Dr Chin’s View Into A Sore Throat: Your guide from first signs to lasting relief
Sore Throat: Your guide from first signs to lasting relief
A sore throat is a common issue people report at doctor and ENT offices. It can feel like a mild itch or it might hurt a lot, making it tough to sleep, eat, and manage daily activities. It is important to know the sore throat symptoms, the causes of it, and how to treat it. This knowledge helps in getting quick relief and good care over time.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sore Throat?
Common sore throat symptoms include feeling scratchy, pain while swallowing, a dry throat, and a hoarse voice.
You might also see these additional signs:
- Sore throat and fever
- Sore throat and ear pain
- Swollen tonsils
- Red throat with no fever
- Sore throat and runny nose
- Sore throat and cough
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Infectious Causes
- Viral sore throat: This type is often caused by cold viruses. It can feel like a COVID sore throat.
- Bacterial sore throat: This is usually linked to strep throat. A sign of strep throat is white patches on the tonsils along with swollen glands.
- This category also includes symptoms of tonsillitis, treatment for pharyngitis, and sore throats from post nasal drip.
Non-Infectious Causes
- Allergies
- Acid reflux
- Smoking
- Overuse of voice
Who Is Affected?
- A sore throat in children is usually from a virus. But, it’s important to look for strep throat.
- A sore throat in adults can happen for many reasons.
- A sore throat during pregnancy needs to be taken care of carefully.
- A chronic sore throat may mean there are health problems that should be looked at by an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
When and How to Treat a Sore Throa
Home and Natural Remedies
- Home remedies for sore throat: Gargle with saltwater, use humidifiers, and make sure to get plenty of rest.
- Natural sore throat remedies: Try honey, ginger, and tea for sore throat.
- Itchy throat remedy: Breathe in steam and keep yourself hydrated.
Over-the-Counter Relief
- Best medicine for sore throat: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain.
- Sore throat lozenges and sore throat spray can give you quick relief.
- Soothing foods for sore throat include broths and soft fruits, as they are easy to eat.
- Avoid foods to avoid with sore throat such as spicy or acidic foods.
Prevention and Long-Term Relief
To prevent sore throats, limit exposure to common triggers like handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying hydrated. Use a humidifier in dry environments and avoid smoke or strong irritants. For recurring sore throats, identify underlying causes like allergies, acid reflux, and post-nasal drip. Manage these conditions with medical guidance to reduce flare-ups. Support the immune system through nutrition, sleep, and stress management. Lifestyle adjustments may be necessary to prevent ongoing issues. Consistent care and early treatment of mild symptoms can prevent more serious infections. If sore throats are frequent or severe, an ENT evaluation may reveal treatable causes and offer long-term solutions.
- About the Author
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
