The throat runs from the back of the mouth to the top of the respiratory and digestive tracts and has three main parts - the tonsils, pharynx and larynx. You could think of it as the main highway for air, dust and food but with a filter lane for any bacteria, viruses and other irritants that may have got on the road.

Causes of a sore throat

A sore throat is often a sign that you may have an infection in the area, but there are other things that can irritate the throat, causing reddening and swelling. These include cigarette smoke, a polluted environment, voice strain or even changes in air temperature.

Although there are lots of symptoms of a sore throat from that nasty raspiness, pain when swallowing to a sudden husky voice - there are lots of medications that can help soothe the pain, and that can keep on working, even after the lozenge has gone. Look up Strepsils in my reference library to find a suitable remedy for you.

Avoiding a sore throat

Of course the best thing you can do is to avoid infecting or irritating the throat in the first place. But with our hectic lifestyles who can lock themselves away every time they hear a sore throat is doing the rounds?

To give yourself the best fighting chance of avoiding a sore throat, try these top tips:

Avoid irritants that can cause reddening and swelling. Think cigarette smoke, pollution, shouting or even changes in air condition (air con is not that 'cool' when it comes to throats...)

Breathe through your nose. Your nose is an excellent filter of bacteria and other harmful irritants and helps warm the air too

Eat right - vital vitamins found in fruit and vegetables will help support your natural immune system

Reduce the amount you smoke and avoid other people's cigarette smoke

Avoid spraying air fresheners or deodorants around as they can irritate the delicate lining of the throat

Swallow - regularly. Our natural saliva helps 'wash out' the throat