Sore Throat

A sore throat is an inflammation of the throat caused by either viruses or bacteria. It causes discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. Frequent and recurrent sore throats are common, especially in children between the ages of five and ten.

• The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaint.
• Painful, red throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Swollen tonsils
• Pus in the back of the throat
• Headache
• Fever (temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or greater)
• Swollen lymph nodes ("glands")
• Noisy breathing
• Excessive drooling in young children
• Red rash that feels rough, and increased redness in the skin folds
  

The best way to prevent a sore throat would be to understand its causes and then taking steps to build a lifestyle that avoids them. This will include keeping a watch on diet and taking good care of the immunity system.

• Breathing through the mouth (can cause drying and irritation of the throat)
• Common cold
• Viral pharyngitis
• Influenza
• Strep Throat - This bacterial infection is seen fairly frequently in children. It causes sore throat, and usually causes fever as well (but not always)
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Fish, chicken bone, or other foreign substance stuck in the throat. 
• Endotracheal intubation (tube insertion)
• Local surgery such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• Mycoplasma - This is a germ that usually occurs in children ages 4 and up, and teens, and can cause sore throat as well as cough, bronchitis and "walking pneumonia"

A diagnosis can be made with the following tests:

DRINK FLUIDS: Clear liquids are most soothing and help to thin out the mucus at the back of your throat. Warm liquids also help in alleviating the pain. Ice creams and Popsicles should be avoided. It is better to stick to a healthy diet that would help the immune system to fight against sore throats
DON'T SMOKE: Smoking irritates and dries the mucous membranes that line the nose and throat
MOIST HEAT COMPRESSES (i.e. washcloths moistened with warm tap water): When applied to the neck, it relieves the swelling in glands

WARM SALT WATER GARGLES: These help to soothe and heal. Add 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup of warm tap water and gargle with this solution at least four times a day. 
THROAT LOZENGES (look for ingredients that contain phenol or end in "-caine".): These give temporary relief from pain.
 PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE: Wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, and properly dispose of used, facial tissues.

Rest is necessary and helps the body get rid of the stress build up. It is essential to drink water and some hot drinks that can also help relieve the condition at times.