Sore throat
What is a sore throat?
Sore throats are usually named according to which part of the throat they are in:
- Pharyngitis – pain and inflammation of the pharynx or swallow – an organ through which air and food and liquids pass.
- Tonsillitis – usually represents inflammation of the tonsils.
- Laryngitis – pain and inflammation of the larynx – larynx, which is often associated with a hoarse and hoarse voice.
- Epiglottitis – a rare condition that is associated with inflammation and pain of the epiglottis. This condition is an emergency as it can lead to blockage of the trachea and obstruction of breathing.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Symptoms of a sore throat can appear all over the body. For example fever, headache, nausea and general malaise.
Symptoms characteristic of sore throat can be pain when swallowing in pharyngitis and hoarseness in laryngitis. Cold viruses are more likely to cause coughs and runny noses than sore throats.
The symptoms of a sore throat are:
- Pus on the surface of the tonsils. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Redness of the oropharynx – the part of the pharynx that is visible from the mouth.
- Hard and swollen lymph nodes.
- Increased salivation as swallowing becomes particularly painful.
- Difficulty breathing< /li>
2/3 of people with a sore throat have only redness, no pus in the tonsils.
What are the causes of a sore throat?
The most common causes of a sore throat are viral infections that affect the upper respiratory tract.
One of the most familiar such infections is the common cold caused by rhinoviruses, which are the main cause of colds.
Similar symptoms can also occur with influenza, which is also a viral infection caused by influenza viruses.
Viruses cause inflammation and irritation in the throat, leading to pain and discomfort.
Besides viruses, bacteria can also cause a sore throat. Streptococci, for example, can cause a bacterial throat infection known as strep throat.
This infection can be very painful and it is important to diagnose and treat it correctly to prevent serious complications.
Infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus can also cause a severe sore throat, accompanied by other symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes and general malaise.
This is a highly contagious condition and is transmitted through contact with saliva or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
One of the factors that can cause a sore throat is the use of chemicals or other irritating substances.
For example, smoking or exposing the throat to tobacco smoke can cause inflammation and pain. The reasons for this are related to the irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat from tobacco products.
Allergic reactions can also cause a sore throat. In people with allergies, when exposed to an allergen such as dust, pollen, dander, or other allergens, a sore throat may develop, accompanied by pain and itching.
Postnasal drip is a condition where nasal secretions flow backwards and irritate the back of the throat.
This can cause pain and a feeling of stuttering in the throat, especially after a night’s sleep or spent in bed with the head elevated.
If a sore throat occurs, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Self-treatment can relieve some symptoms, but it is important to determine the exact cause in order to provide appropriate treatment and rule out serious diseases.
Attention to your own health is essential, and regular medical examinations and cons
What are the complications?
Rarely, bacterial infections of the throat can lead to complications such as abscess formation and spread of the infection.
Rheumatism, a condition that can cause damage to the heart, nerves, skin and joints, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis are rare complications of untreated sore throats.
Sore Throat Treatment
Treatment for a sore throat depends on the exact cause. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but are not effective against viral infections.
No medical treatment is needed for sore throats caused by viral infections, and supportive care is usually all that is needed.
People with epiglottitis usually require strong antibiotics and hospitalization; Few people may need to be placed on command breathing – intubation.
How to protect ourselves?
Avoiding close contact with sick people will therefore help you not to develop a throat infection. Cold viruses are more easily transmitted than strep infections.
Only ¼ of family members exposed to strep develop such a throat infection. Usually, a person infected with streptococcus becomes non-infectious about 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotic.
The time between exposure to the streptococci and the onset of illness is usually 2-5 days.
Children should not go to school and stay at home under the constant supervision of one of the parents while the infection lasts.
Washing your hands is the best way to prevent any kind of infection. Many viruses can be transmitted through infected surfaces.
It is important to teach children the importance of washing their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Avoid sharing glasses and cutlery and other personal items can also be an effective preventive measure.
