Causes of Sore Throat
Sore throat, the prevalence of which is irrespective of any climatic condition, sex or status, is undoubtedly the most commonly occurring ailment in people of any age group.
Characterized by a painful irritation in the throat that increases due to swallowing, it is essentially caused by bacteria and virus. Medically termed as tonsillitis or pharyngitis, sore throat is often an effect or outcome of certain other diseases like fever, cold and mumps.
Bacteria
causing sore throat are generally strep, mycoplasma or hemophilus. And that caused by viruses lead to flu, cold or mononucleosis.
Virus
Running nose, sneezing and general aches are often a problem during sore throats caused by virus. Being dangerously contagious, such a sore throat may accompany other infections like chicken pox, measles, croup and whooping cough. The cures from any such viral infection is through antibodies that destroy the virus in around a week’s time.
Bacteria
Streptococcus bacteria are the reason behind viral infection caused due to bacteria. This infection, if not treated with appropriate antibiotics might lead to damage of the kidneys (nephritis) and heart valves (rheumatic fever). Streptococcal infection may also lead to scarlet fever, pneumonia, tonsillitis and ear infections.
Allergy
Allergy and Hay fever patients can get a sore throat during an allergy attack. Irritation: The dry heat in winter mornings causes a mild sore throat along with a parched feeling. Tumors: In extreme cases, sore throat with problems in swallowing and pain in the ears may lead to a tumor.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Ayurvedic Remedies
In cases of sore throat with cold or flu ayurvedic home remedies work out to be the best solution. Some remedies given below are truly effective.
Drink a glass of hot water with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and honey.
The juice of Tulsi, a natural herb with anti-inflammatory functions also proves to be useful.
Simmer Chives and scallions in water for 5 minutes. Drink it as tea.
Consume betel leaves with liquorice (mulathi) 2 to 3 times a day.
Gargle with fenugreek tea.
Have a hot cup of milk with a dash of turmeric before bedtime.
Herbs such as Mulathi, Tulsi, Honey, Ginger, Kantkari, Hanspadi, Vasaka, and others are known to cure sore throat with no side effects.
Recommended Yoga Asanas
Recommended yoga asana: Simhasana, the lion’s pose is one of those asanas that benefits us right from the face to jaw, throat and tongue. If you have a sore throat problem, this asana proves to be quite useful. It involves stretching of the tongue while exhaling and roaring like a lion. You need to sit on your heels with palms on knees. Many diseases linked to face, vocal cords, tongue, and back can be taken care of through this particular asana. It puts poise in the posture and helps you live a life free from ailments and infections.