Typically, sore throat is an extension of the common cold, tonsillitis, sinusitis, or a viral infection.  An acute sore throat should run its course within a few days to a few weeks.  Sore throats are often the early warning signs of colds or the flu.

Sore throats are usually viral in origin.  However, the signs or symptoms of a “strep throat” are indistinguishable from a viral throat infection.  Strep throat and viral pharyngitis are usually self-limiting diseases.  The disease will eventually run its course and no specific therapy is required.  Studies show that patients with strep throat recover with or without antibiotics.

Nowadays, the fear of rheumatic fever and/or glomerulonephritis after strep throat is probably unwarranted.  The dramatic decrease in the incidence of rheumatic fever began before the advent of effective antibiotics and antibiotics have not reduced the incidence of “post-strep” kidney inflammation.  Improved socio-economic conditions, hygiene and nutritional factors are, as in most infectious diseases, more important than the liberal use of penicillin.  Therefore, the use of antibiotics should only be reserved for those individuals with strep throat who are unresponsive to conservative therapy and those with a prior history of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.

1.                  In an acute infection, give your body a chance to fight infection by conserving your energy and getting some bed rest.

2.                  Avoid white sugar and white flour products.  If you smoke, stop.  (See “Smoking Addiction.”)  Smokers are more prone to recurrent sore throats than non-smokers.  Avoid second-hand smoke irritants as well.

3.                  If the sore throat manifests as a constant tickle or chronic irritating cough, evaluate your allergies.  Sore throat could signal either food or inhalant allergies.  At the very least, you can begin eliminating some of the common food allergens (e.g., chocolate, corn, eggs, milk, sugar, and wheat) until a more definitive diagnosis can be made.  (See “Allergy—Foods.”)

4.                  Increase your fluid intake to 6-8 glasses.  This can be in the form of distilled, reverse osmosis, or spring water, vegetable juices, broth, and herb teas.  Avoid milk and coffee.

5.                  If sore throat is recurrent, get your antibody levels of Mononucleosis and Epstein Barr Virus checked.  Throw your toothbrush away to prevent re-infection.

6.                  Do you sleep with your mouth open because the nose is clogged?  Consider saline nasal spray or a nasal wash to improve nasal passageways.  Use decongestant nasal sprays sparingly.

7.                  Saltwater gargles reduce swelling and pain and can also kill bacteria.  Take a teaspoonful of sea salt in 8 ounces of water and gargle every hour or so.

8.                  Inhale vapors from a pan full of steaming water with a towel draped over your head.  Inhale deeply through the mouth and nose for 5-10 minutes.  Repeat several times a day if necessary.  For best effects, add eucalyptus oil to the water.

9.                  Local applications of heat are shown to be very effective in alleviating pain of sore throat by promoting lymphatic drainage.  Place a hot towel around your throat until it cools.  Repeat as necessary until the pain subsides.

10.             Raw honey and lemon juice are good for coating the throat.  Take straight or mix one teaspoonful of each in one cup hot water or herb tea and sip throughout the day.

11.             Guinea pigs, like humans, are unable to produce their own vitamin C and require supplementation.  Studies have demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation of streptococcal-infected guinea pigs totally prevents the development of rheumatic fever. Further, rheumatic fever is virtually nonexistent in the tropics where vitamin C intake is higher.  For humans, take your bowel tolerance of vitamin C when you feel ill.  This means gradually increasing your intake until loose bowels occur and then maintain at or just below this dosage daily.  For adults, this dose is usually between 8,000-12,000 mg.

12.             Supplements beneficial in treating sore throat include vitamins A, and C, B-complex, beta carotene, the mineral zinc (in lozenges every couple of hours), garlic (especially if flu-like symptoms are also present), thymus glandular, and acidophilus (especially if taking antibiotics).

13.             Herbs found to be helpful include chamomile, echinacea and goldenseal.

14.             Homeopathics recommended are:  Aconite (if onset is sudden or the result of cold exposure), Argentum Nitricum (for hoarseness with excessive mucus), Baryta Carbonicum (tonsils enlarged and infected), Belladonna (throat red, skin hot and dry, fever present), Dulcamara (worse with any changes in the atmosphere), Hepar Sulphuris (irritable, sensation of a fish-bone stuck in throat), Lachesis (starts of the left side and worse with pressure in the neck area), Mercurius Solubilis (throat dry, worse at night), Phosphorus (for dry hoarseness, worse at night),  and Phytolacca (pain radiates up to the ears).  If necessary, homeopathics can also be made from bacteria and viruses.  Homeopathics can also be made from allergens to neutralize their effect and desensitize the patient to future exposure.  This is safer than the conventional approach.

To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!