Personal Stories from TB Survivors - My Journey fighting TB
Pharyngitis: What It Is, Symptoms And Treatment
The pharynx is a muscular-walled tube located inside the neck. Oxygen and food pass through it.
Drastic climatic changes, which are increasingly common, can attack the pharynx and expose it to infections such as pharyngitis, which causes throat irritation and inflammation.
Epidemiological studies have revealed that pharyngitis affects more than 1.8 billion people annually. Given the high probability of suffering from it at some point in life, it is necessary to know the cause, its symptoms, treatment and prevention.
What is pharyngitis?Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx, the back of the throat that connects the nose and mouth to the windpipe.
It is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, mainly viral or bacterial infections. It usually has a sudden onset where its annoying symptoms develop.
What types of pharyngitis are there?Some types of pharyngitis that are recognized are these:
Among the most frequent causes of this pharyngeal infection we find these:
Among the most frequent causes of this pharyngeal infection we find these:
Pharyngitis is revealed by the presence of these symptoms:
For the diagnosis of pharyngitis, the health professional combines a visual examination with analytical techniques. Some of the procedures used are the following:
The protocol for the treatment includes a series of home measures together with the use of some drugs, such as:
Adopting some healthy habits can help prevent this disease. Some of them are:
Pharyngitis brings millions of people to health care facilities each year. However, with prevention, the bitter pill of this throat infection can be avoided.
BibliographyFornes Vivas, Rosa, Robledo DÃaz, Luis, Carvajal Roca, Eva, Navarro Juanes, AgustÃn, & Pérez Feito, Carlos (2019). Usefulness of clinical criteria for the proper diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis in pediatric emergency. Revista Española de Salud Pública, 93, e201911061. Epub September 07, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2024, from http://scielo.Isciii.Es/scielo.Php?Script=sci_arttext&pid=S1135-57272019000100029&lng=es&tlng=es.Josep M. Cotsa,j, Juan-Ignacio Alósb,k, Mario Bárcenac,l, Xavier Boledad,m, José L. Cañadae,n, Niceto Gómezf,o, Ana Mendozag,m, Isabel Vilasecah,o, Carles Llori,j. (2015). Recommendations for the management of acute adult pharyngotonsillitis. Medicina de Familia. SEMERGEN. Vol. 41. No. 7, pages 370-381. Retrieved on May 31, 2024, from https://www.Elsevier.Es/es-revista-medicina-familia-semergen-40-articulo-recomendaciones-el-manejo-faringoamigdalitis-aguda-S1138359315000477
13 Ways To Soothe A Sore Throat Fast
A sore throat can be the first sign of a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold, the flu, or strep throat. There are a number of sore throat remedies to help you find relief. Resting, drinking lots of clear fluids, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help soothe a sore throat.
You can consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your sore throat and receive prescription medications to help, if necessary. Learn more about sore throat remedies.
Prioritizing rest is a key way to fight off a sore throat. Taking it easy and getting lots of sleep boosts your immune system. Too little sleep reduces your body's ability to fight off the infection that caused your sore throat. "The vast majority of sore throats are caused by cold viruses, and we know that there's very little we can do to cure a cold once we've got it," Jeffrey Linder, MD, chief of general internal medicine and a professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told Health. "Making sure your body is well rested will at least help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner." A dry sore throat tends to hurt more. Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water and tea, and staying well hydrated not only helps your body fight infection, but also moistens your throat to keep it more comfortable. Warm beverages may also help a bit more than cool ones to soothe your throat, prevent dehydration, and even ease congestion. OTC medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil or Aleve, are some of the most effective treatments for sore throat. "These medicines are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they'll make you feel better, and they'll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat," Dr. Linder said. "If you have a fever that's also contributing to your symptoms, they can help reduce that as well." NSAIDs can cause an upset stomach in some people. Taking them with food can help to prevent this. Throat lozenges and cough drops that contain menthol (a cooling mint) or an anesthetic, or numbing agent, like benzocaine, may help with a sore throat. Throat sprays, like Chloraseptic, also contain anesthetics that can help to soothe a sore throat. If you also have a cough, cough syrup, such as Robitussin, can help reduce the cough. A sore throat may be caused by strep throat, a bacterial infection that infects the throat and tonsils, about 10% of the time in adults. Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe an antibiotic if you test positive for strep throat or another bacterial infection. Always take the entire course of medicine, even if you feel better after a few days. A warm cup of herbal tea may help a sore throat. Non-herbal teas—made with black, white, or green leaves—contain antioxidants that may strengthen immunity and ward off infection. For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of lemon juice, which contains vitamin C and can boost immune function. You can also add some honey for additional benefits. You can add honey to your tea or simply eat a spoonful. Not only does the thick, syrupy texture of honey coat and soothe your throat, but it also has antimicrobial properties that may help you heal faster. However, children under the age of 1 should not be given honey since it has been linked to cases of infant botulism. Chicken soup is an age-old home remedy for colds that promotes immunity and reduces inflammation. "The sodium in the broth may have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can feel good going down," said Dr. Linder. Some people may find eating to be painful and difficult with a sore throat. Warm soup may be tolerable while also ensuring you get the necessary nutrients and hydration to fight the infection. Chicken soup is particularly effective due to its protein and other nutritional content, however, any warm liquid can be helpful for a sore throat. If you don't eat chicken, consider a vegetable broth-based soup instead. Sap from the marshmallow plant has been used for centuries—usually in tea form—to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats. Studies show that this ancient remedy can soothe irritated throats, dry coughs, and other minor respiratory complaints. Note that you'll need to take your marshmallow root in tea or supplement form, as the sugary marshmallows you find in the grocery store offer little nutritional value and typically don't contain marshmallow root. Sucking on ice chips or popsicles can help soothe a sore throat. Other cold treats like ice cream may feel good on your sore throat, too. Gargling warm salt water a few times a day can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant, you can add a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture. Then, tip your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit the water out. Post-nasal drip is a common throat irritant. Rinsing your sinuses with salt water using a nasal spray bottle, neti pot, or another irrigation device can provide relief. Nasal rinsing works by loosening thick mucus and clearing your nasal passages of: Make sure you use distilled or sterile water—not tap water—for sinus irrigation. Be sure to follow the product instructions to reduce your infection risk. Humidifiers can add moisture to a room with dry air, making breathing easier and more pleasant, which may help calm your symptoms. Note that too much indoor humidity can also be a problem, especially for people with certain allergies. Both mold and dust mites thrive in a damp environment. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 50%. Most sore throats will get better within a week. Consult a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, if your sore throat is very painful, does not respond to any of the remedies you've tried, or if you have any other questions or concerns about treating your sore throat. There are many ways to find relief from a sore throat, Sore throat remedies may include medications like cough drops and cough syrup, eating chicken soup and drinking fluids, getting plenty of rest, and rinsing your sinuses. Contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat doesn't get better with treatment.Thanks for your feedback!
What Causes A Sore Throat?
A wide array of conditions can cause your throat to randomly start hurting, from infections to allergies to acid reflux and, rarely, tumors. Pain is just one symptom of what's typically known as a sore throat (pharyngitis). Other symptoms include having a dry or scratchy feeling in your throat or trouble swallowing.
Chances are your sore throat will fade in a few days without any real prodding. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can help in some cases. A healthcare provider may advise other treatments, such as antibiotics, depending on the cause.
Viruses are one of the most common causes of sore throats. A sore throat is often a symptom of a cold or the flu. Viruses that cause mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, croup, and other illnesses can also produce sore throats. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can also produce a sore throat. A sore throat can sometimes appear as an early sign of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many people with HIV have flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks of infection. Try some of the following remedies to treat a sore throat caused by a virus: Gargle with warm salt water. Stay hydrated. Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). Use a humidifier or steamer to ease respiratory symptoms. Most viral infections tend to go away in about a week, except for mononucleosis, which can last weeks or months. Protect yourself from viral infections by washing your hands well and often. Don't get too close to people who are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes. It's less common, but bacterial infections can also cause a sore throat. You may develop a sore throat if you contract a bacteria through direct exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person (coughing, sneezing), by kissing, or from intimate contact. A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. It's caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. You may develop a sore throat with a sinus infection as a result of post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip happens when excess mucus builds up and trickles down the back of your throat. Other sinus infection symptoms can include: Bad breath Cough that worsens at night Fatigue or general ill feeling Fever Headache Loss of smell Pressure or pain behind your eyes Runny or stuffy nose Toothache A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can also help relieve symptoms. About 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Allergies happen when your body has an outsize reaction to specific foreign invaders like: Dust Mold Pet dander Pollen These invaders set off a cascade of symptoms, including a sore throat. Other symptoms include sneezing and a stuffy nose. Sore throats from allergies can be made worse by post-nasal drip. Some people may confuse allergy-related sore throats with viral and bacterial sore throats. Allergies tend to cause symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes rather than a fever. Many allergy-related sore throats also only appear during certain seasons, like spring, summer, or fall. A sore throat can be a symptom of acid reflux, especially if it's chronic, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid comes up in the esophagus. Symptoms, which can get worse after a big meal, also include: Chest pain Cough Heartburn Hoarseness Nausea There are medications to treat GERD. You can also tame the condition by managing your weight and eating dinner two to three hours before bed. Irritants differ from allergies but also cause reactions to certain outside elements, like air pollution or cleaning products. Exposure to certain irritants can make your throat sore, so it's best to try to avoid them if you can. Laryngitis is inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Allergies, bacteria or viruses, and GERD can cause laryngitis. You may develop a sore throat, as well as a fever, hoarse voice, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Antibiotics can treat laryngitis that's caused by a bacterial infection. It's important to rest your voice to decrease inflammation. Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which also eases a sore throat. Strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, is a common culprit of sore throats, especially in children. Other symptoms may include: Chills Fever Red spots or white patches on the tonsils A throat culture will tell you whether you have the infection. It's essential to treat strep throat if you have it. Late complications include damage to the kidneys and heart valves. Antibiotics, like penicillin and amoxicillin, usually clear strep throat. Tonsillitis is inflamed and swollen tonsils. A viral or, more commonly, bacterial infection usually causes tonsillitis. The tonsils are two growths at the back of the throat that form the frontline of the body's immune system. They keep germs from entering the body. Tonsillitis may cause a sore throat, as well as symptoms like: Chills Ear pain Fever Headache Pain when you swallow Red, swollen tonsils Tender jaw or throat White or yellow patches on the tonsils Tonsils can become large enough to obstruct the nasal passages in severe cases. You may experience breathing, swallowing, and sleep difficulties if that happens. Throat cancer doesn't need to be at the top of your list of things to worry about when you have a sore throat, but it can happen. A tumor typically manifests with other symptoms, such as: Throat pain from a tumor also tends to linger. It's important to see a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these red flags. Sore throat has several potential causes. Some of these may be more common among people with certain genetic factors. Repeated bouts of strep throat and tonsillitis, for example, may run in families. The same is true for allergies and GERD. Viral infections, which are the most common cause of sore throat, are generally more common in children. Even adults have an average of two or three colds per year. You can't wholly keep viruses, allergies, or other causes of sore throats at bay. You can still help prevent sore throats by trying some of the following: Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Avoiding smoke exposure Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Practicing proper handwashing Anyone can get a sore throat. It's most common in the colder months when viral infections like the cold and flu spread more easily. Certain risk factors, such as environmental pollutants, smoking, and a weak immune system, can also increase your likelihood. Dry Air Humidity and temperature can both affect the mucous membranes that line your throat. Dry air, for example, can cause discomfort. Summer air conditioning can have a similarly painful effect on your throat. This discomfort tends to be worse first thing in the morning. "A lot of time in the winter months, you have the heater going, so you're breathing dry air all night. Use a humidifier in your room at night when you're sleeping," Kathleen Tibbetts, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told Health. You can also heat a pot of water and inhale the soothing steam. Environmental Pollutants Industrial emissions and smoke can cause inflammation and irritation of the tissues that line the throat, causing a sore throat. Environmental pollutants can also weaken the immune system. Decreased immunity can make it easier to contract viral infections that cause a sore throat. Muscle Strain Some evidence suggests that aerobics instructors and teachers have more frequent sore throats. Yelling and screaming can hurt your throat, but so can talking. Recent Intubation or Surgery Intubation is a procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts a tube into the throat to help you breathe. This procedure, as well as surgeries that affect the throat area, can cause discomfort. You may also experience a dry throat, coughing, and muscle strain after surgery. Smoking Smoking releases chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation of the tissue that lines the throat. It can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections that cause a sore throat. Smoking is also a risk factor for GERD, which is a common cause of a sore throat. Weak Immune System A weak immune system makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the body and harder for the body to fight them off. These germs are responsible for several infections that cause a sore throat. A viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, causes most sore throats. You might have a sore throat for several other reasons, such as allergies, acid reflux, strep throat, or, rarely, throat cancer. Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve within a few days or worsen. Less common causes of a sore throat, such as throat cancer, require treatment.Thanks for your feedback!
Comments
Post a Comment