Simple Guide To Treating Viral Pharyngitis
Viral pharyngitis is an inflammation that can occur along the back of the throat in the pharynx. In most situations, cases of viral pharyngitis are minor and will go away with the use of simple treatments. Some of the other symptoms patients experience due to viral pharyngitis include difficulties swallowing and a general scratchiness in the throat. Cases of viral pharyngitis are most common during the colder months of the year.
While it's possible for pharyngitis to occur due to a bacterial infection, the most common cause is a viral infection. Some of the more common causes include influenza, the common cold, and mononucleosis. Unlike bacterial infections, the source of the viral infection doesn't actually react to the usage of antibiotics. However, medications can help relieve symptoms.
Drink Lots Of Clear Fluids
When suffering from viral pharyngitis, it's important for patients to drink lots of clear fluids to stave off dehydration and keep their condition from worsening. A sore throat can also make it very difficult to swallow, which is particularly true when a patient's mouth is dry from not getting enough fluids. A variety of factors can cause an individual's mouth and throat to become dry, which include taking cold medicine and having a fever.
If individuals are affected by a cold alongside viral pharyngitis, not drinking enough fluids will likely cause them to feel sicker and weaker, both of which can be avoided by always having a beverage on hand while recovering. When looking for the right clear fluids to drink, patients should focus on water, soup, or juice, which will help soothe their sore throat and get rid of mucus buildup. Patients will want to avoid coffee, alcohol, and caffeine while recovering, as these beverages are known to actually cause more liquids to leave their body than are brought in.
Gargle With Salt Water
When viral pharyngitis has caused a patient's throat to feel rough and coarse, one easy treatment method is to gargle with saltwater. This means they should use a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of water they consume. It's not until individuals suffer from this condition that they realize just how many times per day they swallow, which is why they're likely searching for any possible remedy that will ease a sore throat. In most cases, gargling with salt water should provide patients with some relief from viral pharyngitis.
The salt barrier created in the throat when gargling ensures a substantial amount of fluids are pulled out from the tissues in the throat. These fluids will invariably contain some of the viruses patients are affected by, which means they should find some relief. Patients should consider using this treatment at least several times each day until the virus has been eliminated from their body.
