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Are You Dealing With Tonsillitis? Try These Home Remedies To Soothe Your Discomfort

Tonsillitis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the tonsils, can bring discomfort and pain. It is a common condition, which can make swallowing difficult and leave individuals feeling miserable. The good news is that various natural remedies can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. In this article, we list natural remedies that can help you treat tonsillitis at home. 

According to StatPearls, tonsillitis is a common illness that accounts for 1.3% of outpatient visits. It is mostly caused by a bacterial or viral infection and manifests as a sore throat when uncomplicated.

Gargle with Salt Water

You may have come across people advising you to gargle with salt water whenever you have a sore throat. This remedy can help in reducing inflammation as salt helps to draw out excess fluid from the swollen tissues. According to a 2021 study, saltwater gargling can also help in getting rid of harmful microbes in the throat. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it several times a day to get relief from pain and discomfort.

Drink Herbal Teas

You should drink herbal teas, such as ginger, honey, chamomile, and lemon when dealing with tonsillitis. These herbal teas not only help in soothing a sore throat but also help in boosting your immune system. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides antibacterial benefits. Lemon adds vitamin C, which supports immune function, and chamomile has calming effects. 

Also Read: Tonsillitis VS Strep Throat: Expert Explains The Difference Between The Two

Use Honey

Honey is known for its antibacterial and soothing properties, making it an excellent remedy for tonsillitis. Add a teaspoon of honey to herbal teas or warm water with lemon for relief from throat pain. Honey can also be consumed on its own or mixed with warm milk before bedtime to soothe the throat and promote restful sleep. A review of the literature from 2021 examined honey's impact on acute upper respiratory tract infections. The researchers found that honey worked better than antibiotics to relieve symptoms.

Apply Warm Compresses

Applying warm compresses to the neck area is another way to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with tonsillitis. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and place it on the neck for 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed to ease discomfort.

Drink Warm Liquids

Drinking warm liquids, such as broth, herbal teas, or warm water with lemon can help soothe a sore throat and provide relief from tonsillitis symptoms. Warm liquids help to keep the throat moist, reduce inflammation, and ease swallowing difficulties.

Also Read: Spices, Honey, or Alcohol: What Really Relieves Sore Throat

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infection and reduce inflammation in the throat. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to herbal teas or warm water with honey for added benefits.

Rest and Hydration

Did you know rest is essential for allowing the body to heal, especially when fighting off infection? Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities that can exacerbate symptoms. Also, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps to keep the throat moist and supports the body's immune response.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any health issues to avoid complications.]

Disclaimer

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Are Throat Tension And Tightness A Sign Of GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause pain, tension, and tightness in the throat. Other possible causes of throat tension include allergies, anxiety, some infections, and thyroid conditions.

GERD results from chronic acid reflux. It usually manifests with a burning sensation on your chest called heartburn, but it may have other symptoms, too. Persistent throat pain, tightness, and tension may be related to either occasional acid reflux or GERD.

Starting treatment for GERD usually relieves most symptoms, including tension and tightness in your throat. If other symptoms subside, but you still have throat symptoms, a doctor may explore other possible causes.

The first step toward managing GERD may be lifestyle changes like:

Home remedies may also help with acid reflux and GERD and could relieve tightness in your throat. Some ideas include:

If lifestyle changes and home remedies do not relieve your symptoms, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, including:

If tightness in your throat improves after taking GERD medication, the symptom may be due to this condition.

If GERD doesn't respond to these strategies, a doctor may recommend surgery. If GERD improves but your throat symptoms remain or worsen, another condition may be causing them.

Read more about heartburn relief.

Besides acid reflux and GERD, your throat may feel tense or tight if you have any of the following:

Anxiety and stress

Globus sensation (having a lump on your throat) is commonly associated with anxiety and panic attacks. You may feel like something is stuck in the back of your throat or a sense of strain when trying to talk.

A panic attack may also make you feel like your throat is closening — even to the point of making it difficult to breathe. Other signs and symptoms of panic attacks may include:

Daily stress may also affect the ring of muscle in your throat that opens and closes when you eat. This ring of muscle, like any other muscle, can become tense. This tension can feel like something is stuck in your throat or that your throat is tight.

You can manage anxiety with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. A doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle changes, relaxation exercises, and meditation.

Goiter

A goiter is an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland, which sits just below the Adam's apple. It is a symptom of thyroid disease.

Throat tension and tightness may be possible with a goiter. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing or swallowing and visible swelling in the front of the throat and neck.

Depending on the cause of the goiter, it is typically treated with thyroid medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD)

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder that can cause throat tightness. It happens when the muscles around the voice box (larynx) over-tighten during speech to the point that the voice box does not work efficiently.

MTD is most commonly treated with voice therapy, which might include resonant voice techniques and massage. If the voice box spasms, Botox injections are sometimes used along with voice therapy.

Allergies

An allergic reaction to food or another substance can result in sudden tension, tightening, or closening of the throat. Other symptoms may include a stuffy and itchy nose and watering eyes. Throat tightness due to an allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling and difficulty breathing.

Allergy treatment typically starts by identifying the allergen and avoiding exposure. Several treatments — including allergy shots —can be customized to your specific situation if necessary.

Postnasal drip

Head colds, sinus drainage, and nasal allergies can all cause mucus to drip down the back of the throat, leading to irritation that may feel like a lump.

Possible treatments for postnasal drip may include using a vaporizer or humidifier, trying an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine, and using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot.

Infections

Both tonsillitis (an inflammation of the tonsils) and strep throat (a bacterial infection of the throat) can cause the sensation of throat tension. Other symptoms of a throat infection can include:

While bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections typically resolve on their own. Rest and hydration are important when healing from an infection. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always encouraged when having an infection of any type.

GERD requires ongoing management, and having any of the symptoms of GERD merits visiting a doctor for a comprehensive assessment.

You may want to consult with a healthcare professional if:

throat tension lasts for a week, and you're not sure what causes it

you have other symptoms like:

you have known allergies and have other signs of an allergic reaction

If you have acid reflux or GERD, your throat may feel tight, sore, or swollen. Lifestyle changes and home remedies may help manage GERD. Otherwise, medications could relieve symptoms, including throat tightness.

If GERD treatment doesn't improve throat tightness, another condition may be causing the symptom. Other possible causes of throat tightness include allergies, postnasal drip, thyroid conditions, and infections.

Why GERD Can Cause A Burning Throat And How To Treat It

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause a burning sensation in the throat when stomach acid regurgitates up to the throat. Medical treatments and home remedies may help ease symptoms.

A person may find that medications, such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), may help manage symptoms of GERD. Keeping a food diary and avoiding foods that worsen symptoms will likely also help.

This article reviews what causes the burning sensation relating to GERD, possible home remedies, complications, and more.

GERD is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder relating to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, or food pipe.

The burning sensation in the throat or chest typically occurs due to the stomach's acid irritating the lining of the throat or esophagus.

People often refer to the burning sensation or discomfort as heartburn.

Learn about the risk factors for GERD.

Although anyone can experience occasional heartburn, a doctor may diagnose GERD when a person experiences symptoms two or more times weekly for several weeks.

GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders and may affect more than 20% of adults in the United States.

A person who experiences a burning sensation in their throat several times a week may want to contact a doctor for evaluation.

Several medical treatments can help with a burning throat due to GERD.

Doctors may start by recommending lifestyle changes, such as weight management, avoiding meals before bedtime, and sleeping in an elevated position.

If these are ineffective at managing symptoms, a doctor may recommend antacid medications, such as histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or PPI therapy.

In the United States, a person can get two forms of H2RAs over the counter: famotidine and cimetidine.

A medical professional may recommend one of six PPIs. Over-the-counter options include:

esomeprazole

omeprazole

lansoprazole

Prescription PPIs include:

rabeprazole

pantoprazole

dexlansoprazole

Learn more about treatments for GERD.

Home remedies may help with GERD.

Some measures that may work include:

Avoiding triggers: Keeping a food diary to monitor any foods that trigger or worsen a burning throat sensation with GERD can help a person to know which foods to avoid.

Licorice supplements: A 2017 study showed that some herbal supplement formulas that used deglycyrrhizinated licorice helped reduce stomach acid.

Ginger: Ginger is a common root in traditional Chinese medicine that may benefit the stomach. However, ginger can also cause heartburn, particularly when a person takes it in large doses, so it may not be beneficial for everybody.

Chewing gum: A small 31-person study from 2005 showed that chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes following a meal can help reduce acid. However, the small number of participants means that the results are not applicable to a larger population.

Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice: Some people try taking apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to treat heartburn symptoms, though this is anecdotal. More research on whether this is effective for GERD is necessary.

Baking soda: Some individuals might try baking soda to treat heartburn. Studies investigating the use of baking soda for a burning throat are sparse. However, two older case studies from 2014 and 2013 describe people who developed complications from its continual, self-directed care for heartburn. Many sites suggest speaking with a doctor before starting daily or regular use of baking soda.

Before starting any home remedies, a person needs to consult with a doctor. Some remedies may interfere with medications or worsen other conditions.

Without treatment, GERD can lead to potentially serious complications.

A 2018 study identified esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus as two possible complications of GERD. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus involves damage to the lower esophagus. If Barrett's esophagus develops, this can increase a person's risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal strictures may also develop due to the formation of scar tissue. This causes the esophagus to narrow.

Contacting a doctor when a person has concerns about GERD can help ensure they can begin treatment as early as possible to reduce the risk of complications.

Lifestyle changes may help prevent a burning throat with GERD.

Steps that may often include:

maintaining a moderate weight

elevating the head at night

getting enough quality sleep

avoiding meals for at least 3 hours before bedtime

identifying and avoiding foods that may exacerbate symptoms

Learn about foods to eat and avoid with GERD.

Here are some answers to common questions about acid reflux.

What helps throat burning from acid reflux?

Lifestyle changes may help manage a burning throat from acid reflux. This can include avoiding meals before bedtime, improving sleep quality, and weight management.

If these steps do not work, medical professionals may recommend antacid medications to help alleviate acid reflux.

How long can acid reflux burn your throat?

Acid reflux can last for a few minutes to a few hours. It can vary between people and may vary from day to day.

How do you calm a GERD flare-up?

Over-the-counter fast-acting antacids may help a person manage a GERD flare-up when symptoms occur.

Some home remedies and herbal medication may help manage a GERD flare-up, but evidence supporting their use is lacking. Some people claim ginger root, licorice, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda can help.

However, a person needs to discuss their use with a doctor before starting a home remedy, as it may interfere with other treatments or health conditions.

What does GERD burn feel like?

A burning feeling due to GERD can feel like pain or a burning sensation in the chest and throat. It typically occurs within a few minutes of eating. A person can try to avoid lying down following a meal for about 3 hours to help reduce the risk of heartburn.

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) often causes a burning sensation in the throat. It occurs due to acid from the stomach entering the esophagus.

A doctor may diagnose GERD when symptoms occur several times throughout the week for a few weeks. The doctor can then recommend treatments to help a person manage the burning sensation and other symptoms.

Treatment may involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Some people may find that home remedies help, but it is best to discuss these with a doctor to create a suitable treatment plan.

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