Home Remedies For Sore Throat To Avoid
Dr. Allan warns that not all sore throat remedies are created equally. He recommends you pass on these two:
- Apple cider vinegar. It probably has some antibacterial properties, but thats not going to do much for the sore throat itself.
- Essential oils. They havent been well-studied or clinically proven for safety or effectiveness.
And avoid things that can irritate your throat, including:
- Acidic foods or spicy foods.
- Lying down immediately after you eat, especially if you have acid reflux.
How To Use Manuka Honey
Primary Uses: Skin or oral infections , general immune booster.
Manuka honey is primarily used topically .
But since its honey, you can also eat it to give your immune system a boost. Its the most delicious way to fight infection.
- Skin Infections: Take a small dab and lather the honey on the infected area. Cover with gauze or a band aid.
- Internal Immune Boost: If you notice people around you are getting sick or you recently caught a cold, you can take a tsp 1-2 times per day. This can help prevent you from getting sick in the first place or reduce the duration of your illness. I like to combine manuka honey with ginger and cinnamon to make it even more powerful.
I just wouldnt suggest eating it every day for long periods of time since it would get expensive. Manuka honey is more medicine than food. Treat it like something you would put in your medicine cabinet.
Our Goal Is To Let Our Body Heal By Itself
Strep is a bacterial infection that can be transferred from one person to another person, easily and quickly. Simple strep throat home remedies make life easier and the infection will go in a day or two.
Simple Strep Throat Infection Home Remedy:
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 4- 5 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
Mix all together and take a dose of 1 teaspoon every hour.
People who dont like garlic even tried this and were happy and surprised with how simple and effective this mixture is.
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Top 8 Home Remedies For Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that comes on suddenly, causing a painful sore throat and a fever.
Its caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or type A Streptococcus.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is typically treated with antibiotics to prevent a serious complication called rheumatic fever.
But, even on antibiotics, symptoms like fever and sore throat can continue for 1-2 weeks as you recover.
There are some at-home remedies that can help soothe your symptoms while you recover.
Dont waste time on unproven remedies.
In this article, Ill start by providing more information about strep throat, and then list 8 home remedies that are safe and may help with your symptoms.
Ill also tell you about some things to avoid, and precautions you can take.
Ill talk about the types of antibiotics that are prescribed for strep throat, and explain when you should see a doctor or healthcare provider about your sore throat.
When To See A Doctor
If you have a severe sore throat that comes on quickly, especially if you have a fever, contact your doctor.
It could be strep throat, which requires antibiotics to prevent complications.
If you have a sore throat so severe you are having difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, seek urgent medical care.
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What Are The Recommended Dosages Of Antibiotics Used To Treat Strep Throat
Antibiotic dosages can vary depending on age and weight. The CDC recommends the following dosages of antibiotics for Strep throat, for those people without a penicillin allergy. One dosage regimen should be chosen that is appropriate for the person being treated.
Oral Penicillin V
- Children: 250mg twice daily or 250mg three times daily for 10 days
- Adolescents and adults: 250mg four times daily or 500mg twice daily for 10 days
Oral amoxicillin
- Children and adults: 50 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
- Children and adults: 25 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days
Intramuscular Benzathine penicillin G
- Children < 27 kg: 600 000 units as a single dose
- Children and adults 27 kg: 1 200 000 units as a single dose
The CDC recommends the following dosages of antibiotics for Strep throat, for those people with a penicillin allergy. One dosage regimen should be chosen that is appropriate for the person being treated.
- Oral cephalexin 20 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days
- Oral cefadroxil 30 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
- Oral clindamycin 7 mg/kg three times daily for 10 days
- Oral azithromycin 12 mg/kg once daily for the first day , followed by 6 mg/kg once daily for the next 4 days
- Oral clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days.
Soothing Strep Throat Home Remedies
Strep throat can be a painful and frustrating respiratory condition, making it hard to swallow, eat and sleep. Although the conventional treatment for strep throat is antibiotics, research shows that they only reduce the length of the illness by about half a day. They also dont seem to affect time off from school or work. Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria is becoming a real threat, its helpful to try strep throat home remedies first. Its also important to avoid close contact with others until your strep throat symptoms are gone this way you wont spread the bacteria and reinfect yourself.
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Sip Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
Apple cider vinegar has been used in folk medicine remedies for centuries. It contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties.
- To help relieve throat pain, mix 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey or sweetener in a cup of warm water.
Note: Honey shouldnt be given to children under the age of one.
Learn more about the health benefits of cider vinegar and see how to make another apple cider vinegar tonic.
What Are The Causes
There are two types of throat infections, which depend on being caused by a viral or a bacterial infection.
- Viral: This is due to a virus which cause common diseases like the flu, colds, and mononucleosis.
- Bacterial: This is a more serious infection that must be treated right away. Streptococcus, hemophilus, or mycoplasma infections are the most common.
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Throat Infection: 6 Brilliant Home Remedies For Throat Infection
- NDTV Food Desk
- A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria
- Gargle with salt-water. Salt has great antibacterial properties
- Drinking turmeric milk can relieve swelling and pain
A pesky throat infection is hard to handle and that is why we all look for quick fixes and home remedies for throat infection. The irritation and itchiness can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your daily chores. Not to forget, the terrible pain that may accompany in severe conditions. A lot of kitchen ingredients are known for their powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help fight infections. They can also help in boosting your immunity and making you stronger from within.What causes a throat infection? It could be tonsillitis, cold or a strep throat. It is usually one of the first effects of cold, flu or congestion. A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria. It may be an effect of some other ailment that you are suffering with or may be attacked by the pollutants or irritants in the air or some kind of allergies. Some of the common symptoms of a throat infection are.
Popping Antibiotics Like Candy
As you could imagine, the damage to your body increases with the amount of antibiotics you take.
Which is a huge concern since prescription antibiotics have become one of the most over-prescribed medicines today.
And theres no sign its slowing down.
In fact, data from the CDC indicates that
1 of every 3 patients are given antibiotics when they arent even needed.
This behavior is the main reason why antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs, have developed. And scientists cant figure out how to fight them.
The bottom line is that drug-based antibiotics are causing a significant amount of harm. And their overuse is only making things worse.
Drug-based antibiotics should only be used as a last resort.
Most natural antibiotics, on the other hand, dont cause harm to your digestive system . And they certainly arent over-prescribed.So if you want to fight infection without destroying your health at the same time, here are the top 7 most powerful antibiotics backed by science.
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What Are The Throat Infection Home Remedies For Kids
Its not easy to manage throat infections in kids. Still, there are some tips when a kid get a throat infection
How Do I Use It
Primary Uses: Skin infections, foot & nail fungus, sinus infections.
The way you use oregano oil will largely depend on what kind of infection youre dealing with.
- Foot or nail fungus: Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a tub of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil by combining a drop of oregano oil with a teaspoon of coconut or cold-pressed olive oil. From here you can apply it to your nails or skin.
- Sinus Infections: Put a few drops of oil into a big pot of steaming water and inhale the steam . Alternatively, you can use a neti pot which works great when youre too stuffy to breathe in steam.
- Oral infections : Dilute a drop of oregano oil with a teaspoon of cold-pressed coconut oil. Swish for a few minutes and rinse it out. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
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How Long Does A Sore Throat Last
It really depends on whats causing your sore throat. Most sore throats will dissipate within three to 10 days if its caused by a viral infection like a cold, says Dr. Allan.
If a bacterial infection like strep or allergies is the culprit, your sore throat could last longer if not treated with appropriate antibiotics or medications.
Once youre properly diagnosed and treated for a bacterial infection, your sore throat should clear up within a day or so.
Cayenne Pepper Or Hot Sauce
Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.
Anecdotal evidence suggests ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with sore throat pain, but this hasnt been proven scientifically.
Start with a light sprinkle of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, as both can be very hot. Keep in mind that an initial burning sensation is common.
You should not take cayenne if you have open sores in your mouth.
Cold fluids can help to numb the pain from a sore throat. In addition to drinking cold fluids, you can also suck on an ice pop or ice cube.
An older 2012 survey asked people how they experienced and treated a sore throat. The results showed that participants used cold drinks more often when their sore throat was thought to be caused by physical or environmental factors as opposed to infections.
Air conditioning is an example of a physical factor, while environmental factors include secondhand smoke and air pollution.
Chicken soup is supposed to be a tried-and-true remedy for respiratory and throat conditions. Youve probably heard many anecdotes about this remedy, but an older study also supports its use.
The activity of various immune cells can contribute to inflammation, including in a sore throat. A 2000 study tested chicken soups ability to reduce the migration of specific immune cells, called neutrophils, in a laboratory setting.
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What Is A Sore Throat
Sore throats can be painful and annoying. But most of the time they go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.
Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat.
If you have a sudden, severe sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms, you could have strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. About 1 out of 10 sore throats in adults is caused by strep throat. This means that 9 out of 10 sore throats aren’t strep.
Are Antibiotics Always Necessary To Treat A Strep Throat
Although most Strep throats will get better by themselves, there is a risk of acute rheumatic fever and other complications occurring. The CDC recommends that all patients, regardless of age, who have a positive rapid antigen detection test or throat culture receive antibiotics.
Antibiotics have been shown to:
- Shorten the duration of Strep throat symptoms
- Reduce the likelihood of transmission to family members, friends, and other close contacts
- Prevent the development of rheumatic fever and other complications.
Viral sore throats should not be treated with antibiotics. Treatment is usually given for ten days and liquid antibiotics can be given to children who are unable to swallow tablets or capsules. Some patients may benefit from a single shot of penicillin intramuscularly.
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Conventional Strep Throat Treatment
The most common strep throat treatment is antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Research suggests that just mentioning a sore throat to a doctor almost guarantees a prescription for antibiotics, even though viral infections cause 85 to 90 percent of sore throats in adults.
Studies show that antibiotics are only somewhat helpful when used for strep throat. They can improve symptoms at 3 to 4 days and cut the length of the illness by about half a day. Antibiotic treatment doesnt seem to affect time off from school or work.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also used to relieve the pain related to strep throat.
Zone Diameter Of Inhibition
The zone diameter of inhibition of different honey samples has been determined against E. coli O157: H7 and S. typhimurium . The ZDIs of Nilgiris honeys were found to be mm, mm and mm for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli, respectively. Agbagwa and Frank-Peterside examined different honey samples: Western Nigerian honey, Southern Nigerian honey, Eastern Nigerian honey and Northern Nigerian honey, and compared their abilities to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and Proteus mirabilis with an average of ZDIs mm, mm, mm and mm, respectively, and with honey concentrations of 80%100%. The extracts of raw and processed honey showed ZDI mm, against gram-positive bacteria viz., S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, as well as gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. enterica serovar Typhi. Figure 1 represents the ZDIs for gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains due to ulmo and manuka honeys.
Antibacterial activity of ulmo and manuka honeys based on the ZDI produced for clinical MRSA and standard MRSA, E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolates.
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What About Strep Throat
Adults
In adults, only 5-10% of all sore throats are due to group A Strep , and only GAS sore throats are an indication for antibiotic treatment. Since symptoms and a medical exam alone do not distinguish between strep and a viral sore throat. a rapid antigen detection test is necessary to establish a strep diagnosis.
If you meet two or more of what are called the Centor criteria you should receive a rapid antigen strep test . Throat cultures are not otherwise routinely recommended for adults. A positive strep test justifies antibiotic use.
If the throat culture is positive, giving antibiotics is not technically a medical necessity, though I do recommend it, as do most medical doctors. Antibiotic treatment does reduce the albeit small, but real risk of rheumatic heart disease, and reduces the transmission of strep to others in the family, so if you have a young baby or someone with immune problems in the household, it is prudent to consider using an antibiotic. Also, if your child does have strep, s/he cannot return to school until shes been on antibiotics for 24 hours or until the illness is completely cleared up.
Kids
Here are some guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control for helping you choose next steps in testing and treatment:Children with sore throat plus 2 or more of the following symptoms should have a RADT test:
- Any child with a sore throat and no cough
- Presence of tonsillar exudates or swelling
- Age < 15 years
What Is Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is the name given to a bright red rash that develops following a Strep throat, although it can also develop following school sores .
Scarlet fever is less common than it was one hundred years ago because of antibiotic use and it only occurs in those who are susceptible to the toxins produced by the Streptococcal bacteria. It mostly occurs in children aged 4 to 8 years. By 10 years old more than 80% of children have developed lifelong protective antibodies against streptococcal toxins, whilst infants younger than 2 still have antibodies against the toxin that they acquired from their mother. This means that if two children in one family develop Strep throat, only one may develop scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever is a bright red rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch. The rash typically starts on the neck, underarm, or groin as small, flat red blotches that gradually become fine bumps and feel rough to the touch. In the body folds the rash may appear a brighter red . Facial flushing is common although a pale area may remain around the mouth. After seven days, the rash fades and some skin peeling may occur over the next month or longer, particularly around the fingertips, toes, and groin area.
Left untreated, Scarlet fever may progress to:
- Ear, sinus, and skin infections
- Joint inflammation
- Rheumatic fever
- Otitis media
- Glomerulonephritis
- Osteomyelitis.
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