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Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What's the Difference?

Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat: What's the Difference?

Published by Wonder Laboratories on Jun 17th 2022


A sore throat is never fun, but strep throat is even worse. But what differentiates the two? What follows is an insightful look at what constitutes strep throat, and two worthwhile remedies for it. Then we take a look at a few remedies that can help you out if you're experiencing just a regular ‘ole sore throat. Differentiating Strep Throat and a Sore Throat Strep throat will always cause a sore throat, but a sore throat is not always symptomatic of strep throat. Strep throat is the result of infection with the bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes. Telltale symptoms include a sore throat that comes on quickly, red and swollen tonsils (observable by looking into the back of the throat), and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Fever, nausea and vomiting, body aches, and headache are also common. If you suspect that you or your child have strep, it's recommended you talk to a doctor. Strep throat has the potential to lead to inflammatory disease such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever if left untreated. Doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics, and sometimes other treatments, for strep throat. Close to 40% of sore throats in children are a symptom of strep throat. A sore throat, on the other hand, has a variety of different causes and is usually not serious. The symptoms we refer to in this case include tenderness and irritation in the mouth or throat, burning and raw sensations, or dryness. The predominant cause for a sore throat is a viral infection; This can be the common cold or a more serious virus. Dry air, seasonal allergies, and environmental irritants are other possible causes of a sore throat. Remedies for Strep Throat If you suspect that you or your child have strep throat, talk to your doctor about it. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed. The two following remedies are potentially of great help in treating strep. But, they are to be used in addition to medical treatment for strep throat, not in place of it. Talk to your doctor before trying these supplements for the first time. Vitamin C is known to be an effective component of overcoming infections. Taking a substantial amount of vitamin C (4 times the recommended daily intake, to be specific) is recommended. Doing so will bolster the immune system so that it will better be able to fight the Streptococcus bacterium. Naturally, this might also quicken your relief from the symptoms of strep throat. It's best to take large doses of vitamin C in the first two days of experiencing the infection. Garlic can be really helpful supporting the body's ability to fight off a strep infection. Garlic has both anti-inflammatory properties, which are especially helpful for diminishing the effects of strep, as well as antioxidant properties. Sulfur is contained in garlic, and it is effective in reducing inflammation. Garlic also contains manganese, vitamins B6 and C, and many other necessary & helpful nutrients. Remedies for a Sore Throat The following remedies are recommended to help relieve a sore throat, and the pain, scratchiness, and other sensations that can come along with it. These are potentially effective in relieving a sore throat, regardless of the cause of the symptoms. Fenugreek is a plant that is harvested and commonly used as a remedy for a sore throat. It has properties that kill bacteria that cause inflammation, throat pain, and similar symptoms. Licorice root can be used in a manner to how slippery elm is used to treat a sore throat. It can be found as an oral supplement. Combining licorice root with water and consuming it can produce healthy mucus that will soothe the throat. Cayenne is a spice that can potentially ease the pain of a sore throat. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance that is thought to help block the body's pain receptors. Cayenne is spicy and some people might therefore shy away from using it. An oral cayenne supplement is ideal. If you or a family member are experiencing a sore throat, it's very important to determine if strep throat is the cause. Considering all of one's symptoms, and visiting a doctor if your better judgment calls for it, is important. But no matter the cause of one's sore throat, keeping these remedies on deck for when a sore throat comes can prove very worthwhile. Be prepared.

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