How to treat a sore throat

Here’s what to look out for and how to get rid of the dreaded pain

Feeling like you have barbed wire in your throat? It’s hard to go about your day when you’re dealing with a painful throat.

Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors such as dry air, and irritants such as outdoor air pollution, tobacco smoke or chemicals.^1,2 

There are three types of sore throats, depending on the part of the throat they affect: pharyngitis refers to pain in the area behind the mouth, tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils and the soft tissue in the back of the mouth, while laryngitis refers to swelling and redness of the voice box or larynx.¹ 

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, and may include:² 

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

Viral infections such as standard cold and flu are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Many people would want to use antibiotics, but antibiotics don’t work against viruses. The best course of action is to treat the symptoms and make sure you feel more comfortable until your body’s immune system beats the infection.^2,3 

Ensure you rest your body, take medication, drink warm or cool liquids to soothe the throat, use a vapouriser to relieve the dryness, or use over-the-counter throat lozenges or anaesthetic sprays – these are just some ways you can relieve the symptoms.³ 

Andolex®, South Africa’s No 1 prescribed brand for throat and oral relief, has a range of products which have ingredients that provide targeted relief for sore throats – some even contain a nifty device so you can spray your throat with ease. Plus it’s suitable for the whole family over the age of 6.

You’ll benefit from anaesthetic properties that help with pain relief, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce swelling which will help with swallowing difficulties – and you’ll soon be eating again, which is good news as food plays an important role in your body healing. Check out the range on the website www.andolex.co.za and keep the products in your medicine cabinet at home.

If you, or anyone in your family experience symptoms such as a sore throat that lasts for more than a week, joint pain, earache or a fever higher than 38.3°C, it’s advisable to see your family doctor.² 

This information was provided by a third-party client.

References:

1.      Healthline. Sore Throat: Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms & More. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat#symptoms. Access date: 2 March 2020

2.      Mayo Clinic. Sore throat. Symptoms and causes. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635. Access date: 2 March 2020

3.      Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. Sore Throat (Pharyngitis). Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/sore-throat-pharyngitis-a-to-z. Access date: 2 March 2020

This information was provided by a third party client.