There are various causes of throat pain including common cold triggered by viruses or strep throat, smoking, overusing the vocal chords, growths or acid reflux. It is important that you know how to properly manage throat pain regardless of the cause.
Throat pain due to common cold
One way to determine if the throat pain is due to common cold or strep throat is via a strep test. The following measures to alleviate throat pain due to common cold include the following:
- Provide the individual with cold liquids to drink and cold foods such as ice pops.
- Avoid any acidic foods such as tomato juice or orange
- Drink tea with lemon and honey
- Encourage the individual to suck on menthol or numbing cough drops
- Utilize an anesthetic throat spray
Postnasal drip should be controlled to minimize irritation of the throat. - Provide an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- A cough suppressant can be used to minimize throat irritation
- Postnasal drip should be controlled to minimize irritation of the throat.
Strep throat
Always bear in mind that strep throat is one of the common causes of sore throat. Take note that it can only be diagnosed with laboratory testing that is done in the clinic. A sample is taken by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of the throat.
The condition should be managed with antibiotics to avoid any serious complications. The throat pain caused by strep throat can be managed by using prescribed antibiotics as instructed by the doctor.
The individual should also gargle using salt water a few times a day or use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen as directed.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs once the lower esophageal sphincter could not properly close. As a consequence, the stomach contents spill into the esophagus, thus irritating and damaging the tissue. The throat pain due to acid reflux typically occurs in the morning upon waking up and subsides after waking up.
Smoking
Remember that smoking can directly trigger a sore throat. It can also result to other conditions that trigger sore throat such as cancer of the throat, mouth and lungs. It is odd to note that if smoking is stopped, the sore throat can become severe as the lungs start to expel detrimental substances from the inhaled tobacco.
Overusing the voice
Misusing the voice can lead to voice loss and hoarseness which is referred to as laryngitis. This is quite common among individuals who utilize their voice as part of their profession such as actors, singers or teachers.
The remedy for laryngitis is to rest the voice by resting such as avoiding talking or simply talk softly.