Pharyngitis Dubai | 20 April 2022
Depending on the cause, you may be able to relieve the pain and irritation of your sore throat by drinking warm liquids and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If a bacterial infection is the cause, antibiotic medication will be prescribed.
What is sore throat?
When your throat is irritated, inflamed, scratchy, painful, or very dry, it’s called sore throat. Your throat can be sore from a bacterial or viral infection, allergies or irritants, acid reflux, vocal overuse and strain, or even sleeping with your mouth open for too long. The pain may be worse when you swallow.
Depending on what’s causing your sore throat, you can often relieve the pain and irritation by drinking warm liquids or taking throat lozenges. Sore throat caused by a viral infection usually clears up on its own after a few days of rest. A throat infection caused by bacteria is called strep throat. Dr Karin Vela can prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
How can I ease sore throat pain?
Treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause. Some general tips to relieve sore throat discomfort include:
– Drink warm fluids, such as hot tea with lemon or broth.
– Increase the total amount of fluids you drink. This keeps you hydrated and prevents your throat from getting dry.
– Gargle with salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of water).
– If you are an adult, keep your throat moist with throat lozenges, ice chips, or hard candies. Do not give lozenges or hard candies to children under two years of age. They are a choking hazard. Instead, give your child a popsicle.
– Use a numbing throat spray or cold liquids to reduce pain.
– Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to rooms you spend time in, especially your bedroom when you are sleeping.
– Get plenty of rest — at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
Ask Dr Karin Vela about possible over-the-counter medicines to try. Never give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome. Do not give cough or cold medicines to children under four years of age unless Dr Karin Vela tells you to.
Dr Barbara Karin Vela is an International Member of Royal College Of General Practitioners, UK
Pharyngitis Dubai | 20 April 2022