How to Get Rid of a Throat Infection

How to Get Rid of a Throat Infection

How to Get Rid of a Throat Infection

Just when you thought you were all set for that karaoke session, throat infection comes in to ruin the day. You have an infection when you play host to bacteria or viruses that use your resources to multiply. In the case of throat infection, the viruses localize in your throat and may cause a lot of inconvenience and pain. People usually lump throat infections under the same label—sore throat—but throat infections can arise from a number of reasons and be treated in many different ways as well. Here's a quick guide in identifying just what's causing your throat trouble and finding the best way to get rid of it.

Causes of InfectionThroat infection are typically caused by viruses or bacteria, although viral infections are more common. You can get infected by getting sneezed on, coughed on, or any kind of transfer from nasal fluids from an infected person. If the infection localizes in your tonsils, or the lymphoid tissue areas on either side of your throat, it is called tonsillitis.

The fungus Candida albicans can also cause fungal throat infection, more commonly known as oral thrush. Allergies (allergic rhinitis) can also cause sore throat or symptoms that may feel like a throat infection.

It's important that you are sure with what you are dealing with before you get any sort of treatment. A quick trip to the doctor and a throat culture test are needed to identify what's plaguing your throat.

Children are more susceptible to viral infections. Most viruses that cause throat infections are:

• Adenovirus. Causes lymph node enlargement.
• The common cold virus, including rhinovirus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus
• Orthomyxoviridae, also known as the flu virus.
• Herpes simplex virus
• Measles

It's said that adults are more susceptible to bacterial throat infections. Bacterial throat infections include:

• Strep throat, an infection caused by the streptococcus bacteria at the back of the throat (pharynx) and the tonsils. The tissues in your throat become irritated and inflamed. Strep throat is usually accompanied by a high fever, difficulty in swallowing, rash, vomiting, white and yellow spots on the throat and swollen lymph nodes. (For strep throat treatments, learn how to get rid of strep throat)
• Diphtheria, an upper respiratory infection that causes sore throat, fever and neck swelling.
• Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that irritates your airways, resulting in continuous coughing.

In some cases, the bacteria that causes scarlet fever, diphtheria and mononucleosis can also cause throat infection.

Symptoms

• Symptoms for throat infections may appear in any part of your throat, that are the nasopharynx (area the top of your throat and behind your nose), oropharynx (area at the middle of throat and behind the mouth) and the hypopharynx (area at the lower area of the throat).
• Discomfort
• Pain
• Scratchiness
• Swelling in throat or tonsils
• Mild to severe sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Difficulty and/pain while swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Yellow or white coating on the tonsils
• Redness of tonsils or throat
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Yellow or white spots on your tonsils

If your throat infection and its related symptoms don't go away and seem to be persistent, it's best to seek medical attention. Even without accompanying fever, untreated throat infections can lead to heart and kidney problems such as rheumatic fever. The infection may also spread to your neck and chest and become fatal.

TreatmentTreatment for throat infections varies, depending on cause and severity. For example, most viral throat infections are treated similarly to the way you would treat a common cold. When it comes to viruses, you usually let them run its course, although other options are also open to you:

Antibiotics. If your throat infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat your condition. Again, it's important that you know if your infection is caused by a bacterial or a viral agent. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. If antibiotics are used to treat viruses, they can cause more harm than help.

It's important that you complete the antibiotics course as directed, even after the symptoms have seemingly gone away. Children should be allowed to go to school again only after 24 hours of taking antibiotics.

Analgesics. For viral throat infections, your doctor may prescribe analgesics to help against inflammation. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. Take it according to your doctor's directions or the directions on the package.

Anti-fungal medication. For oral thrush or fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal medication. Your doctor may also prescribe unsweetened yogurt to help the proliferation of natural flora in your body that can fight against oral thrush.

Tea time. Chamomile, marjoram and ginger tea are ideal in terms of getting rid of that bacteria in your throat. Tea is also soothing for headaches and has an overall relaxing effect on your body. Add a little lemon and honey for more taste and sweetness.

Soup and soft diet. Throat infections are usually accompanied with difficulty in swallowing so it's best to stick to food that is easy to swallow. Clear broth, porridge and other healthy soups and soft food are recommended.

No smoking. Stay away from smoke or stop smoking yourself as long as you have a throat infection. Smoking will only irritate and even aggravate your throat infection. You should also stay away from similar irritants, like strong perfume smells and other odorous materials. (Read how to quit smoking)

Gargle with warm saltwater. You don't have to live near the sea for this. All you have to do is mix one-half teaspoon of salt to every cup of warm water, mix, and gargle as often as it is comfortable. Gargling with salt water reduces inflammation and pain.

Suck it up. Sucking on hard candy or lozenges can have a soothing effect on your irritated throat. Butterscotch-flavored lozenges are said to be the best flavor for this purpose.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of clear liquids during the day, such as water, tea, broth and fruit juices. If you have a fever, drinking lots of fluids will also help you bring the fever down. Be sure to drink fluids that are neither too hot nor too cold as extreme temperatures may only worsen your condition.

Rest. If your throat infection is accompanied by fever, headaches and bodily pains, it's best that you take a day off and have a full rest. It's also best that you avoid talking to give your throat a rest, too.

Eat garlic. If you're a vampire, having a throat infection may not be your best day. Garlic has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties so eating lots of it will go a long way in helping you get rid of bacterial or fungal infection.

Bland is good. Having a throat infection is not the best time to experiment with food. Stay away from spicy or flavorful food that may cause irritation to your throat.

Mist humidifiers. Mist humidifiers help get rid of nasal and throat obstructions due to phlegm or colds.

Sage advice. sage capsules or tinctures to help fight against inflammation. They also have other beneficial attributes for your respiratory system.

Saline nasal spray. Use sprays to moisturize your nose and throat's mucous membranes.

Tonsillectomy. This is a surgical procedure that removes the tonsils from your throat. Tonsillectomy is usually done when you have chronic (repeated) tonsillitis that causes moderate to severe pain. Since this is an invasive procedure, it's best to ask your doctor first if this is the most appropriate way to treat your throat infection.

PreventionMost throat infections jump from person to person, and you're more likely to get one if you are more vulnerable to them than most. Here are some ways to avoid getting a throat infection.

Healthy lifestyle. An infection is more unlikely to settle in if you have a healthy, robust body and immune system working for you. Exercise and a healthy diet go a long way in preventing not only infections but other diseases as well.

Practice good hygiene. You usually get infections from infected people, so be sure to keep away from them. Wash your hands before and after you eat, and after touching unfamiliar objects. Don't use other people's personal items such as towels and toothbrushes. Bathe regularly.

Practice good oral hygiene. The best prevention against throat infection is discouraging bacteria and other infectious agents from getting there. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, at least twice a day. Visit your dentist at least twice a year or more, depending on your dental and oral needs.

It starts with a tickle. Throat infections are usually preceded with that little tickling, irritating feeling at the back of your throat. Don't wait for it to worsen—you can already start with home remedies such as drinking tea or gargling with salt water. Cutting the problem off at the nub will save you a lot of trouble from going through the whole process of recovery.

Throat infection doesn't have to get in the way of your budding singing career. Just take the necessary steps in identifying your throat infection and take the suggested methods to get rid of that infection right away. If you enjoy learning this article, you might as well learn how to get rid of sore throats.

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