Sore throat is a common reason for consultation. At the origin of this symptom, various diseases of viral or bacterial origin that should be diagnosed to adapt the management. Analgesics, physiotherapy, remedies for grandmothers.
What are the treatments for sore throat?
It stings, it burns, it is red and swollen inside… no doubt, you have a sore throat! Before you jump on the first pill that comes in hand, ask yourself about the cause of your sore throat to find the best treatment.
Possible causes of sore throat
Sore throat is a symptom, not a disease: In most cases, it is due to a viral infection caused by a rhinovirus. It is usually nasopharyngitis.
Sore throats can also be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. More severe, this causes more severe pain and is generally accompanied by high fever and swollen glands; in this case, you must consult your doctor.
Sore throats can also be caused by yeast infections of the mouth, known as thrush, often occurring in people with particularly weakened immune systems.
Mechanical causes can also cause a sore throat: too dry air, tobacco smoke, evaporation of chemicals (glues, solvents, paints …), etc.
Stress or certain non-infectious diseases (gastroesophageal reflux, allergies …), can also cause a sore throat which manifests itself by irritation.
Sore throat: what are the treatments?
Treating a sore throat is a symptomatic treatment that accompanies the treatment of the disease that causes it. Since it is to relieve the pain of a sore throat, it is often common to the various diseases that cause it.
Sore throat linked to bacterial angina
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection that is causing your sore throat. It can be associated with analgesics and antiseptics, intended to relieve pain, and disinfect the mucous membranes of the throat.
Sore throat related to thrush
Taking antifungal drugs is essential to fight against the fungi that cause this yeast infection. Antiseptic mouthwashes complete the treatment to relieve sore throat and facilitate swallowing.
Sore throat linked to viral infection
There is no antiviral medication; the treatment of the sore throat rests on a whole therapeutic arsenal aiming to alleviate the pain. Medicines for sore throat include:
- Mouthwashes
- Pastille.
- Softening sprays
- Soothing syrups
These drugs all contain antiseptic substances that will participate in the disinfection of the throat, and, for some, anti-inflammatory substances that will calm the inflammation. Also think about grandmother’s remedies for sore throat. Hot drinks, especially milk with honey added, have a softening and soothing effect. You can also proceed to the application of a poultice, concocted using coarse salt and hot lemon juice spread on a cloth and held at neck level by a scarf.
Gargles with salt water (1/2 teaspoon mixed with a glass of lukewarm water), lemon or vinegar or herbal with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic (such as official sage) or anti-infectious properties.
Infusions based on thyme, lavender, marshmallow
Certain essential oils, especially those from tea trees, can relieve sore throats. Be careful however, some plants are contraindicated in pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, ask for advice from a specialist doctor or pharmacist. For homeopathy enthusiasts, there are different granules depending on the origin of the sore throat:
Belladonna 5CH and Mercurius Solubilis 5CH (at the rate of 3 to 4 granules per day) if it is due to viral angina, in combination with Phytoplasmas, Capsicum or Arum Triplum. Argentum Noricum 5CH is recommended if the pain looks like thorns in the throat.
Sore throat not related to infection
They require the removal or limitation of irritants, and / or the treatment of the disease in question (gastroesophageal reflux, allergy). If the air in your environment is too dry, use a humidifier.
