Epiglottitis, also called "throat soreness," is basically a painful infection in the lining of your mouth
When not taken care of properly, it can actually be quite fatal. Basically, the epiglottitis is an overstretched flap of tissue in the back of the throat that holds food in place or prevents it from escaping the trachea. This condition typically begins as a localized irritation and swelling between your tongue and the back of your throat. It is possible to experience this as an isolated occurrence without a history of it occurring before, but if you have a history of it, you can begin to have symptoms.
There are many different reasons people experience this condition. Common causes include smoking, poor oral hygiene, sinus infection, flu, and certain types of medication. When an individual experiences a buildup of plaque, mucous, and bacteria in the mouth, there is generally an inflammatory reaction. When your immune system fails to fight off the infection and bacteria, the result can result in the growth of fungus that can cause complications in the future.
Symptoms of epiglottitis include a dry mouth, redness of the throat, and an area that looks like a blister on the lining of the mouth. The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing, and it can spread to the mouth and throat. While the condition can be very painful, there are a few ways that you can alleviate the pain.
One option to help reduce pain is to take an over the counter medications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well, although it is often best to avoid these. If antibiotics are prescribed, they can provide temporary relief, but more powerful antibiotics can help rid the problem permanently.
Two other popular choices for relieving this condition are antiseptics and cough syrups. These options are fairly effective, but you need to follow the package directions carefully. In general, you should use them two or three times a day, and you should consult with your doctor before taking any over the counter medications or using these products.
One home remedy that has worked for many people is to drink plenty of water
Not only will it flush the system, it will also help dilute the liquid that causes the inflammation. This helps the inflammation to be less severe, which means it takes less time to heal.
A number of natural remedies can also be effective against this condition. Home remedies that you can try include drinking tea tree oil, applying a topical cream to the affected area, and taking vitamin E supplements. The herbal extracts in these products can help reduce inflammation by reducing the build up of bacteria and fungus.
You should always talk to your doctor about a natural treatment, because different treatment options have different effects on each individual. Your doctor will likely recommend some combination of prescription or over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies in order to find one that will work best for you. However, when used together, your natural remedies will provide the best chance of eliminating your infection.
For example, if you take prescription drugs and your symptoms get worse, you may want to try to improve your overall health by practicing good, strong oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can increase the chances of developing a more serious condition.
Some people may choose a more holistic approach when treating their condition. Holistic treatments include the use of herbs and supplements in combination with other treatments. You may also want to consider taking a vitamin supplement in order to boost your immune system and protect you from future attacks.
A healthy immune system can help you fight off this condition more effectively, because it allows you to fight off an infection before it gets any deeper into the body. This is not to say that you cannot experience a flare-up at some point in the future. However, in the event that you do, a stronger immune system can allow you to fight it off more effectively.
The best option involves using a holistic approach. Your doctor may suggest you start with these options first, but if they don't work, he or she may recommend you consider an alternative type of treatment.
