As soon as the weather takes a turn, some people get affected by it and catch cold. This leads to sore throat which is a very common scratchy painful feeling in the throat. As sore throat is caused by cold, the same way the lymph nodes in your neck swell up due to sore throat. Don’t worry it’s just a general reaction to infection, illness or stress. The swelling of lymph nodes is actually a good sign. As it indicates that the lymphatic are trying to fight back the responsible agents. To add more, the lymph nodes have white blood cells, and are a filter system which doesn’t let unwanted particles and cancer cells enter.
Sometimes it so happens that by the time you would figure out the medicine, the infection would be gone. The longest that this infection with swollen glands takes for healing is 2-3 weeks, only when proper care is taken. But if your nose has decided not to leave the handkerchief and your throat isn’t feeling any better, it’s time to consider it. This blog here covers all the symptoms, causes, when to consult a doctor and, treatment you would wish to know to help fight back.
Symptoms
- Runny nose, fever, sore throat, upper respiratory infection are some of the first signs.
- Night sweats.
- Swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits.
- Limb swelling is a cause of blockage in lymphatic system.
- Expansion and hardening or lymph nodes, could be a sign for the existence of a tumor.
Wondering what are some of the causes for the uninvited sore throat and swelling of lymph nodes, this blog has got your back. All of these infections can be cured by the treatment like medication and remedies but in case things worsen then know when to see a doctor as well.
Causes
- Common Cold
Cold is one of the most common kind of infection which one catches easily. This viral infection is easily diagnosable and can also be treated without hassle. Children are more prone to this infection which is caused by viruses. On the other adults are less affected by it and can take pain killers to cure. Coughing, fever and congestion are some further implications.
When to consult a doctor: If your cold leads up to breathing and swallowing problems.
- Strep throat
This infection is caused by bacteria and is very common in nature and spreads easily. Some of the main signs for strep throat are scratchiness, soreness, swelling, and fever.
When to consult a doctor: It is better to get strep throat treated by doctors in the first place.
- Ear infection
This is caused when the middle of the ear is affected by a viral or bacterial infection. It occurs behind the eardrum in the Eustachian tubes and can be a little painful than other infections. Fluid buildup and inflammation are the main causes of the pain. Blockage, hearing loss, pressure in the ear are common symptoms.
When to consult a doctor: As ear infections can get severe, when you feel a mild fever, minor hearing loss, ache in ear after blowing nose, excessive pain.
- Flu
Flu is often mistaken to be cold, however there stands a difference between the both. Flu which is also called influenza, is caused by a virus and is contagious in nature. A person catches it when an infected person coughs or sneezes around him/her. Fatigue, fever, body ache, headache, shivering are the common signs.
When to consult a doctor: If the fever remains for 4-5 days, signs become worse, pain in chest and short breath.
- Tonsillitis
This infection is caused when the tonsils, which are two oval shaped pads present at the back of the throat. The common symptoms of this are tender lymph nodes, sore throat, swelling in tonsils and pain while swallowing. It is usually a viral infection but can also be caused by a bacteria.
When to consult a doctor: It’s better to see a doctor when the signs show up or worsen.
- Measles
It is one of the most infectious viral disease which is caused by rubeola virus. Red eyes, cough, muscle ache, white spots in mouth, fever are considered as major signs of measles. The disease can be treated by vaccines.
When to consult a doctor: As soon as the signs are felt by the person.
- Infected tooth
Infected tooth/Abscess tooth is a pus pocket which is caused by a bacteria. This sort of infection can take place at the tip of the teeth called periapical and in the gums close to the roots called periodontal. The first one happens in the case of an injury, or untreated cavity. Swelling of face, fever, sensitivity, lymph nodes in neck or jaw are the signs.
When to consult a doctor: Dental help is needed for this as soon as possible.
- Injury
Sometimes when you burn your throat with food, physical harm to throat, overuse of voice and heartburn can cause injury. The glands can swell up and would heal with proper care.
When to consult a doctor: When the pain gets severe.
- Lymphoma or HIV
Sore throats with swollen glands along with other symptoms like infections, night sweats, and weight loss can cause cancer of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a kind of cancer of the lymphatic system. This system fights the diseases of the body.
When to consult a doctor: Immediately upon feeling the signs.
- Mononucleosis
Also called the kissing disease, it is a viral infection caused through saliva. The symptoms of mono are fever, sore throat, skin rash, fatigue, swollen spleen. It is self-treatable in nature and is common with teenagers and young adults.
When to consult a doctor: If the symptoms prevail or worsen.
Treatments
Are you annoyed by the heavy head this unwanted sore throat and cold? Get these medicines or try remedies at home to kick away the infection.
Medicines
You can choose to have over the counter medicines for easy healing of the infection. These medicines have an effect for a short while over the cold.
- Get a couple of lozenge (tablets for sore throat) or throat sprays as they help in numbing the pain.
- You can also use decongested nasal sprays as well.
- Acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen are some of the commonly used pain killers in case of sore throat. Children aged 12 or under should not be given aspirin.
Note- As antibiotics help in fighting infections caused by bacteria as opposed to cold which is caused by viruses, hence, they should be avoided.
Natural remedies
Take a sigh of relief, as your sore throat can be cured with these small remedies at home.
- The most important thing to do is to give your body enough rest so that the immune system gains energy to fights the infection.
- Let your voice rest.
- Next best thing to do is gargling. Take warm water, add ½ or 1 spoon salt to it and try to wash the throat. Repeat it only till it feels better.
- Consuming warm drinks like soup, warm water with lemon, honey, tea/herbal tea surely bring relief from the pain.
- Eating an ice-cream or using an ice bag for neck is also a great help.
- Use a humidifier to retain moisture in the air, as dry air also causes sore throat.
Some other things to be keep in mind so that you defeat sore throat asap:
- Avoid smoking and smoking areas.
- Eat soft and lukewarm food.
- Stay hydrated.
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