Sore throat is a common feature and the peak of cold months is a time when the chance of this irritation is likely to strike. It is one of the most neglected symptoms as the patient waits for it to subside on its own and only when the dry, scratchy feeling fails to cease, one seeks help.
The dry air of the winter and certain infections are the usual reasons why a sore throat sets in. At the back of the mouth is the pharynx and the inflammation of area is called as pharyngitis while the voice box can get affected leading to laryngitis.
A patient who has a sore throat would usually have:
• Burning sensation in the throat even while not swallowing
• Rawness sensation as if an ulcer has formed
• Predominanlty dry feeling in the throat
• Constant feeling in the throat to clear as if some mucus is stuck when there is none due to irritaton of the throat
• Tenderness and a sensation of scratchiness in the throat
• Later one could develop difficulty n swallowing with a hurting sensation even on taking liquids
• Even talking could make pain worse and hoarseness of voice develops
• Preceding the sore throat or sometimes later there could be sneezing, nasal discharge and cough
• A patient on the anvil of fever could have bodyache, chills, swelling of glands in the neck with reduction in appetite
As such one can develop sore throat due to:
• As simple as a common cold, flu, viral infections like measles, chicken pox, mumps etc.
• Bacterial infections like streptococcus which could lead to infection of the tonsils etc.
• Some individuals have reaction on exposure to pollen, grass pet dander, dust, smoke, draught of air etc
• Dryness of the winter is one of the sure reasons
• Reflux disease wherein the acid from the stomach regurgitates back into the throat can cause frequent sore throat.
It is only when there is a pain in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice, onset of fever etc. that it is a cause for concern. As such drinking warm liquids that soothe the throat like soups, warm water with honey or lime will bring the throat to life quickly. Gargling with warm water and teaspoon of salt will help too. Voice rest is the need of the hour.
Homeopathic medicine has good remedies like Natrum mur and Kali bich that can soothe throat usually when the problem starts after a bout of cold. Exposure to draught of cold air causing throat irritation is remedied by Hepar sulph, Silicea, Merc sol etc. Reflux causing throat irritation is remedied by Nux vomica, Mag carb. Viral infections swaying the throat are helped by Causticum, Dulcamara, Aconite. If the bacterial infection is the cause of the problem Merc sol, Baryta carb help.
