A sore throat is a condition that leads to a dry, painful, and scratchy feeling in someone’s throat. Throat pain is the main sign associated with a sore throat. A good number of people who visit health centres annually complain of a sore throat. Get in touch with Pimhole Pharmacy today to learn more about what causes a sore throat in Bury, Greater Manchester.
Most cases of a sore throat are caused by natural factors like dry air and infections. Even though sore throat cases are associated with pain and discomfort, they usually disappear on their own.
There are three main types of sore throats:
– Pharyngitis – affects the region close to the mouth
– Laryngitis – causes swelling and redness of the voice box/larynx
– Tonsillitis – causes swelling and redness of the tonsils
Sore throat symptoms show in different ways depending on what caused it. The symptoms include:
– Tenderness
– Scratchy sensation
– Burning feeling
– Throat dryness
– Irritation
Talking or swallowing can worsen these symptoms. You can also experience redness on the tonsils or throat.
In a few instances, white patches or areas of pus may be seen on the tonsils. Other symptoms that can be seen in sore throat cases are:
– Body aches
– Swelling in the neck glands
– Nasal congestion
– Appetite loss
– Headaches
– Runny nose
– Fever
– Sneezing
– Coughing
– Chills
– Hoarse voice
– Swallowing difficulties
The viruses that cause the flu and common colds are the same ones that normally cause most cases of sore throats. However, a few instances of this condition are caused by bacterial infections.
A sore throat can be caused by viral infections like:
– Common colds
– Flu (influenza)
– Mono (mononucleosis)
– COVID-19
– Measles
– Chickenpox
It can also be a result of certain bacterial infections. The most common is strep throat which is caused by group A streptococcus (streptococcus pyogenes).
Almost every sore throat case can be dealt with at home. Ensure you get sufficient rest to allow your body’s immune system to resist infections.
There are a number of ways you can deal with pain caused by a sore throat from the comfort of your home:
– Drink warm liquids like hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon to soothe the throat. Herbal tea can also effectively soothe a sore throat.
– Gargle with a mixture of warm water with salt.
– Rest your voice until the symptoms subside.
– Eat cold treats like ice cream to give your throat a cooling effect.
You can contact Pimhole Pharmacy today to get more information on our treatment options. We can also help get rid of the discomfort and pain associated with a sore throat.
As a well-established pharmacy in the UK, we pride ourselves on providing professional advice, as well as treatment for a sore throat, without the need to book an appointment with your GP. We provide this service under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme.
Check out our previous blog post on the importance of flu vaccinations and how you can get vaccinated.
The blog post was written on behalf of Pimhole Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.