Commonly known as pharyngitis, sore throats account for more than 18 million visits to the doctors every year.

Irritating and very painful,a sore throat is caused by alot of things ,like excessive shouting,loud talking, smoke,dust particles or any infections stemming from your teeth or gums. But a majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections (like colds and flu) or bacterial infections that cause strep throat.

Whatever the cause, a sore throat really hurts and over the counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen is usually taken to alliviate the pain.

1.SALT WATER GARGLE

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 ounces warm water

Just give it a stir and then gargle every few hours.


2.APPLE CIDER AND HONEY TEA

1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

pinch of cayenne pepper

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup of hot water

Mix all the ingredients, stir and sip. Up to 3 cups throughout the day is generally recommended

3.WHITE VINEGAR AND CAPSAICIN GARGLE

1 teaspoon white vinegar

pinch of dried chili peppers

juice of 1 lemon

pinch of salt

1 cup warm water

Mix all ingredients in cup of warm water and gargle with it.

Although sore throats tend to go away in a few days,there are cases that will require medical attention. As a rule of thumb please seek medical help if any of the following symptoms are present.

1.Soreness and hoarness lasts for more than a week

2.Severe pain, difficulty in breathing or swallowing

3.Bloody sputum,saliva or phlegm

4.Tender and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area

5.Yellow or white patches (pus) at the back of the throat

6. High fever