Sore Throat – Treatment and Drugs

For pharyngitis and other kinds of sore throat caused by bacterial infections medications for pain and inflammation are given. Treatment for other types of sore throat will depend on the cause of the throat problem

  • Viruses – This type of throat infection has no known medication. The only thing one can do is to wait for the viral infection to run its course. The Epstein-Barr virus, the virus responsible for mononucleosis has no known treatment and can last about a month for its symptoms to subside. Pain medications may help alleviate the pain and discomfort of virally-caused sore throat making the condition more tolerable while it resolves in its own time. These medications can include NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For severe types of sore throat acetaminophen combined with codeine can provide some form of relief.
  • Bacteria – For bacterial infections of the adenoids and tonsils, antibiotics are recommended. Antibiotics like cephalosporins, macrolides and penicillins destroy the pathogen’s ability to construct cell walls rendering them helpless against antibodies. Some of these drugs also attack bacteria by interfering with the bacteria’s synthesizing of protein. Some times steroids (corticosteroids) can also be used to minimize sore throat inflammation and pain. One example of a corticosteroid is prednisone. The drawback when using corticosteroids is that it weakens the immune system making the body prone to other types of infections and diseases.
  • Fungus – Thrush from Candida Albicans causes sore throat and the treatment for this problem is with anti-fungal medicines.
  • Post nasal drip – Or sinus drainage can be remedied by nasal sprays or over-the-counter decongestants.
  • GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux is usually addressed with drugs that help lessen stomach acidity.
  • Dry mouth – Usually suffered by smokers or by those who keep breathing with their mouth. This type of sore throat can be alleviated by mouthwash or lozenges or by smoking cessation or modifying one’s sleeping positions.  For those breathing using their mouths, they may be suffering from some other kinds of respiratory problems and may need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tonsillectomy

This is a type of surgery wherein the tonsils are taken out. This is usually performed on children or adults who suffer from frequent and/or severe tonsillitis or infection of the tonsils.

Rest

For sore throat because of a strained vocal cord, sufferers usually only need to rest their voice box to help remedy their sore throat problem. Continuous use of the voice may lead to laryngitis or even loss of one’s voice.

Alternative Treatments

Herbal medications – Herbs can provide many things to better one’s sore throat problem. They can serve as antibiotics to treat infection, help soothe discomfort and pain and help boost the immune system to repel any pathogen and/or environmental attack. One of the best herbs or spices to ward off sore throat is garlic. Garlic helps strengthen the immune system and can work as an effective antibiotic. It has been proven more effective than many of the OTC medications around. Other herbs are also recommended to address sore throat. They include:

  • Calendula or marigold
  • Cleavers
  • Goldenseal
  • Myrrh
  • Thyme
  • Loosestrife
  • Agrimony
  • White horehound
  • Red sage
  • Licorice
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Purple coneflower or echinacea

Acupuncture – In traditional Chinese medicine sore throats can be due to a number of reasons: dryness, wind and heat. These factors can imbalance certain body organs leading to a sore throat. To remedy this, the acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles to stimulate energy vessels in the body called meridians to balance chi or energy and improve circulation on the weakened organs that have caused the sore throat. For sore throat acupuncture, the acupuncturist needs to improve moisture and clear heat in the body to treat the underlying reasons for the patient’s sore throat. Meridians that are often treated include the Lung, Large Intestine, Spleen and Kidney meridians. Treating them can address swallowing difficulties, soreness and pain of the throat, loss of voice, and the clearing of phlegm in the throat.

 

Needles & Moxa Wellness Center
700 S Red Rd
Miami, FL 33144
Ph: (305) 265-5265
https://www.needlesandmoxa.com/