerally last 7 to 10 days, whereas allergy symptomscontinue with exposure to the allergen (symptom trigger).Allergy symptoms may get better or go away soon afterelimination of allergen exposure.
Yes, allergies can make you feel tired. Mostpeople with a stuffy nose and head caused by allergies willhave some trouble sleeping. But allergic reactions can alsorelease chemicals that cause you to feel tired. Alack of sleep and constant nasal congestion can give you ahazy, tired feeling.
Both allergies and colds may cause a runnyor stuffy nose, sneezing, a cough, and fatigue. Itchy eyes,post-nasal drip, and dark circles under your eyes are more commonwith allergies. Symptoms more commonly caused by a virusinclude sore throat, cloudy or discolored nasal discharge,fever, and general aches and pains.
A sore throat that lasts longer than aweek is often caused by irritants or an injuries, such as:Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution,yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat(postnasal drip). Breathing through the mouth when you haveallergies or a stuffy nose.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition thathappens when the band of muscles between your esophagus and stomachdoesn't tighten properly. GERD can feel like yourthroat is tight, or like you have a lump or foodstuck in your throat. You might have troubleswallowing.
Rarely, OAS can cause severe throatswelling leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing. In aperson who is highly allergic, a systemic reaction, calledanaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis), may be caused by apollen cross-reactive raw fruit or vegetable, but this isvery uncommon. OAS can occur at any time of theyear.
Signs and symptoms of throat cancer mayinclude: A cough. Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or notspeaking clearly. Difficulty swallowing.
