So what exactly is this condition?
Sore throat is usually the body’s response to fight off infections and allergies.
When bacteria, virus, or any allergen enters the body via the throat, the body prepares to fight it and throw it out. It produces antibodies that have to be carried to the place of infection, in this case the throat.
Hence, the brain sends signals for the blood vessels around the throat area to dilate. Lots of blood then starts flowing towards the throat. This blood carries the fighter antibodies.This rush of blood is the reason why the throat appears raw and inflamed. The red color is also due to this.
Once the bacteria have been killed, the antibodies’ duties are over. It is now the turn of the lymph glands to act.
The lymph nodes now start to enlarge as the fluid containing the dead bacteria and viruses start collecting into it. This is the reason for the swelling seen in sore throats. This swelling puts pressure on the nerve endings and makes swallowing solids or liquids painful.
Slowly and steadily, the lymphatic fluid is drained away from the lymph nodes.
With the body now free of the bacteria, the throat tissues that were affected now begin to heal and the throat comes back to normal!
Gargling with salt water helps relieve a sore throat almost instantly. Salt water pushes out the fluid and reduces the swelling, thereby decreasing the pain. The infections, if severe, may require medicinal treatment.
