SORE THROAT

THE MOST COMMON CAUSE of a sore throat (except that caused by hosting a birthday party for a five-year-old) is a viral infection. But a sore throat can also be a strep throat infected with streptococcal bacteria. This can be a serious condition as it can lead to rheumatic fever and ultimately a damaged heart and kidney. Unfortunately, there has been a resurgence of rheumatic fever in this country. If you have a sore throat, it is very important to determine whether it is also a strep throat.

A strep throat is not easy to recognize. You might have a sudden fever of 102°F or more. A strep throat might make you feel sicker than you would if you just had a sore throat from a cold. In addition, an examination will give evidence: a red, inflamed throat that’s covered with white patches. If you have any of these symptoms you should consult your doctor who will probably do a throat culture. If you indeed are suffering from strep, you will be treated with antibiotics.

The average sore throat is the result of a cold or flu virus. For an overall treatment regime for colds and flus, see Colds, page 83. For the pain of a sore throat there are a number of treatments that will give great relief. Gargling with mixtures of water and salt, water and hydrogen peroxide if infection is present, or water and aspirin can all give relief.

Zinc lozenges, which are available in health food stores, can be dissolved on the tongue to relieve pain and fight infection. I think they are the simplest and most effective treatment.

If you suffer from recurring sore throats, it’s possible that your toothbrush is the culprit. Many people couldn’t tell you how old their toothbrush is; they just use it until it nearly falls apart-a bad policy because a toothbrush can harbor a lot of bacteria. If you get a sore throat often, you should change your toothbrush at least every month, and also after you’ve had a bout with any cold, flu, sore throat, or other illness that could leave bacteria.

Some people wake up almost every morning with a sore throat that disappears as the day goes on. Then at some point late in the day they develop a runny or stuffy nose. This can happen seasonally or all year long. This kind of sore throat is most commonly due to allergies. Because your nose is stuffed, you breathe through your mouth during the night. When you wake up, your throat is sore from all that dry air. In order to stop this kind of sore throat you have to deal with whatever is causing the allergies.

There can be a connection between a sore throat that’s a result of tonsillitis and a milk allergy. If you have a child who is suffering from recurring sore throats especially associated with ear infections that are not related to strep, you might investigate the possibility of a milk allergy.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR SORE THROAT

• Zinc lozenges-each lozenge containing about 23 mg. of zinc-can be taken every four hours. Do not use these lozenges for more than a week.
• Gargle with a mixture of half water and half hydrogen peroxide to help fight infection. Do not swallow this mixture,
• Gargle with crushed aspirin mixed with water to relieve pain,
• Drink warm tea with honey. Use an herbal or decaffeinated tea. Alternatively, you can also sip warm water with honey and lemon,
• If your room is very dry, use a humidifier.
• If you suffer from recurrent sore throats, try changing your toothbrush frequently.
• If you suffer from recurring sore throats, particularly ones associated with ear infections, investigate the possibility of a milk or other food allergy.
• If you suffer from recurring sore throats that are worse in the morning but disappear as the day goes on, you could have some form of hay fever.