Strep throat, Sore throat, Throat pain, Tonsils, Throat infection.
Root Cause of Disease
Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus. Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. This bacteria lives in the nose and throat. You can get the infection from someone who is sick with strep A bacteria or is a carrier of it. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
- Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate).
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children.
- Body aches
Causes
Lots of things can cause a sore throat. One cause, especially in children and young adults, is the bacteria that creates strep throat. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) is the formal name of the bacterium.
Viruses can cause a sore throat too, including:
- A cold
- Chickenpox
- COVID-19
- Croup
- Flu
- Measles
- Mono
Other things that might cause your sore throat include:
- Allergies
- Dry air
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- HIV
- Irritants, like tobacco smoke or eating spicy food
- Muscle strain from talking loudly or for a long time, and yelling.
- Tumors
Home remedies to treat Strep throat
Remedy -1: Lemon
Lemons contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin C. It may act as an immunity booster. Lemon juice might be beneficial in breaking down the mucous-containing bacteria and provide pain relief. Lemons might also offer natural ways to heal a painful strep throat. Lemons are also high in vitamin C, which is very useful when it comes to fighting off infections. Vitamin C acts as a boost to the immune system, which can help you to get rid of an infection causing your sore throat.
Drinking warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice might help you to relieve the throat pain.
Product link: lemon
Remedy -2 : Chamomile tea
Materials: Chamomile, Water, Honey
Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years, and has a light, floral character and healing properties that will make you feel better in no time. Chamomile is especially effective at soothing a sore throat. Some other benefits of chamomile tea include calming nerves, promoting relaxation, and inducing sleep.
Procedure:
- Take a saucepan and start heating water on a high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, switch off heat and add the dried chamomile.
- Keep it covered for a minute.
- Strain the chamomile tea into the tea cups.
- Add honey to taste.
Product Link : chamomile
Remedy -3: Ginger tea
Ginger may have beneficial properties and may be used as one of the herbal remedies for strep throat. Ginger contains valuable phytochemicals such as zingerone, shogaols and gingerols. It may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Procedure:
- Take some fresh ginger roots, crush and add them to boiling water.
- Give it a nice boil for a few minutes.
- Strain the liquid and remove the used ginger before drinking.
- Sip this as many times as you like each day. It will help in pain relief.
Product link: ginger
Other remedies
Honey
The best remedy for strep throat might just be honey. It may be due to the natural antibacterial properties and wound healing action of honey. It may relieve the pain and inflammation associated with strep throat. Honey may have the potential to kill bacteria and help fight infections.
A few tablespoons of honey may be taken with warm water or tea. Drink this a couple of times a day to help ease the throat pain.
Saltwater gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Preventions
Some preventive measures for strep throat include:
- Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced meal that contains all the essential nutrients can boost immunity and prevent infections. Eating cold, oily, or sugary foods can make the throat susceptible to infections.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can keep the body healthy and enhance the immune system.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can irritate the inner lining of the respiratory tract. Inflammation in the throat can increase the risk of throat and tonsil infections. Even passive smoking by inhaling the fumes can make one susceptible.
- Keep hands clean: Washing hands is one of the best preventive measures against all types of infection. Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based sanitizer to prevent the spread of infection.
- Isolate personal items: Avoid close contact with an infected person to prevent the further spread of the disease. Use different utensils and toiletries. Wash all of them with hot water and soap after use.
