Treatment of Sore Throat

Generally a sore throat can be cured in less than one week. Some tips and medications can help mitigate the symptoms you are experiencing.

First aid to treat a sore throat

You are advised to do the following if it is exposed to a sore throat:

• Consumption of hot beverages and soft foods.
• Avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke.
• Gargle with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash to reduce pain.
• If your sore throat accompanied by fever, sufficient consumption of drinking water.
• Adult patients can suck ice cubes or lozenges.
• Avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold because both can cause irritation.

Taking drugs painkillers for Sore Throat

Analgesics or drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are generally advised to deal with a sore throat, especially if accompanied by fever. Here is a guide to eat:

• Always read the instructions for use of drugs to avoid overdosing.
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if you have or have had kidney disease or liver, and stomach problems such as ulcers or inflammation of the stomach wall.
• Aspirin should not be consumed by children under 16 years.

The use of antibiotics to treat Sore Throat

Here are the reasons why antibiotics are not recommended given to treat a sore throat:

• Using too many antibiotics to deal with simple cases can result in its use becomes ineffective when dealing with dangerous diseases in the future.
• Generally more frequent sore throats are caused by viruses than by bacteria so antibiotics will not be effective against the virus.
• Even if you are suffering from sore throat caused by bacteria, antibiotics impact of this disease is very little. Otherwise it can cause adverse side effects.

However, in certain situations, doctors still prescribe antibiotics, namely:

• In people with heart valve disorders.
• Sore throat you really severe and unbearable.
• When you are taking certain drugs such as Carbimazole to handle abnormalities of the thyroid gland. Such drugs can weaken the immune system.
• When your immune system is weakened due to renal failure or diabetes, so that you are at risk of developing serious infections.
• Repeatedly suffer from infections caused by bacteria streptococcus group A.
• You have a history of fever arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation that spreads throughout the body.

Surgical tonsillectomy

This procedure is done if a child has an infection of the tonsils / tonsil  repeatedly. Tonsillectomy carried out by lifting both tonsils.

Emergency of  Sore Throat

A sore throat can generally be managed at home, but you need to go to the doctor immediately if your sore throat accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Saliva flow uncontrolled.
• Wheezing.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
• Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing food and beverages.
• Voice barely audible.
• Rashes.
• Pain in the joints.
• Blood in the saliva.
• Lumps in the neck.
• Pain in the ear.

Disease symptoms are More Serious Sore Throat

There is a possibility that a sore throat can be a symptom of more serious disease.
Consult your doctor if you experience a sore throat that does not subside until more than 3 weeks. Here are some diseases that may be experienced:

Cancer

Sore throat is settled or do not heal can be a symptom of some cancers, such as throat cancer. This type of cancer usually strikes people over the age of 50 years.

Glandular fever disease

Glandular fever which is also often referred to this monokleosis infection often affects adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 30 years. Viral infection with symptoms of sore throat can last up to 6 weeks.

What Are Ways to Prevent Sore Throat?

Generally difficult to prevent because of a sore throat caused by viral and bacterial infections. The following points can reduce the risk of infection:

• Quitting smoking can strengthen your immune system and reduces the risk of irritation of the throat.
• Always wash your hands regularly, especially after using public facilities. Always carry an antiseptic solution if you are out of reach of tap water.
• Clean up items that are often used together in the home or workplace, such as the telephone receiver, door handles, controlling TV.
• Avoid sharing for food, drinks, and eating utensils and drinking.
• Wear a mask while driving and when in public places are filled with crowds of people as in buses and trains. Masks should also be worn when doing the cleaning.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.