Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
Causes
- Viral illness such as colds, respiratory flu or sinus drainage
- Dry air
- Allergies
- Throat strain (from talking or yelling excessively)
- Bacterial illness such as strep throat
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (acid from your stomach backs up in your throat)
Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils
- Swollen glands in the neck
- White discharge on tonsils
- Fever
- Painful swallowing
Self-Care
- Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to smoke
- Increase fluids
- Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt in 8 oz. water)
- Use throat lozenges
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain
- See a healthcare provider if you have: a fever of 101 or higher, severe pain or swelling in the throat, pus in your throat or have been in contact with someone who has strep throat
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sore-throat/DS00526
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000655.htm