Swollen throat -

A swollen throat is a symptom of various systemic diseases. The throat is the organ of the body that serves as the passage of food and water as well as the air that we breathe that passes the wind pipe in the throat. The voice box comes from the larynx is located in the throat. Swelling in the throat can lead to discomfort and it is important to know the cause of the swollen throat in order to avoid its recurrence in the future.

Causes of swollen throat glands

Bacterial infection that is caused by streptococcus bacteria that results in the enlargement of the throat, throat pain, fever and difficulty in swallowing.
Virus infection can cause swelling and infection on the throat.
Some upper respiratory tract infections such as mononucleosis, measles and H. influenza can cause a swollen throat.
Exposure to allergens such as pollens, particles of dust and fumes of gas and also chemicals can cause irritation of the throat and result to swelling of the mucous membrane in the throat.
Some conditions such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, candida infections, syphilis, HIV, cancer and smoking can cause the throat to swell.

Symptoms that indicates a swollen throat

Fever with swelling of throat.
The throat becomes blistering red and there is itching and tickling sensations that can be felt that occurs along with the redness.
Difficulty in swallowing food especially fluids.
There is dryness of the throat, the tonsils are swelling, painful and tender when touched from the outside and there is presence of white patches found on the tonsils.
A hoarse voice caused by infection and inflammation in the larynx or the voice box. Sometimes, it can result to distorted speech. A hoarse voice can be caused by speaking too loud for a long time or it can be caused by allergy.
An enlarged lymph node
Generalized aches of the body, weakness and headaches are usually common among people suffering from throat infection.

Treatment and home remedies of throat infection

If the swollen throat is caused by bacterial infection, take the prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications in order to lessen the symptoms of the swelling throat.
In order to minimize the risk for secondary infections, gargle with warm water and drink chamomile tea.
Gargle using salt water since this helps in relaxing and minimizes inflammation of the throat. Salt is an antiseptic and warm water helps to lessen pain and irritation on the throat.
Before going to bed, drink tea that is mixed with honey and a dice of lemon.
Mix water with orange juice to help treat a swollen throat. Orange juice has vitamin C and it helps in boosting the immunity of the body and minimizes swelling of the mucus membrane of the throat.
Drink warm milk that is mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder which has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and helps in relieving swelling in the throat.
Drink plenty of water.

It is vital to seek medical help if infection of the throat recurs very often.