| How to get rid of a sore throat |
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How to get rid of a sore throat
A sore throat is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial. It is most commonly caused by a contagious viral infection, although more serious throat infections can be caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial sore throats respond well to antibiotics while viral ones do not. For viral based infections, there are many natural remedies that you can take to cure a sore throat. Some of these folk remedies work within an hour or two, others take effect overnight.
A sore throat can be caused by :
# Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat.
# After treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as "thrush."
# Sinus drainage may cause a sore throat.
# A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.
Home Remedies- How to get rid of a sore throat
# Water/salt Mix a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of quite warm water. Gargle the whole mixture several times a day. This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies.
# Chlorophyll Use ½ teaspoon to ½ cup of water and gargle three times a day.
# Goldenseal Boil a pint of water and add ½ teaspoon of powdered goldenseal root. Drink hot. Goldenseal is well known for its antibiotic properties.
# Lemon Add the juice of one lemon and one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Gargle three times a day for one minute.
# Mustard Grind one tablespoon of mustard seed and combine with the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of clear honey, and 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Leave this mixture, covered, for 15 minutes and use as a gargle.
Prevention - How to get rid of a sore throat
The best way to hold sore throats at bay is to avoid picking up the viruses and bacteria that cause them. Thoroughly and frequently wash your hands and avoid sharing such things as cups and towels. Within reason, avoid touching public surfaces and avoid second-hand smoke and air pollution.
If you have been trying to get rid of a sore throat longer than a week, be sure to see a doctor. Most sore throats resolve themselves within a week. A sore throat that lasts longer could be a sign of something more serious. Go to the doctor to be checked for a more complicated medical condition. You could have mononucleosis, strep throat, acid reflux, or other health concerns. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to more complicated problems.
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