Sore Throat and Tonsillitis Information

Click here to read more about a natural sore throat treatment

Frequently Asked Questions about Sore Throat, Strep Throats and Tonsillitis

 What are Tonsils and Tonsillitis?

Tonsils help the body’s immune system to filter the germs, bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nose. When the immune system is weakened, the tonsils can get infected. This condition, called tonsillitis, causes sore throat pain. Sore throats caused by tonsillitis are typically associated to viral infections of the upper respiratory tract such as the mouth, nose and throat. However, tonsillitis can also be caused by bacteria.

What is a Strep Throat?

A sore strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the streptococcus bacteria. A strep throat mainly affects the area that surrounds the tonsils and often accompanies tonsillitis. Streptococcus bacteria can also cause scarlet fever, pneumonia, sinusitis, and ear infections.

Laboratory studies have shown that Manuka Honey can fight streptococcus bacteria. Manuka Honey is soothing and helps relieve the pain with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

What Causes a Tonsillitis or Strep Throat?

Tonsillitis or strep throats can be caused by either a virus or by bacteria which is easily passed on from person to person. Tonsillitis in children is mostly caused by a virus, such as the common cold virus or flu virus, whereas in adults tonsillitis is mostly caused by bacteria.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis or Throat Infection?

The common symptoms are a severe sore throat with a yellow or white coating on the tonsils. The tonsils are swollen and red. This infection is often accompanied by fever, painful swallowing and swollen lymph glands.

When suffering from a persistent pain you must consult your doctor. Untreated, chronic sore throat infections can lead to problems with heart or kidneys.

What are possible treatments for tonsillitis or throat infection?

A common way of treating tonsillitis is gargling with salt water, increased fluid intake, resting, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, in order to help relieve the effects of the symptoms.

Antibiotics can only be used if the tonsillitis was caused by bacteria. Treating a soar throat due to the flu with antibiotics is useless and in fact can be more harmful than helpful.

When suffering from a mild pain associated with flu symptoms try one of the following:
 

• Increased liquid intake such as tea, bouillon soup
• Warm tea with honey and fresh pressed lemon
• Place a steamer or humidifier in the bed room for easy breathing
• Gargling with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt to 1 cup water)
• Pain relievers containing acetaminophen
• To prevent and stop possible bacteria growth and to soothe the pain of a soar throat, take one teaspoon of Manuka Honey 3-5 times a day. Let the honey melt in the mouth first, then swallow it slowly to coat the throat

If the pain is persistent or the tonsillitis develops into a chronic condition you must see a doctor.

How can Manuka Honey help with Sore Throats and Tonsillitis?

Since ancient times honey has been used as a natural medicine in many cultures. The antibacterial properties of honey however have only been discovered a century ago.

Honey in fact inhibits a broad spectrum of bacteria. Some reports even show an antifungal activity in honey. Some honeys will work better than others though. The Honey Research Unit at the Waikato University in New Zealand is constantly researching honey as a therapeutic agent.

How does the antibacterial activity work in regular honey?

The antibacterial activity in regular honey is due to four major processes or qualities: the osmotic effect, the acidity of honey, the production of hydrogen peroxide in honey and the phytochemical factor.

Click here to read this informative article about Natural Manuka Honey