Sore Throat
23rd December, 2008 - Posted by Andy - No Comments
A sore throat (acute pharyngitis) is one of the most common winter complaints, and is a symptom of infection, usually viral, or of an irritation of the pharynx - the back portion of the mouth behind the tongue. The irritation may be a local throat infection or the result of post-nasal drip caused by discharge from allergies, sinusitis, or a head cold.
Children are especially susceptible to sore throats because their immune systems are not mature enough to fend off flu and cold viruses. They are also exposed to viruses from sneezing and coughing classmates.
Viral pharyngitis may develop gradually. It is often accompanied by the flu or a cold, and body aches. If a fever is present, it will generally be in the range of 101 degrees F or below. A bacterial sore throat may be associated with swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Fever is typically 102 degrees F or higher. The throat may appear extremely red and have either white or yellow spots at the back.
CAUSES
Almost everyone is susceptible to pharyngitis at one time or another. Frequent episodes can be the sign of underlying disorders or chronic disease such as diabetes, malnutrition, or immune disorders.
Sore throats caused by a cold or flu virus are usually self-limiting, and will clear on their own in a few days. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, although their symptoms can be relieved by self-help measures.
About 10 to 15 percent of sore throats are caused by bacterial infections, either streptococcus (strep throat) or staphylococcus bacteria. Bacterial infections should be treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics, rest, and self-treatment. Without a throat culture, differentiation between a viral sore throat and one caused by bacteria is difficult.
TREATMENTS
Self Help
To treat sore throat pain, one should follow time and tested procedures such as good diet, adequate rest, and plenty of liquids.
In terms of OTC medicines, many throat lozenges, some of which contain mild anaesthetics, provide temporary relief of sore throat symptoms. Gargling several times a day with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt stirred into 8 ounces of warm water can also temporarily soothe a sore throat, break up congestion, and help flush out bacteria if present. A cup of tea or hot chocolate can relieve a sore throat by warming the irritated membranes.
Use a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer in your bedroom at night and keep your nasal membranes and throat lining moist.
Cool-air vaporizers have received bad press because improperly maintained machines may send dust mites and mold spores all over a room. In the case of ultrasonic humidifiers, they can coat furniture with a fine, white film. This can trigger allergies, colds, flu, and sore throats. However, if you clean the water tank according to instructions, these machines may help alleviate more health problems than they cause.
People with cold-congested noses tend to breathe through their mouths. To prevent this from causing a dry, sore throat; drink extra liquids throughout the day.
Over-the-counter nasal sprays may temporarily halt mucus production, but do not use them for more than three days because you may suffer from the “rebound effect.” As the body builds a tolerance, these sprays lose effectiveness, causing a dramatic increase in mucus secretion and nasal discomfort.
To help relieve the pain and inflammation of sore throat, you can consider acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin tablets as directed. Children should not take aspirin because of its link with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disorder.
Acute Sore throat
Contact your doctor if your sore throat persists for more than three days or if you have any other concerns. You may have a bacterial infection and benefit from antibiotic or other treatment. Also, if you have an accompanying earache, call your doctor.
Similarly see your GP immediately if the sore throat symptoms suddenly cause your voice to change to what is called “a hot potato” voice. This muffled tone sounds as if you have hot french fries in your mouth and cannot fully enunciate.
This could indicate that an abscess has formed in the throat and pus is collecting beyond the wall of the tonsils. Both the tongue and throat may swell. Other symptoms include a fever of 103 degrees F, with swollen, tender glands in the neck, and difficulty swallowing.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended for a child who has:
- Three or more strep throats per year
- More than five non-strep sore throats per year that require doctor visits
- Enlarged tonsils that interfere with night time breathing
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[Sources: NIH, NHS direct]
Tags: antibiotics, fever, pharyngitis, sore throat, throat infection, viral, whit spots, yellow spots
Posted on: December 23, 2008
Filed under: General
