Pain, burning or scratching in the throat it usually accompanies viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Typically, a cold, cough, and sometimes an elevated temperature are added. In such cases, home treatment is usually sufficient – plenty of fluids, rest, humidification of the air and over-the-counter preparations from the pharmacy.
The most common causes of pain in the neck
According to doctors, pain in the throat is usually a manifestation of a viral disease, often associated with a cold. If the pain is sharp, one-sided, with high fever and difficulty swallowing, it may be bacterial angina.
“A sore throat is often the result weakened immunity. It is important to get enough sleep, a varied diet and regular exercise,” he says Adrián Doboly, immunity expert from Natures. According to him, targeted supplementation of vitamin C, D and zinc.
However, bacteria, most often streptococci, can also be to blame. Bacterial angina is recognized by the sudden onset of severe pain when swallowing, fever and often also enlarged cervical tonsils with a coating. In this case, it is necessary to find a doctor and apply antibiotics.
Pain in the neck should not be underestimated. “Sudden rise feverssevere fatigue and body aches indicate the flu. The gradual onset of sore throat, runny nose and cough is more likely to indicate a cold. A severe sore throat with a coating on the tonsils is typical for angina. The combination of cough, fatigue and milder temperature without significant localized symptoms may indicate a viral infection,” says Veronika Orendášová, press spokesperson of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacy.
When to go to the doctor with a sore throat
In most cases, diseases associated with sore throat can be managed with home treatment, but there are situations when you should definitely go to the doctor. It is if:
- sore throat lasts more than a week
- it is very strong and prevents swallowing
- is connected with high fever
- it is connected by a white coating of almonds
- your nodes will swell
Photo: Syda Productions, Shutterstock.com
Neck pain can be banality, but if it lasts a long time or other symptoms are added to it, it is always better to see a doctorPhoto: Syda Productions, Shutterstock.com
How to relieve a sore throat
When it comes to the common cold, the symptom of which is also a sore throat, home treatment is usually enough, which should include:
- calmness and plenty of fluids (ideally several days without going to work)
- herbal teas (for example with sage or chamomile)
- lozenges and sprays with an antiseptic effect, pharmacists recommend using local antiseptics when scratching and burning in the throat – pastilles, sprays or gargles, which help to disinfect the mucous membrane and relieve pain
- rinsing the throat with salt water
- gently scrape the tongue with a coffee spoon (you prevent the formation of a coating in which bacteria multiply)
- spray oak drops in the neck – “They contain tannins, which have an astringent effect. The best way of application is to squeeze the root of the tongue with a spoon and spray directly on each tonsil several times a day,” advises Jana Stieglerová from the World of Homeopathy
- apply a Priessnitz wrap to the neck several times a dayfor half an hour to an hour
- compress soaked in homemade plum wine, or gargling it – only for adults
- air humidification in the room
However, home treatment has its limits. A timely visit to the doctor can prevent complications, for example the development of otitis media or tonsillitis, which can spread further into the body.
