Warm liquids, such as tea with honey, can soothe a sore throat.
The throat, or pharynx, is responsible for transporting air to the lungs and food to the esophagus, explains Medline Plus. As a part of both the respiratory and digestive systems, the throat is susceptible to several common ailments. Most throat ailments are minor and resolve on their own. However, you should always consult with your doctor about throat problems for an accurate diagnosis and to determine whether you need an antibiotic or other prescription treatment.
Sore Throat
A sore throat is the result of inflammation of the pharynx that causes pain, irritation or scratchiness. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other causes include bacterial infections, allergies or irritants, acid reflux and overuse or strain. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment for your sore throat, such as an antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms or an acid reducer to relieve acid reflux, and offer recommendations for easing the discomfort. Only sore throats caused by bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics, emphasizes Mayo Clinic.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat that causes pain, difficulty swallowing and tiny red spots in the roof of the mouth. Other symptoms may include headache, fever, fatigue and swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes. Anyone can contract strep throat, but it is more common in school-aged children. Strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics, and your doctor may also recommend medications and other remedies to ease pain and discomfort.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, which can result in hoarseness or loss of voice. Laryngitis may be caused by a viral infection or overuse of the voice. In most cases, laryngitis goes away on its own, but your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if he suspects a bacterial infection as the cause, a corticosteroid to relieve the inflammation or recommend other ways to relieve the discomfort.
Tonsillitis
Mayo Clinic describes the tonsils as "two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat" that produce disease-fighting white blood cells. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become swollen and painful, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. Your doctor can determine the cause of the infection and will prescribe antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. He may also suggest ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of tonsillitis. If your tonsillitis is recurring, removing your tonsils might be necessary.
Tags: sore throat, bacterial infection, acid reflux, bacterial infections, causes pain