Sore throat, here are the causes of burning throat

Autumn arrives and they arrive on time, too: the so-called seasonal ailments. Sore throats, coughs, and colds are the unwelcome guests one would like to avoid during this period, but often with poor results.

But is it correct to already speak of flu? Often not, as the term flu more specifically indicates an epidemic viral disease that usually peaks at the end of winter.

At this time of year, therefore, these are usually flu-like ailments that are equally bothersome, plus also difficult to curb in daily life: since the symptoms, in fact, although debilitating, still allow one to go to work or school, these viruses (more than two hundred have been counted) spread more easily because of contact with other people every day.

One is quick to say sore throat, but this definition can indicate a multiplicity of different ailments: pharyngitis, laryngitis, or tracheitis? Can you tell them apart?

Pharyngitis: this is the most generic name, defining an inflammation of the pharynx that involves pain, difficulty swallowing, redness and swelling. The cause can be viral or bacterial, but environmental factors (e.g., cold air, temperature changes, dry air) or food (hot foods and drinks) as well as bad habits such as smoking cannot be ruled out.

Laryngitis: In this case, it is the hollow structure between the pharynx and trachea (lower than the pharynx, roughly in the middle of the neck) that is inflamed. This is where the vocal cords are located, which is why laryngitis often results in a lowered voice, hoarseness, or aphonia (complete lack of voice) that allow us to distinguish this disorder from other sore throats. Again, the origin can be bacterial or viral, or caused by irritants (smoke, gases, vapors).

Tracheitis: affects, precisely, the trachea, or the duct through which the air we breathe passes, between the larynx and the bronchi. It has a bacterial or allergic origin (e.g., from mites, dust or pollen) and its distinctive symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest or behind the sternum and difficulty breathing. Beware because if it occurs often, even throughout the year, it could be an alarm bell, of chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma. Treatments will need to be evaluated depending on the underlying cause. If it is bacterial, the treating physician will consider antibiotics; if, on the other hand, it is viral and or resulting from environmental factors, antiseptics and anti-inflammatories (in the form of lozenges, candies, mouthwashes, or sprays) may be used to fight the microbes and reduce pain and inflammation.

What about you, do you recognize yourself in any of these symptoms?

How to deal with these ailments to get rid of them as soon as possible?

Very well-known and widespread are the so-called grandmother's remedies, useful in less severe and nonviral cases, such as honey dissolved in warm milk, gargling with lemon or apple cider vinegar, or the use of essential oils such as thyme or eucalyptus.

Against seasonal ailments Otosan has developed several Lines of Natural products, depending on a variety of health needs. The Otosan Nasal lines, dedicated to the health of the nose, and the Throat Line, with the products Otosan Throat Gel, Otosan Throat Spray and ForTuss syrup based on Honey, which is the number one ally against flu-like states. In particular, it contains Manuka Honey known for its powerful antibacterial properties.