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7 Best Home Remedies For Throat Infection

Itching in the throat and soreness of the throat are common symptoms of a throat infection. However, the deadly COVID-19 infection gives us a lesson that never takes your health for granted, not even a throat infection or cold. 

The throat irritation or itchiness can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your daily chores. It makes you very irritated that even you cannot even drink or eat. Sometimes it may lead to terrible throat pain that may affect your voice. Throat infection has a self-healing capability. But, in some severe instances, it is always better to see your physician.

What is a throat infection?

Throat infection or pharyngitis is a painful inflammation of the back part of the throat (pharynx). The infection may involve some or all of the throat as per its severity. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. 

The viral throat infection peaks up in the winters and early spring. This infection may be found in kids as well as in adults. The throat infection in children younger than 2 years old may due to a specific streptococcal bacterial infection.

What are the causes of throat infection?

The throat infection may be due to bacterial or viral infection. However, some other reasons may cause throat infections too. Here are some common causes of throat infection.

What are the symptoms of throat infection?

What is the treatment for throat infection?

The throat infection treatment may be in two ways – one is with home remedies or by taking medications. This viral throat infection can treat itself, meaning that it has the capability of curing itself. However, if it fails to subside, then you need to see your doctor. There are some simple ways that you need to keep in mind to get rid of the infection.

1: Saltwater gargles 

Saltwater gargles are the most effective and first-aid solution for throat infection. Saltworks as an antiseptic that helps reduce infection and inflammation. Warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions.

Mix  ¼ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle at least two-three times a day. This solution will rinse off the infection and also loosen the accumulated mucous in the throat.

2: Honey

Hone is an effective bacterial killer that helps control and reduces the infection instantly. It also moistens your throat and decreases dryness. It is specifically beneficial in night dry cough. 

You can make a honey-ginger tea that is the perfect combination to reduce your throat inflammation and infection. 

Note: Do not feed honey or honey containing products to children less than 1 year of age, it may result in a serious reaction.

3: Turmeric milk 

Whenever we have a throat irritation or cough, our mother always suggests having warm milk with a pinch of turmeric. It treats a sore throat, cold and even persistent coughs. When drunk regularly, it reduces pain and inflammation from a sore throat.

4: Ginger 

Ginger is a natural anti-allergic and decongestant remedy which works wonderfully to treat throat infection. It can break up excess mucous associated with respiratory conditions. You can mix ginger in tea for its instant effects.

5: Garlic 

Garlic contains a compound named Allicin which has powerful anti-bacterial properties. It kills germs and bacteria from the throat and subsequently soothes the inflamed throat. Chewing on raw garlic can be beneficial in subsiding the throat pain instantly. 

6: Licorice root gargles 

Licorice root has been used since ancient times to treat throat infections. It has pain-relieving properties and can help boost the immune system to fight viruses associated with respiratory illnesses. 

Mix licorice root with warm water for gargling for instant relief from congestion.

7: Herbal tea 

Herbal tea can be one of the best solutions for throat infections and pain. The herbals such as ginger, liquorice, peppermint and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

To make a herbal tea with 2 parts ginger, 2 parts cinnamon and 3 parts liquorice. Steep this mixture in water for 5-10 minutes and drink at least three times a day.

What are the throat infection home remedies for kids?

 It’s not easy to manage throat infections in kids. Still, there are some tips when a kid get a throat infection – 

  1. Steam inhalation – it is the best option for kids to moisten the throat and reduce dryness. 
  2. Keep children hydrated.
  3. Give warm fluids or soups to drink.
  4. Avoid cold drinks, juices and popsicles. 

How to Prevent Throat Infection?

Also Read: Tab Augmentin 625

Conclusion

For mild throat infections, it may not be necessary to see a doctor, however, if the above-mentioned throat infection treatment options do not work you should consult your doctor at the earliest. If your throat infection is accompanied by a fever, breathing difficulties and swollen tonsils, you may need medical attention immediately. While herbs and home remedies may help in some cases, you can also opt for throat infection medicines at a pharmacy.

Read more about: 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon.

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