Unpleasant sensations in the throat - any of us had to deal with this. The fact that it hurts the throat (it hurts to swallow) is not difficult to determine, but with how to help yourself and loved ones in such situations, the situation is already more complicated.
First you need to determine the cause that causes sore throat.
As a rule, a sore throat, it is painful to swallow in cases when it comes to a viral infection. Influenza and the common cold today are frequent guests in our house, as these viruses spread by airborne droplets. However, sometimes the cause of sore throat can be not viruses, but bacteria. So, for example, when a sore throat and painful swallowing is a sign of a sore throat or even chronic tonsillitis.
A person with every breath passes a huge number of bacteria and viruses into the body. In addition, it is very easy to get infected by contact with the patient or with objects that he touched. Sometimes it will be enough to touch the doorknob, and then touch the eyes or nose in order to then fall for two weeks with a cold on the sick-list. In addition, sore throat can be caused by non-infectious factors.
Sore throat, painful swallowing - viral origin of pain
What kind of viruses that cause sore throat are we talking about? First of all, of course, about the causative agents of diseases such as:
- flu and other acute respiratory viral infections;
- infectious monoculosis;
- croup;
- measles.
Sore throat (painful swallowing) - bacterial infections that cause sore throat
Bacterial infections include:
- diphtheria;
- streptococcal infections;
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea;
- mycoplasmosis.
Sore throat, painful swallowing: other causes of sore throat
A high degree of contagiousness of diseases caused by the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the body, literally in a matter of days, leads to infection of a wide range of people. That is why it is extremely important during the period when exacerbation of infections of a viral and bacterial nature is noted, trying not to appear in places where it will be difficult to avoid contact with a large number of people. However, of course, we won’t be able to protect ourselves from work, we can’t study, so we can often hear from people at the peak of the spread of infection that it hurts to swallow, the throat hurts and is stuffy. However, not everyone knows that not only viruses and bacteria can become the causes of a throat disease.
The causes of sore throat can be:
Low degree of humidity. It's about the heating season when the air in the room is too dry. At such moments in the morning, the appearance of a sensation of discomfort in the throat caused by tickling is not excluded. In addition, sore throat can also occur as a result of an allergic reaction, when a person is forced to breathe through his mouth, as his nose is stuffy.
Allergies to animals, plants, dust, or mold can also cause sore throat pain and discomfort.
Excessive muscle tension can also result from sore throats. Similar overvoltages occur, as a rule, after intensive training in vocals or sports.
External irritants, such as, for example, the polluted air of a metropolis, also lead to a sore throat. The fact is that the content of tobacco smoke, exhaust gases and various chemicals in the air causes chronic sore throats. Smokers are well acquainted with them, as well as lovers of spicy dishes and alcohol.
Gastroesophageal reflux is a disease resulting in irritation of the throat with gastric juice.
Tumors of the tongue or larynx can also cause an unpleasant sensation in the throat. Often, such tumors occur in people who abuse alcohol and smoke.
Immunodeficiency virus. HIV-infected people often experience sore throats, which is associated with the occurrence of secondary infections, such as candidal stomatitis and cytomegalovirus.
Throat treatment
There are several simple ways to alleviate suffering. Firstly, it will be necessary to revise the diet: eliminate spicy, fried, very salty foods.
Secondly, you will need to drink more (up to 3 liters of fluid) in order to get rid of toxins in the throat. It would be better if they were fruit drinks, preferably not sour.
A drink of figs, a decoction of linden and honey help to soothe a sore throat.
However, the easiest and most effective way to cure your throat is to rinse it. You can prepare a salt solution (the third part of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water), a five percent solution of iodine (3 drops of iodine per glass of water) or a soda solution.