Causes, symptoms, and pain relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Swallowing involves many muscles and nerves in the mouth, throat, and food pipe. Many people will experience pain when swallowing at least once in their lives. The medical term for painful swallowing is odynophagia.

It is often possible to identify the cause of pain when swallowing by looking at the specific symptoms.

Depending on the cause, these may include sharp or dull pain in the jaw, throat, chest, or food pipe. The pain may only affect one side of the throat and can change when a person breathes deeply.

In this article, we take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of painful swallowing. We also look at how to relieve the pain.

Several illnesses and conditions that lead to infection, inflammation, and obstruction of the throat, mouth, or food pipe can cause discomfort swallowing.

Depending on the cause, additional symptoms are often present. The following causes can lead to painful swallowing:

Strep throat

Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing.

Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.

People with strep throat may also notice:

• swollen, tender lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
• pain in the soft palate
• red spots on the soft palate
• fever
• white patches on the tonsils

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymph nodes at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is a common cause of painful swallowing.

Tonsillitis is a contagious condition. Viruses or bacterial infections, including strep throat, can cause tonsillitis.

If the pain when swallowing is due to tonsillitis, people may also notice:

• swollen tonsils
• white or yellow spots on the tonsils
• bad breath
• tender jaw or neck
• fever

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a throat infection that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the flap in the back of the throat that prevents food from going down the windpipe.

In addition to pain when swallowing, typical symptoms of epiglottitis include:

• difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia
• a high fever
• drooling
• a preference for sitting leaning forward

A yeast infection

Yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or food pipe can also lead to discomfort swallowing. Yeast is a type of fungus that can grow out of control if the conditions inside the body change in a way that promotes yeast growth.

A bacteria called Candida is a common cause of yeast infections.

Additional symptoms might include:

• loss of taste
• white patches on the tongue
• redness in the corners of the mouth

Esophagitis

The food pipe, also called the esophagus, is the pipe that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus.

The most common cause of esophagitis is gastric reflux disease, which is a condition that allows stomach acid to flow back up the food pipe.

Certain medications and allergic reactions can also cause esophagitis.

Esophagitis can cause the following symptoms alongside painful swallowing:

• chest pain
• stomach pain
• a hoarse voice
• coughing
• heartburn
• nausea

Throat injury

Although less common than other causes, an injury to the throat can also lead to pain when swallowing.

Eating or drinking something that is too hot can burn the inside of the throat or food pipe. People can also scratch or cut the back of their throat when eating a cracker or chip that has a sharp edge.

Depending on the location and extent of the injury, there may only be pain on one side of the throat or further down in the food pipe.

A doctor may use a blood test to diagnose pain when swallowing.

An accurate diagnosis is vital to treat pain when swallowing. Doctors may recommend various tests to make a diagnosis. After reviewing a person’s medical history and carrying out a physical examination, they may perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Throat culture. During a throat culture, the doctor removes a sample of mucus from the throat with a cotton swab. They test this mucus to determine whether or not it contains any organisms that might be causing an infection.
• Blood tests. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count, help the doctor determine if an infection is present.
• Barium swallow. A barium swallow is a special type of X-ray of the food pipe. Before taking the X-ray, the doctor will ask the individual to drink a liquid containing barium. The barium will reveal the pathway that the food takes from the mouth to the stomach.
• CT scan. Doctors use CT scans to create images of the throat. These help the doctor identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, in the throat or food pipe that might cause painful swallowing.

Treatment for pain when swallowing generally depends on the cause.

Medication is the standard treatment for certain types of infection. Doctors usually recommend antifungal medications to treat yeast infections and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including strep throat.

When people have recurring tonsillitis, or it does not respond well to medication, a doctor may recommend removing the tonsils in a procedure called a tonsillectomy.

Sipping warm drinks can provide short-term relief.

People can use the following home remedies for short-term relief from painful swallowing:

• Taking anti-inflammatories. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and food pipe, making it easier and less painful to swallow.
• Taking antacids. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are effective for reducing pain that results from acid reflux.
• Using throat sprays. Throat sprays can numb the throat and make swallowing easier and less painful. These are available OTC or online.
• Gargling with salt water. Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day.
• Sipping warm drinks. Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain. Avoid making the liquid too hot, or it can burn the throat.
• Taking a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower may help to decrease any inflammation responsible for painful swallowing.
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Substances in alcohol and tobacco can irritate the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, and food pipe.

Painful swallowing often resolves in a few days, especially if it occurs due to a cold. However, in some cases, professional medical help is necessary to determine the cause and provide treatment.

It is best to consider seeing a doctor if the following circumstances apply:

• the cause of pain when swallowing is unknown
• the pain has lasted more than a week or is getting worse
• there is a patch of white spots in the back of the throat

It is also important to recognize when painful swallowing can be a sign of a medical emergency. A person should seek immediate medical care if pain when swallowing occurs alongside:

• swelling of the throat
• difficulty breathing
• problems opening the mouth
• unusual drooling

Although it can be uncomfortable, pain when swallowing is typically only temporary. Depending on the cause, painful swallowing often goes away in a few days.

For example, if the pain is due to a cold, it usually resolves within a week.

If a bacterial or fungal infection is causing the pain, treatment is usually successful. In the meantime, people can use home remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce discomfort.

SHOP FOR HOME REMEDIES

All of the products in this article are available in pharmacies and online.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes, symptoms, and pain relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Swallowing involves many muscles and nerves in the mouth, throat, and food pipe. Many people will experience pain when swallowing at least once in their lives. The medical term for painful swallowing is odynophagia.

It is often possible to identify the cause of pain when swallowing by looking at the specific symptoms.

Depending on the cause, these may include sharp or dull pain in the jaw, throat, chest, or food pipe. The pain may only affect one side of the throat and can change when a person breathes deeply.

In this article, we take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of painful swallowing. We also look at how to relieve the pain.

Several illnesses and conditions that lead to infection, inflammation, and obstruction of the throat, mouth, or food pipe can cause discomfort swallowing.

Depending on the cause, additional symptoms are often present. The following causes can lead to painful swallowing:

Strep throat

Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing.

Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.

People with strep throat may also notice:

• swollen, tender lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
• pain in the soft palate
• red spots on the soft palate
• fever
• white patches on the tonsils

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymph nodes at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is a common cause of painful swallowing.

Tonsillitis is a contagious condition. Viruses or bacterial infections, including strep throat, can cause tonsillitis.

If the pain when swallowing is due to tonsillitis, people may also notice:

• swollen tonsils
• white or yellow spots on the tonsils
• bad breath
• tender jaw or neck
• fever

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a throat infection that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the flap in the back of the throat that prevents food from going down the windpipe.

In addition to pain when swallowing, typical symptoms of epiglottitis include:

• difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia
• a high fever
• drooling
• a preference for sitting leaning forward

A yeast infection

Yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or food pipe can also lead to discomfort swallowing. Yeast is a type of fungus that can grow out of control if the conditions inside the body change in a way that promotes yeast growth.

A bacteria called Candida is a common cause of yeast infections.

Additional symptoms might include:

• loss of taste
• white patches on the tongue
• redness in the corners of the mouth

Esophagitis

The food pipe, also called the esophagus, is the pipe that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus.

The most common cause of esophagitis is gastric reflux disease, which is a condition that allows stomach acid to flow back up the food pipe.

Certain medications and allergic reactions can also cause esophagitis.

Esophagitis can cause the following symptoms alongside painful swallowing:

• chest pain
• stomach pain
• a hoarse voice
• coughing
• heartburn
• nausea

Throat injury

Although less common than other causes, an injury to the throat can also lead to pain when swallowing.

Eating or drinking something that is too hot can burn the inside of the throat or food pipe. People can also scratch or cut the back of their throat when eating a cracker or chip that has a sharp edge.

Depending on the location and extent of the injury, there may only be pain on one side of the throat or further down in the food pipe.

A doctor may use a blood test to diagnose pain when swallowing.

An accurate diagnosis is vital to treat pain when swallowing. Doctors may recommend various tests to make a diagnosis. After reviewing a person’s medical history and carrying out a physical examination, they may perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Throat culture. During a throat culture, the doctor removes a sample of mucus from the throat with a cotton swab. They test this mucus to determine whether or not it contains any organisms that might be causing an infection.
• Blood tests. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count, help the doctor determine if an infection is present.
• Barium swallow. A barium swallow is a special type of X-ray of the food pipe. Before taking the X-ray, the doctor will ask the individual to drink a liquid containing barium. The barium will reveal the pathway that the food takes from the mouth to the stomach.
• CT scan. Doctors use CT scans to create images of the throat. These help the doctor identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, in the throat or food pipe that might cause painful swallowing.

Treatment for pain when swallowing generally depends on the cause.

Medication is the standard treatment for certain types of infection. Doctors usually recommend antifungal medications to treat yeast infections and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including strep throat.

When people have recurring tonsillitis, or it does not respond well to medication, a doctor may recommend removing the tonsils in a procedure called a tonsillectomy.

Sipping warm drinks can provide short-term relief.

People can use the following home remedies for short-term relief from painful swallowing:

• Taking anti-inflammatories. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and food pipe, making it easier and less painful to swallow.
• Taking antacids. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are effective for reducing pain that results from acid reflux.
• Using throat sprays. Throat sprays can numb the throat and make swallowing easier and less painful. These are available OTC or online.
• Gargling with salt water. Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day.
• Sipping warm drinks. Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain. Avoid making the liquid too hot, or it can burn the throat.
• Taking a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower may help to decrease any inflammation responsible for painful swallowing.
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Substances in alcohol and tobacco can irritate the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, and food pipe.

Painful swallowing often resolves in a few days, especially if it occurs due to a cold. However, in some cases, professional medical help is necessary to determine the cause and provide treatment.

It is best to consider seeing a doctor if the following circumstances apply:

• the cause of pain when swallowing is unknown
• the pain has lasted more than a week or is getting worse
• there is a patch of white spots in the back of the throat

It is also important to recognize when painful swallowing can be a sign of a medical emergency. A person should seek immediate medical care if pain when swallowing occurs alongside:

• swelling of the throat
• difficulty breathing
• problems opening the mouth
• unusual drooling

Although it can be uncomfortable, pain when swallowing is typically only temporary. Depending on the cause, painful swallowing often goes away in a few days.

For example, if the pain is due to a cold, it usually resolves within a week.

If a bacterial or fungal infection is causing the pain, treatment is usually successful. In the meantime, people can use home remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce discomfort.

SHOP FOR HOME REMEDIES

All of the products in this article are available in pharmacies and online.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes, symptoms, and pain relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Swallowing involves many muscles and nerves in the mouth, throat, and food pipe. Many people will experience pain when swallowing at least once in their lives. The medical term for painful swallowing is odynophagia.

It is often possible to identify the cause of pain when swallowing by looking at the specific symptoms.

Depending on the cause, these may include sharp or dull pain in the jaw, throat, chest, or food pipe. The pain may only affect one side of the throat and can change when a person breathes deeply.

In this article, we take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of painful swallowing. We also look at how to relieve the pain.

Several illnesses and conditions that lead to infection, inflammation, and obstruction of the throat, mouth, or food pipe can cause discomfort swallowing.

Depending on the cause, additional symptoms are often present. The following causes can lead to painful swallowing:

Strep throat

Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing.

Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.

People with strep throat may also notice:

• swollen, tender lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
• pain in the soft palate
• red spots on the soft palate
• fever
• white patches on the tonsils

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymph nodes at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is a common cause of painful swallowing.

Tonsillitis is a contagious condition. Viruses or bacterial infections, including strep throat, can cause tonsillitis.

If the pain when swallowing is due to tonsillitis, people may also notice:

• swollen tonsils
• white or yellow spots on the tonsils
• bad breath
• tender jaw or neck
• fever

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a throat infection that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the flap in the back of the throat that prevents food from going down the windpipe.

In addition to pain when swallowing, typical symptoms of epiglottitis include:

• difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia
• a high fever
• drooling
• a preference for sitting leaning forward

A yeast infection

Yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or food pipe can also lead to discomfort swallowing. Yeast is a type of fungus that can grow out of control if the conditions inside the body change in a way that promotes yeast growth.

A bacteria called Candida is a common cause of yeast infections.

Additional symptoms might include:

• loss of taste
• white patches on the tongue
• redness in the corners of the mouth

Esophagitis

The food pipe, also called the esophagus, is the pipe that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus.

The most common cause of esophagitis is gastric reflux disease, which is a condition that allows stomach acid to flow back up the food pipe.

Certain medications and allergic reactions can also cause esophagitis.

Esophagitis can cause the following symptoms alongside painful swallowing:

• chest pain
• stomach pain
• a hoarse voice
• coughing
• heartburn
• nausea

Throat injury

Although less common than other causes, an injury to the throat can also lead to pain when swallowing.

Eating or drinking something that is too hot can burn the inside of the throat or food pipe. People can also scratch or cut the back of their throat when eating a cracker or chip that has a sharp edge.

Depending on the location and extent of the injury, there may only be pain on one side of the throat or further down in the food pipe.

A doctor may use a blood test to diagnose pain when swallowing.

An accurate diagnosis is vital to treat pain when swallowing. Doctors may recommend various tests to make a diagnosis. After reviewing a person’s medical history and carrying out a physical examination, they may perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Throat culture. During a throat culture, the doctor removes a sample of mucus from the throat with a cotton swab. They test this mucus to determine whether or not it contains any organisms that might be causing an infection.
• Blood tests. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count, help the doctor determine if an infection is present.
• Barium swallow. A barium swallow is a special type of X-ray of the food pipe. Before taking the X-ray, the doctor will ask the individual to drink a liquid containing barium. The barium will reveal the pathway that the food takes from the mouth to the stomach.
• CT scan. Doctors use CT scans to create images of the throat. These help the doctor identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, in the throat or food pipe that might cause painful swallowing.

Treatment for pain when swallowing generally depends on the cause.

Medication is the standard treatment for certain types of infection. Doctors usually recommend antifungal medications to treat yeast infections and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including strep throat.

When people have recurring tonsillitis, or it does not respond well to medication, a doctor may recommend removing the tonsils in a procedure called a tonsillectomy.

Sipping warm drinks can provide short-term relief.

People can use the following home remedies for short-term relief from painful swallowing:

• Taking anti-inflammatories. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and food pipe, making it easier and less painful to swallow.
• Taking antacids. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are effective for reducing pain that results from acid reflux.
• Using throat sprays. Throat sprays can numb the throat and make swallowing easier and less painful. These are available OTC or online.
• Gargling with salt water. Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day.
• Sipping warm drinks. Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain. Avoid making the liquid too hot, or it can burn the throat.
• Taking a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower may help to decrease any inflammation responsible for painful swallowing.
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Substances in alcohol and tobacco can irritate the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, and food pipe.

Painful swallowing often resolves in a few days, especially if it occurs due to a cold. However, in some cases, professional medical help is necessary to determine the cause and provide treatment.

It is best to consider seeing a doctor if the following circumstances apply:

• the cause of pain when swallowing is unknown
• the pain has lasted more than a week or is getting worse
• there is a patch of white spots in the back of the throat

It is also important to recognize when painful swallowing can be a sign of a medical emergency. A person should seek immediate medical care if pain when swallowing occurs alongside:

• swelling of the throat
• difficulty breathing
• problems opening the mouth
• unusual drooling

Although it can be uncomfortable, pain when swallowing is typically only temporary. Depending on the cause, painful swallowing often goes away in a few days.

For example, if the pain is due to a cold, it usually resolves within a week.

If a bacterial or fungal infection is causing the pain, treatment is usually successful. In the meantime, people can use home remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce discomfort.

SHOP FOR HOME REMEDIES

All of the products in this article are available in pharmacies and online.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes, symptoms, and pain relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Swallowing involves many muscles and nerves in the mouth, throat, and food pipe. Many people will experience pain when swallowing at least once in their lives. The medical term for painful swallowing is odynophagia.

It is often possible to identify the cause of pain when swallowing by looking at the specific symptoms.

Depending on the cause, these may include sharp or dull pain in the jaw, throat, chest, or food pipe. The pain may only affect one side of the throat and can change when a person breathes deeply.

In this article, we take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of painful swallowing. We also look at how to relieve the pain.

Several illnesses and conditions that lead to infection, inflammation, and obstruction of the throat, mouth, or food pipe can cause discomfort swallowing.

Depending on the cause, additional symptoms are often present. The following causes can lead to painful swallowing:

Strep throat

Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing.

Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.

People with strep throat may also notice:

• swollen, tender lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
• pain in the soft palate
• red spots on the soft palate
• fever
• white patches on the tonsils

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymph nodes at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is a common cause of painful swallowing.

Tonsillitis is a contagious condition. Viruses or bacterial infections, including strep throat, can cause tonsillitis.

If the pain when swallowing is due to tonsillitis, people may also notice:

• swollen tonsils
• white or yellow spots on the tonsils
• bad breath
• tender jaw or neck
• fever

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a throat infection that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the flap in the back of the throat that prevents food from going down the windpipe.

In addition to pain when swallowing, typical symptoms of epiglottitis include:

• difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia
• a high fever
• drooling
• a preference for sitting leaning forward

A yeast infection

Yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or food pipe can also lead to discomfort swallowing. Yeast is a type of fungus that can grow out of control if the conditions inside the body change in a way that promotes yeast growth.

A bacteria called Candida is a common cause of yeast infections.

Additional symptoms might include:

• loss of taste
• white patches on the tongue
• redness in the corners of the mouth

Esophagitis

The food pipe, also called the esophagus, is the pipe that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus.

The most common cause of esophagitis is gastric reflux disease, which is a condition that allows stomach acid to flow back up the food pipe.

Certain medications and allergic reactions can also cause esophagitis.

Esophagitis can cause the following symptoms alongside painful swallowing:

• chest pain
• stomach pain
• a hoarse voice
• coughing
• heartburn
• nausea

Throat injury

Although less common than other causes, an injury to the throat can also lead to pain when swallowing.

Eating or drinking something that is too hot can burn the inside of the throat or food pipe. People can also scratch or cut the back of their throat when eating a cracker or chip that has a sharp edge.

Depending on the location and extent of the injury, there may only be pain on one side of the throat or further down in the food pipe.

A doctor may use a blood test to diagnose pain when swallowing.

An accurate diagnosis is vital to treat pain when swallowing. Doctors may recommend various tests to make a diagnosis. After reviewing a person’s medical history and carrying out a physical examination, they may perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Throat culture. During a throat culture, the doctor removes a sample of mucus from the throat with a cotton swab. They test this mucus to determine whether or not it contains any organisms that might be causing an infection.
• Blood tests. Blood tests, including a white blood cell count, help the doctor determine if an infection is present.
• Barium swallow. A barium swallow is a special type of X-ray of the food pipe. Before taking the X-ray, the doctor will ask the individual to drink a liquid containing barium. The barium will reveal the pathway that the food takes from the mouth to the stomach.
• CT scan. Doctors use CT scans to create images of the throat. These help the doctor identify any abnormalities, such as tumors, in the throat or food pipe that might cause painful swallowing.

Treatment for pain when swallowing generally depends on the cause.

Medication is the standard treatment for certain types of infection. Doctors usually recommend antifungal medications to treat yeast infections and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including strep throat.

When people have recurring tonsillitis, or it does not respond well to medication, a doctor may recommend removing the tonsils in a procedure called a tonsillectomy.

Sipping warm drinks can provide short-term relief.

People can use the following home remedies for short-term relief from painful swallowing:

• Taking anti-inflammatories. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and food pipe, making it easier and less painful to swallow.
• Taking antacids. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are effective for reducing pain that results from acid reflux.
• Using throat sprays. Throat sprays can numb the throat and make swallowing easier and less painful. These are available OTC or online.
• Gargling with salt water. Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day.
• Sipping warm drinks. Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain. Avoid making the liquid too hot, or it can burn the throat.
• Taking a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower may help to decrease any inflammation responsible for painful swallowing.
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Substances in alcohol and tobacco can irritate the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, and food pipe.

Painful swallowing often resolves in a few days, especially if it occurs due to a cold. However, in some cases, professional medical help is necessary to determine the cause and provide treatment.

It is best to consider seeing a doctor if the following circumstances apply:

• the cause of pain when swallowing is unknown
• the pain has lasted more than a week or is getting worse
• there is a patch of white spots in the back of the throat

It is also important to recognize when painful swallowing can be a sign of a medical emergency. A person should seek immediate medical care if pain when swallowing occurs alongside:

• swelling of the throat
• difficulty breathing
• problems opening the mouth
• unusual drooling

Although it can be uncomfortable, pain when swallowing is typically only temporary. Depending on the cause, painful swallowing often goes away in a few days.

For example, if the pain is due to a cold, it usually resolves within a week.

If a bacterial or fungal infection is causing the pain, treatment is usually successful. In the meantime, people can use home remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce discomfort.

SHOP FOR HOME REMEDIES

All of the products in this article are available in pharmacies and online.

Read the article in Spanish.

Epiglottitis – NHS

Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It’s often caused by an infection, but can also sometimes happen as a result of a throat injury.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat.

Its main function is to close over the windpipe (trachea) while you’re eating to prevent food entering your airway.

Symptoms of epiglottitis

The symptoms of epiglottitis usually develop quickly and get rapidly worse, although they can develop over a few days in older children and adults.

Symptoms include:

• a severe sore throat
• difficulty and pain when swallowing
• difficulty breathing, which may improve when leaning forwards
• breathing that sounds abnormal and high-pitched (stridor)
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
• irritability and restlessness
• muffled or hoarse voice
• drooling

The main symptoms of epiglottitis in young children are breathing difficulties, stridor and a hoarse voice.

In adults and older children, swallowing difficulties and drooling are the main symptoms.

Important:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)

At the moment it can be hard to know what to do if your child is unwell. 

It’s important to trust your instincts and get medical help if you need it.

When to seek medical advice

Epiglottitis is regarded as a medical emergency, as a swollen epiglottis can restrict the oxygen supply to your lungs.

Call 999 for an ambulance if you think you or your child has epiglottitis.

While waiting for an ambulance, you should not attempt to examine your child’s throat, place anything inside their mouth, or lay them on their back. This may make their symptoms worse.

It’s important to keep them calm and to try not to cause panic or distress.

Epiglottitis can be fatal if the throat becomes completely blocked. But most people make a full recovery with appropriate treatment.

Treating epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is treated in hospital. The first thing the medical team will do is secure the person’s airways to make sure they can breathe properly.

Securing the airways

An oxygen mask will be given to deliver highly concentrated oxygen to the person’s lungs.

If this does not work, a tube will be placed in the person’s mouth and pushed past their epiglottis into the windpipe. The tube will be connected to an oxygen supply.

In severe cases where there’s an urgent need to secure the airways, a small cut may be made in the neck at the front of the windpipe so a tube can be inserted. The tube is then connected to an oxygen supply.

This procedure is called a tracheostomy and it allows oxygen to enter the lungs while bypassing the epiglottis.

An emergency tracheostomy can be carried out using local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic.

Once the airways have been secured and the person is able to breathe unrestricted, a more comfortable and convenient way of assisting breathing may be found.

This is usually achieved by threading a tube through the nose and into the windpipe.

Fluids will be supplied through a drip into a vein until the person is able to swallow.

Once this has been achieved and the situation is thought to be safe, some tests may be carried out, such as:

• a fibreoptic laryngoscopy – a flexible tube with a camera attached to one end (laryngoscope) is used to examine the throat
• a throat swab – to test for any bacteria or viruses
• blood tests – to check the number of white blood cells (a high number indicates there may an infection) and identify any traces of bacteria or viruses in the blood
• an X-ray or a CT scan – sometimes used to check the level of swelling

Any underlying infection will be treated with a course of antibiotics.

With prompt treatment, most people recover from epiglottitis after about a week and are well enough to leave hospital after 5 to 7 days.

Why it happens

Epiglottitis is usually caused by an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.

As well as epiglottitis, Hib can cause a number of serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

It spreads in the same way as the cold or flu virus. The bacteria are in the tiny droplets of saliva and mucus propelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

You catch the infection by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have landed on a surface or object, by touching this surface and then touching your face or mouth.

Less common causes of epiglottitis include:

• other bacterial infections – such as streptococcus pneumoniae (a common cause of pneumonia)
• fungal infections – people with a weakened immune system are most at risk from these types of infection
• viral infections – such as the varicella zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox) and the herpes simplex virus (the virus responsible for cold sores)
• trauma to the throat – such as a blow to the throat, or burning the throat by drinking very hot liquids
• smoking – particularly illegal drugs, such as cannabis or crack cocaine

Hib vaccination

The most effective way to prevent your child getting epiglottitis is to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.

Children are particularly vulnerable to a Hib infection because they have an underdeveloped immune system.

Babies should be vaccinated against Hib as part of the 6-in-1 DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.

They should receive 3 doses of the vaccine: at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age. This is followed by an additional Hib/Men C “booster” vaccine at 1 year of age.

Contact your GP if you’re not sure whether your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Read more about the childhood vaccination schedule.

Who’s affected

Because of the success of the Hib vaccination programme, epiglottitis is rare in the UK, and most cases now occur in adults.

Deaths from epiglottitis are also rare, occurring in less than 1 in 100 cases.

Page last reviewed: 02 May 2018
Next review due: 02 May 2021

Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal Chest Pain

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Treatment, Definition & Causes

Overview

What is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare condition that can cause sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain in the throat area near the tonsils, the back of the tongue or the middle ear.

The pain occurs along the pathway of the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is located deep in the neck. It serves the back of the tongue, throat and the parotid gland (one of the salivary glands), the middle ear and eustachian tube.

Painful episodes are usually intermittent, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. The pain might recur several times in a day. In other cases it might not come back for several weeks or months.

Certain activities may trigger painful episodes, including:

• Drinking cold liquids
• Chewing
• Swallowing
• Sneezing or coughing
• Clearing the throat
• Touching the gums

Sometimes people with this condition may avoid eating, drinking or chewing because they fear that these activities may trigger a painful attack. Over time, this can result in weight loss.

Generally, only one side of the head is affected by GPN. The glossopharyngeal nerve has several branches, including the tympanic branch that receives sensations from the middle ear and mastoid.

Another important branch is the carotid sinus nerve that serves the carotid body and carotid sinus (widening of a carotid artery at the main branch point). Painful attacks may result in life-threatening symptoms, such as fainting (syncope), slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). In very rare cases, cardiac arrest may occur with no painful episodes.

How common is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

The disorder is rare, with less than 1 case reported per year among 100,000 people in the United States. It tends to occur more often in adults over age 40, but it may be present at any age. It appears to affect men more than women.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

Often there is no apparent cause for the condition. Compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem may irritate the nerve and cause pain. In other cases, an elongated styloid process (a bone in the neck near the nerve) can cause pain. This condition is called Eagle syndrome.

Trauma due to an injury or a surgical procedure may also result in glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Other possible causes include infections, tumors and vascular abnormalities. Patients with multiple sclerosis may experience glossopharyngeal neuralgia as a result of the breakdown of the myelin sheath, the fatty membrane that surrounds and insulates the nerve.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) diagnosed?

The location of the pain is important in the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia, since other conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, may produce similar symptoms. There is no single diagnostic test that can confirm that GPN is present. An ear, nose and throat physician will perform an examination to rule out other disorders. The physician may stimulate certain areas, such as the tonsils or back of the tongue, to see if pain occurs.

The doctor will ask whether certain activities, such as talking or chewing, trigger pain. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan may be ordered to determine whether a tumor or blood vessel is compressing the nerve.

Management and Treatment

How is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) treated?

In most situations, anticonvulsant drugs are the first line of treatment. If drug therapy is not effective or if a patient has troublesome side effects from the medication, surgery is considered.

Medications

• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, pregabalin, and other antiseizure medications are often prescribed for GPN.
• Antidepressants: Amitriptyline and other antidepressant drugs are sometimes prescribed for use along with anticonvulsants to treat individuals who become depressed due to debilitating pain.
• Anesthetics: Local anesthetics may be injected to block the nerve or applied topically to areas where pain occurs (for example, the back of the throat).

Surgery

Several surgical procedures may be options in alleviating the pain associated with GPN. The most common of these is microvascular decompression as explained below. If a tumor is found compressing the nerve or if Eagle syndrome is diagnosed (elongated styloid compressing the nerve), then a different type of surgery may be warranted.

• Microvascular decompression: This procedure is the most common surgical technique for treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia. It is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision and a small opening in the bone behind the ear on the side of the head where pain occurs. He or she will use a microscope and/or an endoscope to view the nerve and search for any blood vessels compressing the nerve. The nerve and artery are separated and a small permanent Teflon sponge will be placed between the nerve and the vessel that is compressing the nerve. After the procedure is performed, the surgeon will replace the bone and close the incision. Microvascular decompression has the highest initial and long-term success rate. It is effective in about 90% of cases and yields a lower rate of pain recurrence. However, if a patient cannot have microvascular decompression surgery due to other medical conditions, a less invasive procedure may be used.
• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GK or SRS): While this has been used much more commonly in trigeminal neuralgia (similar disorder of a different nerve), it has been used in a small number of cases of difficult-to-treat glossopharyngeal neuralgia. A frame is placed on the head and MRI/CT pictures are taken. The treatment is performed by a neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist working together. The glossopharyngeal nerve is targeted using highly precise software and a high dose of focused radiation is delivered onto the nerve to cause partial injury. While this can provide pain relief, it can cause partial numbness in the back of the throat.

90,000 Symptoms of upper respiratory tract and ear diseases

The main symptoms often observed in inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases of the respiratory ENT organs:

Difficulty of nasal breathing

Can be temporary or permanent. The most common causes of this symptom: chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal trauma, foreign body of the nasal passages, nasal diphtheria. Causes of constant congestion: in childhood – the proliferation of lymphoid tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), in young men – a tumor of the nasopharynx, leading to bleeding, curvature of the nasal septum, tumors of the nasal and paranasal sinuses and congenital anomalies of the nose

Difficulty breathing through the mouth

Caused by various diseases of the pharynx and larynx and lower respiratory tract. The cause of this symptom in children is more often abscesses in the pharyngeal space, foreign bodies of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract, chemical burns of the pharynx and larynx, neoplasms of these areas. Tracheal obstruction caused by a foreign body deserves special attention, because the danger to the patient’s life is in direct proportion to the rate of development of the pathological process. According to the speed of development, they are distinguished:

Lightning suffocation leading to closure of the glottis within seconds or minutes; Choking associated with edema, trauma to the larynx, burns that grow over several hours or days; Chronic suffocation (tumors, scars, etc.) that develop over weeks or months. When the larynx is suffocated, inhalation is difficult, which is accompanied by a noise, and when the trachea is suffocated, exhalation is difficult. In the first case, there is a movement of the larynx up and down, the patient throws his head back, the voice is changed. And with the narrowing of the trachea, the larynx remains motionless, the patient sits bent forward and resting his hands on the edges of the bed, the voice is not changed.

Pain

A common symptom that accompanies many acute inflammatory diseases of ENT organs.

Pain in the nose. It is observed with nasal furuncle, acute and chronic inflammation of the sinuses of the nose, nasal tumors, etc. With a disease of the paranasal sinuses, pain develops gradually and is of varying intensity: more severe – with acute, less significant – with chronic processes.

Pain does not always correspond to the localization of the process: with inflammation of the maxillary sinus in the cheek, with inflammation of the frontal sinus – in the superciliary region, with inflammation of the nasal lattices – at the root of the nose, with inflammation of the main sinus – pain radiating to the back of the head.

Pain with inflammation of the trigeminal nerve is conductive in nature. Pain that radiates to the teeth – can be an early sign of malignant neoplasm of the maxillary sinus. A sore throat is always observed with various tonsillitis, with a pharyngeal abscess, acute – one-sided pain. Small pains in the form of perspiration, burning, sensations of an outsider accompany acute chronic pharyngitis, pharyngeal candidiasis (fungal disease).

Sore throat emanating from the larynx always accompanies inflammation of the cartilage tissue, burns and injuries of the larynx, tuberculosis of the larynx, malignant tumors, these pains increase with swallowing, i.e.because the food lump touches the diseased organ.

Pain caused by changes in the outer ear, constant, aggravated by pressure on the tragus or pulling on the auricle. Acute inflammation of the middle ear before the onset of suppuration is accompanied by severe, unbearable, paroxysmal pain. Pressure on the mastoid bone behind the ears also causes pain.

Nasal discharge

May be mucous or purulent, and appears in diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.At the beginning of acute rhinitis, the discharge from both halves of the nose is mucous and abundant, then their number decreases, they become mucopurulent. Prolonged unilateral purulent, fetid rhinitis is often a symptom of a foreign body in the nasal cavity.

Bleeding from ENT organs – very common

Bleeding from the nasal cavity is common, because it contains a large number of blood vessels. Local causes of nosebleeds include trauma, foreign bodies, dilated vessels of the nasal septum, tumors; and for general reasons – arterial hypertension, blood disease, infectious diseases, vitamin deficiency.Bleeding from the pharynx, if you exclude trauma, including the operating room, is quite rare. Bleeding from their ear after injury is a formidable symptom, indicating a fracture of the base of the skull. This symptom can be observed with chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear.

Violation of smell (hyposmia)

Depends on both local causes and lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). Distinguish between respiratory and essential smell disorders. Hyperosmia (painful exacerbation of the sense of smell), kakosmia (olfactory hallucinations), parosmia (perverted sense of smell) and anosmia (no sense of smell).Respiratory anosmia is caused by the fact that the air stream does not enter the olfactory gap, which can be closed due to a sharp curvature of the nasal septum, polyps, swelling and swelling.

When the cause is eliminated, the olfactory function is restored. And if the violation of the sense of smell occurred as a result of damage to the receptors of the olfactory nerve, which occurs after the flu, with trauma to the skull, tumors, it is almost impossible to restore the lost function.

Vileness

Changes in the tone of voice as a result of nasal congestionThis occurs with adenoids, polyps, tumors, retropharyngeal abscess, cleft palate. Dysphonia (hoarseness, hoarseness) and aphonia (lack of voice).

Occurs as a result of organic lesions of the larynx, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. Voice dysphonia occurs after increased voice load, with acute and chronic laryngitis, laryngeal tumors, diphtheria, tuberculosis, syphilis, foreign body and laryngeal injury.

Spasm of the muscles of the larynx is one of the signs of tetanus, occurs in epilepsy.In children under the age of two, laryngospasm is also diagnosed, which is a consequence of rickets, thymusmigalia (enlarged thymus gland).

Hearing impairment. Hearing loss

Associated with changes in the outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing loss of the outer ear is easy to detect (most often sulfuric plug, foreign bodies, inflammatory edema of the walls of the ear canal). Hearing loss accompanies many diseases of the middle ear (tympanic membrane injury, chronic suppurative otitis media, etc.) Decrease in hearing acuity can be one or two-sided.

Ear noise

Often occurs in various ear diseases. It can manifest itself in diseases of the organ of hearing, as well as in central hearing disorders. Another cause of tinnitus is vascular factor. Noises can appear with atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, aneurysms of large vessels. Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck

It happens in inflammatory and tumor processes in the ENT organs, as well as in diseases of the blood, lymphogranulomatosis.Enlarged painful solitary mobile lymph nodes behind the mandibular angle are a valuable diagnostic feature of chronic tonsillitis.

First aid at home

Angina / pharyngitis

On the first day, gargle with a decoction of 0.5 tsp. cardamom and 0.5 tsp. cinnamon. Antiseptic, healing and analgesic properties of turmeric can relieve sore throat and remove mucus, disinfect inflamed mucous membrane.The gargle is prepared from 0.5 tsp. turmeric and 0.5 tsp. salt in a glass of water.

Another option is to squeeze half a glass of juice from the onion. Add 2 tbsp. honey. Stir. Wrap a bandage on tweezers and quickly process the throat, smearing the throat well, do this twice – three times doing this over and over again. Moisten two mustard plasters in this potion and stick to the feet for 1 hour. Wear woolen socks, drink a drink infused with linden flowers or black elderberry flowers.

Ear pain

For pain and ringing in the ears, boil 5 whole cloves in 1 tbsp in a water bath.l. oils. Leave the cloves in the oil. 3 drops of warm oil in each ear. In case of otitis media, insert a geranium leaf, previously washed and dried, into the ear. After 10-15 minutes, the pain should subside.

For tinnitus – 1 tbsp. pour 1 tbsp of licorice roots. boiling water. Warm up for 20 minutes in a water bath. Strain and drink in 4 doses for 10 days, 7 days break + 1 tbsp. brewer’s yeast. In the early days with acute laryngitis, you can drink a glass of sweet hot tea, with the addition of 1 tbsp. cognac and warm up under the covers.

90,000 Respiratory tract diseases: types and treatment

Respiratory tract diseases consistently rank first in the structure of the entire incidence of the population of Russia. Children are especially often sick: they have 54.2% of all diseases are pathologies of the respiratory system. In the structure of morbidity in adolescents, respiratory pathologies account for 33.2%, in adults – 13.6% [1]. The incidence of respiratory diseases increases in winter and spring, during the so-called cold season, and decreases in the warm season.

Types of respiratory diseases

The International Classification of Diseases of the Tenth Revision (ICD-10) identifies the following types of respiratory diseases:

• J00-J06 – Acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract.
• J09-J18 – Influenza and pneumonia.
• J20-J22 – Other acute lower respiratory tract infections.
• J30-J39 – Other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
• J40-J47 – Chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract.
• J60-J70 – Diseases of the lung caused by external agents.
• J80-J84 – Other respiratory diseases, mainly affecting interstitial tissue.
• J85-J86 – Purulent and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract.
• J90-J94 – Other diseases of the pleura.
• J95-J99 – Other respiratory diseases.

In the popular literature, it is customary to distinguish diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, but in practice this division is very arbitrary: for example, the flu begins in the nasopharynx (upper respiratory tract) and rather quickly descends into the larynx, trachea, and sometimes reaches the alveoli (lower respiratory ways), causing pneumonia.And other viral diseases of the respiratory tract behave in a similar way: starting as an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, the disease rapidly migrates down the respiratory system. And if we take into account the high frequency of complications of acute respiratory infections, then the division of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract into viral and bacterial also becomes very relative. The mucous membrane affected by the virus is willingly colonized by pathogenic bacteria, taking advantage of the temporary decrease in local immunity.

If we talk about the causes of the main diseases of the respiratory tract, they can be divided into the following groups:

1. Infections. This is the most common cause of airway disorders. It includes viral, bacterial, fungal infections – acute and chronic. If we talk about specific diagnoses, this group includes most of the pathologies of an inflammatory nature (from rhinosinusitis to bronchopneumonia), the main symptoms of which are runny nose, fever, sore throat, and cough.
2. Allergies. This is the second most common cause of respiratory diseases. If infections occur, as a rule, against the background of insufficient activity of the immune system, then with allergies, on the contrary, it is excessive. The body perceives the foreign protein of allergens that have fallen on the mucous membrane as a particle of a pathogenic microorganism and begins to “attack”. The result is inflammation, not infectious, but allergic. Most often it is the well-known “hay fever”, it is also allergic rhinitis.Allergies can cause pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis. Bronchial asthma stands apart – it is known that there is an allergic component in the mechanism of development of this disease, but the exact reasons for its occurrence have not yet been clarified.
3. Occupational pathology. These are diseases such as silicosis, anthracosis and other diseases caused by prolonged exposure to conditions where the air is polluted with large amounts of fine dust.
4. Autoimmune diseases. These are quite rare pathologies in which the body begins to perceive its own tissues as foreign and directs immune complexes against them. Among the pathologies of the respiratory tract, only two are actually autoimmune – sarcoidosis of the lungs and idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis. But often the respiratory organs can be affected by systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, polymyositis, and others.

But no matter how varied the causes of diseases of the respiratory system, most are still acute infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract: ARVI, including influenza, sinusitis, tonsillitis and the like.Therefore, speaking about the treatment of respiratory diseases, we will touch on these problems.

Methods of treatment

Considering the treatment of respiratory diseases, one cannot fail to mention alternative methods . Hot drinks, inhalations over potatoes, foot baths with mustard, garlic oil in the nose – there is no limit to the imaginations of home-grown “healers”. Alas, the overwhelming majority of these procedures are ineffective, and some, such as inhalation over hot water, are simply dangerous. And the point is not only in possible burns, but also in the fact that hot steam does not kill the infection, but contributes to its transfer to the lower respiratory tract.

It can be quite useful to drink moderately hot (not scalding!) decoctions of raspberries, rose hips, fruit drinks from various marsh berries . They contribute to the elimination of the toxic waste products of pathogens from the body – the main cause of poor health in acute infections. For the same purpose, chicken broth, which is often recommended for colds, can be useful. In addition, it helps maintain strength in situations when due to illness there is absolutely no appetite, and the functions of the digestive system are reduced.

Relatively effective for normalizing the temperature of rubbing with cold water, a weak solution of vinegar or alcohol .

Important

Under no circumstances should children under three years of age wipe with alcohol solutions: they have delicate skin that easily absorbs alcohol, which can cause poisoning. In addition, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by physical methods only at high temperatures – 39–40 ° C.

Proven to be beneficial salt water rinsing : Regular “nasal douche” reduces symptoms by 35% and improves quality of life by 30% [2].Saline solution (physiological or seawater-based) washes away infectious agents and their toxins, and also improves the so-called mucociliary clearance – the ability of the mucous membrane to excrete harmful agents on its own. The optimal amount of salt in the nasal rinse solution is 9 g (1.5 teaspoon) per liter (not a glass!) Of water. In addition, you can use ready-made (pharmacy) saline solutions with a given concentration of NaCl.

And, in fact, this list of relatively effective folk remedies for the treatment of respiratory diseases is limited.And what does medicine offer?

First of all, the patient needs medical protection regimen . This means that all the time while the temperature is kept, the patient should be in bed . If there is no appetite, you do not need to feed him, if you want to eat something, you need dishes of a soft and semi-liquid consistency that do not irritate an inflamed pharynx, a comfortable temperature.

Obligatory regular ventilation, humidification of air in the room (if there is no special apparatus or aquarium in the house, wet terry towels on the battery can help).During ventilation, the patient should be warmly covered.

Some people believe that rest and drinking plenty of fluids is enough for the body to cope with most acute respiratory infections. But experts who know firsthand what a complication of ARVI is (sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, bronchitis), as a rule, prefer to help the body with drugs.

What drugs can be used in such cases:

1. Vasoconstrictor agents (for example, xylometazoline) – reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa, reduce the duration of a cold by about a third [3].They help to normalize the outflow of mucus from the middle ear cavity into the nasopharynx and from the sinuses, thus reducing the likelihood of developing otitis media and sinusitis. It is not recommended to use these products for more than five days in a row, and also too often within one day, as they are addictive, and the opposite effect is possible.
2. NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin) – widely advertised “head and fever” drugs. Reduce the severity of general intoxication, contribute to a decrease in temperature.

   Important

   Children with colds should never be given aspirin – this can cause severe liver and brain damage (Reye’s syndrome). The temperature should not be reduced to a threshold of 38.5 ° C, otherwise it “undermines” the body’s mobilization resources, preventing it from effectively fighting viruses. The exception is people with cardiovascular disease – they are “allowed” to take NSAIDs at a temperature of 38 ° C.

   It is necessary to observe the dosage of the drugs taken and, if necessary, combine several similar drugs, carefully calculate and record the amount of each drug taken.According to foreign statistics, an overdose of paracetamol was the cause of almost half of all recorded cases of acute liver failure. Moreover, most of the patients received an overdose unintentionally, taking several different drugs to get rid of a cold faster [4]. In addition, it should be remembered that long-term use of absolutely any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provoke gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. Local antiseptics (cetylpyridinium chloride, amylmetacresol + dichlorobenzyl alcohol).These are all sorts of sprays, lozenges, lozenges, lozenges and similar antiseptic agents, often in combination with menthol or other soothing ingredients. In theory, they kill infectious agents and reduce the likelihood of bacterial complications. Unfortunately, their area of ​​action is extremely small and is limited to the oral cavity, tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall. However, these remedies reduce throat discomfort, which significantly improves the patient’s quality of life.
4. Antiviral agents (umifenovir, oseltamivir, interferons). It should be noted that not a single antiviral drug can directly destroy viruses that have entered the body. But a viral particle, in order to multiply, needs to get inside the cell and integrate into its genetic mechanisms. Antiviral drugs in one way or another block the process of virus penetration into living cells, thus indirectly leading to the death of viral particles and a decrease in the activity of the infectious process.
5. Immunomodulators (immunostimulants) . These funds are aimed at “boosting” the immune system, making it more actively fight the infection. There are several groups of immunomodulators with different mechanisms of action:
   1. Inducers of interferon . They force the body to produce interferon, which protects the mucous membranes from the penetration of viruses. In the early stages of the disease – in the so-called prodrome period – they can be effective, but after the virus begins to actively multiply, the body has enough of its own interferon, and its excess prevents the activation of cellular immunity from starting.
   2. Bacterial lysates . These are particles of the shell of pathogens. Available as sprays or suckers. They stimulate the production of antibodies, reducing the likelihood of developing bacterial complications – but only in relation to those microorganisms whose lysates are contained in the preparation. May be effective for chronic infections. Potentially allergenic.
   3. Thymus preparations . They contain a dipeptide similar to a substance produced by the thymus gland (thymus) and regulating the immune response.Promote the stimulation of the production of immunoglobulin A, which forms the natural defense of the mucous membranes, and the regulation of the activity of immunocompetent cells.
6. Antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) . They are prescribed when complications of a bacterial nature appear. Usually, a sign of such a complication is the “second wave” of the disease – after a short-term relief, the temperature rises again, and nasal discharge or sputum becomes purulent.Ineffective for preventing bacterial infection and useless against viruses.

As a rule, medications for respiratory tract diseases are prescribed in combination to alleviate well-being and reduce the likelihood of developing bacterial complications.

Prevention: How Can Immunity Be Helpful?

It is generally known that most respiratory illnesses are easier to prevent than to cure – especially acute respiratory infections. Therefore, during seasonal outbreaks, it is better, if possible, to avoid crowded places, do not use public transport, wash hands thoroughly (most viruses are transmitted not only by airborne droplets, but also through objects), make sure that there is enough protein in the diet (all immune complexes are proteins) and vitamins.Do not forget about such traditional methods of strengthening the immune system as hardening and walking in the fresh air.

Those who believe that simple measures to prevent acute respiratory diseases are not enough can use OTC antiviral drugs (many of them have preventive regimens) and immunomodulatory agents. It should be noted that with prolonged use of some immunostimulants, the opposite effect may occur – the constantly “whipped up” immune system over time depletes its capabilities.Therefore, before using such funds (however, like any other therapeutic methods), you must consult a doctor.

Diseases of the respiratory tract make up the bulk of pathologies in the structure of morbidity, especially in pediatrics. As a rule, this is ARVI with a pronounced seasonality of manifestations. Their treatment should be complex and include both symptomatic agents and drugs to strengthen the immune system.

Cold autumn will ask about a sore throat

Autumn this year, having entered into its legal rights, got down to business.The shockingly rainy September was replaced by a cold October. And the so-called Indian summer remains only in dreams … Symptoms such as sore throat and sore throat, accompanied by dryness and difficulty swallowing, are one of the most frequent complaints that visitors come to the pharmacy during this cold season. These symptoms accompany acute infectious diseases of the oropharynx (pharyngitis and tonsillitis), as well as nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections or acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI).Therefore, the recommendations of a pharmaceutical worker regarding the choice of a drug for the treatment of sore throat are becoming relevant these days. After all, it is to him that many turn to in the first place with a request to advise an effective drug.

While consulting a pharmacy visitor regarding the treatment of sore throat, it is important for the pharmacist to pay attention to the presence of symptoms of the disease that require urgent medical attention – shortness of breath, inability to swallow; a sharp increase in the palatine tonsils, plaque or ulceration on the tonsils; redness of the throat; soreness of the lymph nodes when palpating; an increase in body temperature over 38 ° C; sore throat accompanied by a rash on the skin; Strong headache; ear pain; discoloration of urine (Zupanets I.A. et al., 2003). In the absence of the above symptoms, the treatment of a sore throat mainly consists in the use of topical drugs, drinking plenty of fluids, and eliminating irritating food from the diet. When choosing a drug for the local treatment of sore throat, it is important to remember that it should not be absorbed into the bloodstream, exert systemic effects, and also exhibit an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and lead to the development of an allergic reaction.

In this context, particular attention is drawn to benzydamine hydrochloride – the active ingredient of the drug TANTUM VERDE ^® , which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and decongestant effect.Benzydamine hydrochloride inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), which helps to interrupt the inflammatory process in the early stages, as well as to reduce the formation of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. In addition, benzydamine hydrochloride helps to reduce capillary permeability and exudation of leukocyte infiltration, stabilize lysosomal membranes, and inhibits the production of adenosine triphosphate and other high-energy compounds during oxidative phosphorylation.This allows you to quickly eliminate inflammation in the throat and prevent the progression of the disease (Simard-Savoie S., Forest D., 1978; Quane P. et al., 1998).

When applied topically in the recommended dose, the active substance TANTUM VERDE ^® penetrates into the epithelial layer, is absorbed by the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and reaches therapeutic concentrations in the inflamed tissues. Moreover, its concentration in blood plasma is so low that it does not have a systemic pharmacological effect.In addition, benzydamine has antibacterial activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, as well as yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Molinari G., 1993; Pina-Vaz S., 2000).

Thus, the active ingredient TANTUM VERDE ^® reduces the severity of inflammatory processes in the oropharynx, swelling of the affected tissues, helps to relieve pain, suppresses pathogenic microflora, eliminates sore throat, dysphagia.The drug is available in the form of a spray and solution for topical use. Spray TANTUM VERDE ^® is convenient to use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the throat in children from the age of 4 years. A special dispenser and graduated cap of the solution bottle helps to accurately measure the recommended doses. TANTUM VERDE ^® has a pleasant mint taste; when applied, there is no burning sensation.

TANTUM VERDE ^® – get ready for autumn surprises!

Press service of “Weekly APTEKA”

Tantum Verde

Tsikava information for you:

90,000 Modern approaches to the treatment of sore throat | Ovchinnikov

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3. NICE. Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing guideline. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2018. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84/evidence/evidence-reviewpdf-4723224013.

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90,000 How to protect yourself from influenza and coronavirus – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

How do epidemics arise? Why does the innocuous in most cases coronavirus become aggressive and claim lives? What to do to avoid catching an infection? A prominent Russian pulmonologist, director of the Research Institute of Pulmonology, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Chuchalin spoke about little-known facts from the life of coronaviruses and how to protect themselves from them.

Where do coronaviruses come from?

The biological reservoir of most coronaviruses, and now scientists have identified several dozen of their serotypes, are various animals: birds, raccoons, ferrets, badgers and many others. When an epidemic caused by the MERS coronavirus struck in 2002, it was found that the African cat weaver, which people breed for the sake of a special secreted by it, which is used to produce perfume, was the “culprit”. These cats lived in a park in Hong Kong.The first infected was a Chinese man who communicated closely with them. He developed severe respiratory syndrome. It was not possible to save him. But before he knew he was sick, he managed to infect others. So the epidemic began. The exact source of the new virus has not yet been identified. Presumably these are bats, there are other hypotheses.

Why is a relatively harmless coronavirus becoming dangerous?

A point mutation occurs, the virus acquires new, previously uncharacteristic qualities.So, we regularly deal with coronaviruses that cause the fall cold. There are also more dangerous types that can cause bronchial asthma, infectious diarrhea, otitis media in children. All these viruses live in the human body.

But if the virus is transmitted from animal to person, the virus can mutate and acquire properties that are dangerous to humans. For example, in severe forms of atypical dermatitis, the coronavirus dominates among other viruses. Coronaviruses also cause SARS.As it happened in 2002-2003 and with the current epidemic.

Why is it necessary to be under medical supervision when there is a threat of coronavirus infection?

Pneumonia does not occur immediately. First, the virus invades the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. A runny nose occurs. Then the throat, the upper part of the trachea is affected. Pain appears when swallowing, tonsils enlarge. If the body is weakened and the virus enters the lungs, pneumonia develops. This can happen on the 5-7th day.That is why patients need to be examined and, if a virus is detected, monitored every day. This should also be done with the flu, as the flu virus can in some cases cause pneumonia.

How to distinguish coronavirus from influenza?

The main symptoms are general: fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stools. But with coronavirus, if the course of the disease is severe, shortness of breath occurs. This suggests that the virus infects the epithelial cells of the lungs, where gas exchange takes place.Therefore, if a patient has shortness of breath and a dry cough, he must be hospitalized and carried out pulse oximetry. A special device is put on the finger and the degree of blood oxygen saturation is monitored. If necessary, carry out intensive therapy – artificial ventilation of the lungs.

In the open air, the virus does not live long, but in China they now prefer to carry out total disinfection.

Photo: REUTERS

A square question

Will a person with good immunity get sick and how to strengthen it?

Immunity is a broad concept.When it comes to infections that affect the respiratory tract, you need to talk about mucosal immunity. This is a special “local” immunity, it is due to the fact that on the surface of the nasal mucosa, trachea, throat there is a sufficient concentration of class A immunoglobulin, a special enzyme lysozyme is produced, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and a number of other substances that protect us from infection. If mucosal immunity is weakened, the person will be susceptible to respiratory infections. Therefore, if you do not want to get sick, monitor the condition of the respiratory tract mucosa.

Returning home from the street or from work, thoroughly rinse the nasal mucosa, rinse your throat thoroughly. The easiest way to rinse is with salted boiled water (saline). Fluimucil can be used. You should try to remove all the accumulated mucus.

If a person smokes, including electronic cigarettes, it is a huge burden on the lungs. If you can’t quit – take care to breathe fresh air more often.

Help lungs with simple inhalation. You can buy a nebulizer and irrigate your respiratory tract regularly, this is a household appliance that creates a good aerosol.You can use saline, alkaline mineral water, fluimucil solution.

The lungs love the load. Breathing intensively and deeply during exercise is beneficial. But on one condition: in the presence of clean air. In gymnasiums, closed rooms, no matter how carefully they are cleaned, there is a lot of dust. Therefore, any physical education is a hundred times more useful in the fresh air, of course, away from highways.

Certain vitamins can be taken. Vitamins A and E are especially important for strengthening the mucous membranes.Vitamin E provides good antioxidant protection. Vitamin A helps the cilia of the epithelium, strengthens them. It is the cilia that remove mucus from the surface of the respiratory tract, protecting the body from infection.

Vaccination is important. The pneumococcal vaccine is especially effective for lung health. For adults, this is also important, because vaccinations given in childhood gradually lose their protective effect. Children are vaccinated at regular intervals, the national calendar provides them with protection from major infections.And when people get older, the immunization process stops. Therefore, adults are often more vulnerable to many infections than children. The flu vaccine, which is given annually in the fall, will also help keep you from getting sick. And if the infection does occur, the disease will proceed more easily and with fewer complications.

WHAT TO DO IF A PERSON HAS BEEN MUCHED OR SWALLOWED AN INABLE OBJECT

Doctor Evgeny Mitin again rushes to the rescue: now to those who suddenly choked or ate what was not supposed to eat.What if a person suddenly swallows a safety pin, needle, toothpick, match, spoon or even fork? How to help someone who choked? And is it worth in such cases to clap on the back, as we are used to? Ambulance doctor BMC UDP RK Evgeny Mitin gives the most necessary advice.

IF YOU HAVE SWALLOWED AN INEALABLE

Let’s start with foreign objects, which sometimes, in unforeseen situations, end up in our stomach, pharynx or in the upper respiratory tract: in professional language they are called foreign bodies.

A foreign body is an object that should not be in the body. This includes household items (spoons, forks, pens, caps), wounding agents (needles, knives, bullets). They can enter the body through the skin or through natural openings.

But now we will talk about foreign bodies that enter the upper respiratory tract and pharynx, which most often does not happen intentionally, but accidentally, through carelessness, while playing, laughing, coughing, or frightened.

WHAT CAN BE SWALLOWED

Anything. There may be pins, coins, needles in our body: very often women, sewing on something or mending, place a needle between their lips and then while sneezing, or laughing also, accidentally, swallow it. Or we hold matches and toothpicks in our teeth during active conversation, which can be swallowed when coughing and frightened. Young children love to put in their mouths what they find on the floor – small toys, coins.

All these objects, if they are small, can get into the esophagus, go into the stomach and then into the intestines. But the route may be different: a foreign body sometimes gets into the larynx, pharynx and trachea, and even, there have been cases, it can reach the bronchi. It all depends on the size. If the swallowed object is rather large, then, as a rule, it gets stuck at the level of the pharynx and trachea, blocking breathing. Therefore, some manufacturers of household appliances pay special attention to this.

For example, you know that ballpoint pen caps are now made so that there is a gap in them – the space between the pin of the ballpoint pen cap and the cap itself. If it is swallowed, then air will still enter the lungs through this lumen. Also, you probably noticed that there is also a hole on the tip of the cap that can allow enough air to pass through so that the person does not completely suffocate.

WHAT TO DO

Sometimes small foreign objects, when swallowed, smoothly enter the esophagus and stomach, or, as often happens with young children, others can see that the child was playing, holding an object in his mouth, and he suddenly disappeared. In both cases, you need to go to the doctor, examine the stomach and esophagus. If possible, foreign bodies are removed in such cases. If the object has gone quite deep, and in principle, it does not pose a great threat to health, then you can wait until it comes out naturally.If this does not happen, then the foreign body is removed surgically.

But what if a foreign body gets stuck in the throat?

The upper respiratory tract has its own peculiarity: when a foreign object enters them, the glottis can close and clamp it. Such a physiological reaction is called laryngospasm: the body, as they say, catches a foreign object, does not allow it to go further.But sometimes it slips past the vocal cords, enters the trachea and begins to move on inhalation and exhalation. At the same time, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe: an incessant cough begins, and a spasm in the larynx leads to respiratory failure. In this case, one cannot hesitate.

In order to provide first aid when a foreign body enters the pharynx, larynx, upper respiratory tract, you need to apply the Heimlich technique.

one.The victim must be turned around with his back and tightly wrapped with his hands between the navel and the upper half of the abdomen.

2. With a sharp movement from the bottom up, you need to press several times on the indicated area. Thus, the volume of the chest is reduced, as a result of which a foreign body can fly into the oral cavity.

It is important to act carefully and immediately remove the object from the mouth, because it can go back inside: the first thing a victim tries to do in such a situation is to breathe in as much air as possible.

If ​​a person has lost consciousness, then it is necessary to provide assistance in the supine position as follows:

1.we sit on the victim’s feet

2.With both hands, press on the same area – between the navel and the upper half of the abdomen from bottom to top

3. make a few sharp jerks.

Also, a person who has lost consciousness due to respiratory failure may develop heart failure, that is, cardiac arrest.

In such cases, it is necessary to proceed immediately to compressions on the heart, since it is necessary to restore blood circulation and prevent the brain from dying.

From children foreign bodies are removed as follows:

1.we put the child on the forearm with his face in the palm

2.Put two fingers of the hand in his mouth

3. With jerky movements between the shoulder blades, we apply light blows.

IS IT WORTH SLAPPING ON THE BACK

If the object is stuck in the upper respiratory tract, then hitting on the back is useless, since our efforts will not give the necessary impulse. On impact, as a rule, the object bounces to meet the impact, not up.

There are also cases when a foreign body passes through the pharynx and gets stuck in the esophagus. This phenomenon is called cardiospasm: a large, poorly chewed food lump gets stuck in the cardia – the first part of the esophagus, which is at the level of the heart.Vomiting reactions are usually not able to push the piece upward, since it is too tightly covered, it is impossible to swallow it further, while it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, because the lump squeezes the trachea. All this causes not only suffocation: the victim simply begins to panic, because he can neither swallow nor push the piece out. In such cases, we can only help with medication, injecting atropine. This is a medication that relaxes the muscles of the esophagus and allows stuck food to pass further into the stomach.

For this, a person needs to be urgently taken to the hospital, or an ambulance must be called. The earlier the better.

LET THIS DO NOT HAPPEN

It is important to always remember the rule that we have been repeated at the table since childhood “when I eat, I’m deaf and dumb”, so as not to choke and avoid getting a piece of food, seeds from fruits and jam in the wrong place. You also need to get rid of bad habits, for example, keep foreign objects in your mouth – toothpicks, pins, paper clips, needles, caps, otherwise they can go further than expected someday in an unforeseen situation.

90,000 Antibiotics for sore throat: for or against?

During the discussion, the following points were discussed:

It is important to emphasize the difference between sore throat, pharyngitis and tonsillitis: the latter two refer to physical detection and the former to subjective symptom.

A sore throat is often associated with a cold. According to a recent study, more than 80% of students with acute viral respiratory tract infection had painful sensations at the onset of the illness.

Viruses can be detected in up to two-thirds of children with pharyngitis using polymerase chain reaction analysis. Scientists believe that antibiotics should be given to 30-40% of patients with confirmed GAS (Group A streptococcus) infection. The potential role of Fusobacterium necrophorum has been reassessed, but there is no evidence of the benefit of antibiotic treatment in cases of this infection.

It has been suggested that instead of focusing on sore throat, the question of whether antibiotics should be used to treat GAS infection should be discussed.The question of confirming the diagnosis remained open. Diagnostic tools such as Centor, McIsaac and FeverPAIN were recommended: the higher the score, the more likely the patient is suffering from GAS infection.

Assessment of symptoms is often not accurate, especially in young children. An example was a report that examined the use of the Centor instrument in 441 children attending a pediatric emergency department. The authors concluded that the Centor criteria were ineffective in predicting a positive GAS culture in pharyngeal swabs from symptomatic patients.

It is widely accepted that antibiotics should be avoided for viral infections. A clinical case of a patient with a 2-day history of sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils and cervical lymph nodes, but no cough or rhinitis was discussed; the patient had a FeverPAIN score of 4–5 and 4 points, in accordance with European recommendations is an indication for antibiotic treatment. However, the smears were positive for adenovirus.

Also cited as an example was a 5-year-old boy with a FeverPAIN score of 4-5 and a Centor score of 3.The culture from his throat swab was GAS positive, illustrating the problem of differentiating between bacterial and viral infections.

If throat culture is GAS positive, is this a direct indication for antibiotic therapy? On the one hand, it prevents serious complications such as rheumatic fever. At the same time, there is a low level of acute rheumatic fever in developed countries (in Hungary there has been no case in the last 30 years).

At the moment, there is no statistically significant evidence that antibiotics prevent the development of angina.A delay in seeking medical attention means that the window for treatment is often overlooked. However, if symptoms appear early, there is no statistical evidence that antibiotics can prevent the development of sore throat. In addition, such prophylaxis means overuse of antibiotics.

A Cochrane review indicates a reduction in the duration of sore throat and fever with antibiotic therapy. In addition, compared with placebo, antibiotics reduce the incidence of suppurative complications such as acute otitis media and sinusitis after sore throat.