Sore throat is one of the most common winter complaints, causing pain, itching, or irritation in the throat, although it usually worsens when swallowing. After about a week, it generally goes away on its own.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but may include the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain or itching in the throat
• Sore throat when swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tonsil swelling and redness
• A hoarse or muffled voice

The infection may also cause other signs and symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• cough
• Runny nose
• sneezing
• body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Sore throat causes

Viruses are the most common cause of sore throats, although sore throats can sometimes be caused by bacteria or other things.

Viral infection include:

• Cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles
• COVID-19

Bacterial infection

A sore throat can be caused by a variety of bacteria. It can be caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus bacterium, which is the most common cause of strep throat.

Other reasons include

• Allergies.
• Dry throat.
• Irritants, such as spicy meals, can also induce throat irritation.
• Air pollution for example, cigarette smoke may cause a chronic sore throat.
• GERD.

Home remedies for sore throat

You can follow these tips to help relieve a sore throat and reduce the duration of the infection:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat soft foods such as jelly and yoghurt
• Avoid smoking or second-hand smoking
• Rest
• Gargling with warm salty water – not recommended for children – by:
• In a cup of warm water, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt.
• Gargle with the solution and spit it out, but do not swallow it.

Treatment

There is no treatment for a viral sore throat, but your pharmacist can assist reduce symptoms by recommending medicines contain paracetamol or ibuprofen or lozenges with a local anesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory.

When do you consult a doctor?

See your doctor, if you have:

• A strong sore throat that lasts more than a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Joint pain
• Ear pain
• Rash
• Your temperature is higher than 38°C
• The presence of blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throat
• A neck lump
• Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Swelling in your neck or face

While you will need to see a doctor immediately if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:

• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual drooling, which might indicate a swallowing problem

Prevention

Follow these tips and educate your kids to do the same:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses, or plates.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water are not available.