Throat infection occurs when some microorganisms settle and multiply in the throat, and as a result, take over the immune system. These microorganisms may be bacteria, viruses or similar foreign substances. Throat infection, also called strep throat, can occur in all age groups, but is more common in children. Although the infection, which manifests itself as tonsil swelling and redness, sometimes resolves without the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to use antibiotics when it is severe.
What causes throat infection?
There are some defense areas in our body against foreign factors coming from outside. The most important of these is the mouth, which is the point where food and drinks enter. Just behind the oral cavity are the tonsils. Tonsils, a tissue rich in defense cells, provide defense against bacteria and viruses. However, some microorganisms settle in the tonsils or throat tissues at the back of the oral cavity and can cause infection. The causes of throat infection can be listed as follows:
- Viral infections: Flu and cold viruses.
- Bacterial infections: Streptococcus bacteria.
- Pharyngitis: Infection of the tonsils located at the back of the throat.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions cause irritation in the throat.
- Smoking: Secondhand smoke or smoking irritates the throat and increases the risk of infection.
What is good for throat infection?
A doctor’s check-up is absolutely necessary for a long-lasting and severe throat infection. However, there are methods that, when applied, will relieve the symptoms and be good for throat infection.
What can be done at home for throat infection? The answer can be listed as follows:
- Throat gargling can be done with salt water.
- Drink plenty of water and warm herbal teas with honey.
- You can rest by reducing activities,
- Throat lozenges can be used,
- You can drink warm water with lemon,
- Apple cider vinegar can be consumed by diluting it with water.
- Garlic, a natural antibiotic, can be eaten.
Throat infection symptoms and treatment
Throat infection depends on the cause of the inflammation, and therefore its symptoms may vary. However, the first common symptom is a sore throat. Pain, which is directly proportional to the severity of the disease, occurs with swallowing. Symptoms of advanced throat infection are high fever and chills. Fever of 38 degrees and above is among the symptoms of throat infection.
Throat infection, which is a condition that irritates the throat, also occurs with the symptom of difficulty swallowing. Difficulty in swallowing occurs due to sore throat or swelling in the throat. A symptom of throat infection caused by viral infections is nasal and postnasal drip. Nasal congestion is also among these symptoms. In addition, since throat infection is caused by viruses or bacteria, it also causes symptoms of weakness and fatigue.
While throat inflammation manifests itself with such symptoms, the treatment method may vary depending on the underlying cause. With correct diagnosis, throat infection can be cured.
How to cure throat infection?
Since throat infection negatively affects daily life, everyone who has this problem wants it to go away quickly. The first thing to do to get rid of a throat infection is to know why it happens. In addition, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids to cure a throat infection. Both warm water and warm herbal teas are very useful in treating throat infections. Gargling with salt water and avoiding spicy foods are also among the things to do to cure a throat infection. Additionally, honey can be used to soothe the throat as it has a natural antimicrobial property.
If a throat infection occurs with severe pain and fever, it is necessary to consult a doctor. If the doctor deems it necessary, antibiotic support can be used. In this context Can throat infection be cured without using antibiotics? The answer to the question may vary depending on the severity and symptoms of the throat infection.