What are the key differences between strep throat, a cold, and tonsillitis. How can you identify the cause of your sore throat. What treatments are most effective for each condition. When should you see a doctor for a sore throat.

Understanding the Common Causes of Sore Throats

Sore throats are a frequent complaint that can stem from various sources. While often associated with strep throat, it’s crucial to recognize that most sore throats are actually caused by viral infections, such as the common cold. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment and recovery.

Are all sore throats created equal? No, they can be broadly categorized into three main types:

• Viral sore throats (associated with colds)
• Bacterial sore throats (like strep throat)
• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)

Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Let’s delve deeper into each to help you better understand and manage your sore throat symptoms.

Viral Sore Throats: The Common Cold Culprit

Viral infections are the most frequent cause of sore throats, with the common cold being a primary offender. These infections are typically less severe than bacterial infections but can still cause significant discomfort.

Identifying a Viral Sore Throat

How can you tell if your sore throat is viral? Look for these common symptoms:

• Gradual onset of throat pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Mild fever (usually below 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Fatigue
• Body aches

Is sneezing a sign of a viral sore throat? Yes, sneezing is often associated with viral infections like the common cold, but it’s not typically a symptom of strep throat.

Treatment Approaches for Viral Sore Throats

How do you treat a viral sore throat? Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, treatment focuses on symptom relief:

1. Rest and hydration
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
3. Gargling with warm salt water
4. Throat lozenges or hard candies
5. Humidifiers to add moisture to the air

Can medications cure a viral sore throat? No, medications can’t cure the viral infection, but they can help manage symptoms and make you more comfortable while your immune system fights off the virus.

Strep Throat: When Bacteria Are to Blame

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It’s less common than viral sore throats but typically more severe and requires different treatment.

Recognizing Strep Throat Symptoms

What are the telltale signs of strep throat? Look for:

• Sudden onset of severe throat pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• High fever (101°F/38.3°C or higher)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

Is coughing common with strep throat? No, coughing is not typically associated with strep throat. The absence of coughing, along with the lack of a runny nose, can help differentiate strep from a viral infection.

Diagnosing and Treating Strep Throat

How is strep throat diagnosed? A healthcare provider can perform a rapid strep test or a throat culture to confirm the presence of streptococcus bacteria.

What is the standard treatment for strep throat? Antibiotics are the primary treatment for strep throat. They help:

• Reduce the duration and severity of symptoms
• Prevent the spread of infection to others
• Lower the risk of complications, such as rheumatic fever

Is it necessary to complete the full course of antibiotics? Yes, it’s crucial to finish the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better. This helps ensure the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Tonsillitis: When Your Tonsils Take the Hit

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, including the streptococcus bacteria responsible for strep throat.

Identifying Tonsillitis Symptoms

How does tonsillitis differ from other sore throats? Key symptoms include:

• Swollen, red tonsils
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Ear pain

Can tonsillitis be recurring? Yes, some individuals experience chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, which may require more aggressive treatment or even surgical intervention.

Treating Tonsillitis

How is tonsillitis treated? The approach depends on whether it’s viral or bacterial:

• Viral tonsillitis: Similar to viral sore throats, treatment focuses on symptom relief
• Bacterial tonsillitis: Antibiotics are prescribed, similar to strep throat treatment

In cases of chronic or severe tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sore Throat

While many sore throats can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

When should you see a doctor for a sore throat? Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe throat pain that interferes with eating or drinking
• A fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that lasts more than a day
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• A sore throat lasting longer than a week
• A rash accompanying the sore throat
• Symptoms of dehydration

Is it possible to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections without a doctor’s visit? While certain symptoms can provide clues, a definitive diagnosis often requires professional evaluation, especially for strep throat.

Prevention Strategies for Sore Throats

Preventing sore throats involves adopting good hygiene practices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Hygiene Practices

How can you reduce your risk of developing a sore throat? Try these preventive measures:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid sharing utensils, glasses, or personal items
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Lifestyle Factors

Can lifestyle changes help prevent sore throats? Yes, consider these habits:

• Stay hydrated to keep your throat moist
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Limit exposure to allergens and irritants
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Get adequate sleep to support your immune system

Is there a way to boost your immune system against throat infections? While no method guarantees prevention, a healthy lifestyle can support your body’s natural defenses.

Complications of Untreated Sore Throats

While most sore throats resolve on their own or with basic treatment, some can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, especially in the case of strep throat.

Potential Complications

What are the risks of not treating a severe sore throat? Possible complications include:

• Peritonsillar abscess (collection of pus behind the tonsils)
• Rheumatic fever (inflammatory disease affecting the heart, joints, and other tissues)
• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation)
• Scarlet fever (bacterial infection causing a characteristic rash)
• Spread of infection to nearby structures (sinuses, middle ear, etc.)

Are these complications common? No, they’re relatively rare, especially with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, their potential severity underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and management of sore throats, particularly suspected strep infections.

Long-Term Effects

Can recurrent sore throats have long-term consequences? Chronic or recurrent throat infections may lead to:

• Persistent throat discomfort
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Missed work or school days
• Increased risk of antibiotic resistance (if antibiotics are frequently prescribed)

How can you manage chronic sore throats? If you experience frequent sore throats, consult with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to discuss potential underlying causes and long-term management strategies.

Sore Throat Remedies: Beyond Medication

While medications play a crucial role in treating certain types of sore throats, there are numerous home remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can provide relief and support recovery.

Natural Remedies

What are some effective natural remedies for sore throats? Consider trying:

• Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties and soothing effect
• Ginger tea: Can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
• Chamomile tea: May help reduce swelling and promote relaxation
• Marshmallow root: Contains a mucus-like substance that can coat and soothe the throat
• Sage and echinacea: Both have properties that may help fight infection and reduce inflammation

Are these remedies scientifically proven? While some have more research backing than others, many people find relief from these natural approaches. However, they should not replace medical treatment when necessary.

Dietary Considerations

Can your diet impact sore throat recovery? Yes, certain foods can help soothe a sore throat while others may exacerbate discomfort:

Foods that may help:

• Warm broths and soups
• Cold foods like popsicles or ice cream
• Soft, cooked vegetables
• Scrambled eggs or other soft proteins

Foods to avoid:

• Spicy or acidic foods
• Rough or hard foods that may scratch the throat
• Very hot beverages
• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating

Is there a specific diet for sore throat recovery? While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, focusing on soft, soothing foods and staying well-hydrated can support healing and provide comfort.

Environmental Factors

How can you create a throat-friendly environment? Consider these tips:

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates or during winter
• Avoid exposure to irritants like smoke, strong cleaning products, or excessive dust
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature to avoid dry air from heating systems
• Ensure adequate ventilation in your living and working spaces

Can air quality affect throat health? Yes, poor air quality can irritate the throat and potentially increase susceptibility to infections. Improving indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air purification can be beneficial.

Strep Throat – Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital

Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus bacteria (group A strep) which live in the nose and throat. When they cause an infection, the throat becomes irritated, inflamed and severely sore.

Although many people assume that a sore throat means strep throat, most sore throats are not strep. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and can be just as painful as a strep throat.

• Strep throats are usually not associated with a cough or runny nose. Doctors most commonly treat group A strep with antibiotics.
• If you have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose, you probably have a viral infection, not strep throat. Antibiotics do not help viral infections.

Strep throat is contagious and spreads easily from person to person through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Good hand washing is important to help prevent the spread of this illness. Strep is more common when people are crowded together indoors—especially in the winter.

Strep Throat Topics

Causes of Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcal bacteria.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Each individual experiences symptoms differently, and symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your otolaryngologist for a diagnosis.

Common symptoms of strep throat can include:

• Sudden and severe sore throat
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Painful swallowing
• Fever, usually 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) or higher
• Swelling of tonsils, possibly with pus or bleeding spots
• Headache

Diagnosis of Strep Throat

Your otolaryngologist may do a rapid strep screen, a throat culture, or both. The rapid test sometimes yields “false negatives” when strep is actually there. If the test is negative but other symptoms exist, your doctor may swab the infected area to do a culture for the suspected bacteria. Culture results take 24-48 hours, but they rarely miss a case of strep.

Learn more about strep throat tests.

Read about rapid strep throat tests.

Treatment for Strep Throat

Your otolaryngologist will assess your specific condition and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment, most often antibiotics.

What You Should Expect

You will receive a thorough diagnostic examination to evaluate if you have strep throat and determine what course of treatment is needed. Careful monitoring and the involvement of an experienced otolaryngologist are important to the successful outcome for patients with ear, nose and throat disorders and conditions.

Multidisciplinary Care

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care by collaborating with colleagues who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat disorders and conditions. In addition, patients have full access to Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s world-renowned academic medical community, with its diverse specialists, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Sore Throat? Find Out if It’s a Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What’s the Difference Between a Cold, Strep Throat, and Tonsillitis?
• Is a Sore Throat With a Cold Caused by Viruses or Bacteria?
• Along With a Sore Throat, What are Other Cold Symptoms?
• How Are Sore Throats With Colds Treated?
• Can Medications Relieve Symptoms of a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• How Is Strep Throat Different From a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• Is Strep Throat More Serious Than a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• Are Strep Throat Symptoms Different From a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• Do I Need to See My Doctor if I Think I Have Strep Throat?
• What Is a Strep Test for a Sore Throat?
• What Is the Treatment for Strep Throat?
• What If My Strep Throat Isn’t Getting Better?
• How Is Tonsillitis Different From a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• How Are Tonsillitis Symptoms Different From Symptoms of a Sore Throat With a Cold?
• How Is a Sore Throat From Tonsillitis Treated?
• More

Wonder if your painful sore throat is from a cold, strep throat, or tonsillitis? Here’s help with how to tell.

A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two. Other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat.

Strep throat, which is an infection due to streptococcus bacteria, is another cause of sore throats and tonsillitis. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists.

Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation or infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located at the back of the throat.

Sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The most common causes of sore throats are viruses. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by other cold symptoms that may include a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing. Other causes of sore throat include smoking, pollution or irritants in the air, allergies, and dry air.

In addition to a sore throat, other common cold symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches
• Fever

Although there is no cure for a sore throat caused by a cold virus, there are ways to help you feel more comfortable. Drinking warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, sucking on ice chips, or taking an over-the-counter medicine may relieve symptoms of pain or fever. When you are sick with a cold, it is also important to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of fluids.

Over-the-counter cold medications may relieve cold and sore throat symptoms. However, the benefits of these drugs are minimal. Some cold medications include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the aches and pains of a cold and sore throat. (Aspirin should not be given to children because of its link to Reye’s syndrome, a disorder that can cause brain damage and death.)
• Sore throat sprays and lozenges to soothe your throat and numb the throat pain temporarily. (Lozenges should not be given to young children.)
• Decongestant nasal sprays to relieve a sore throat caused by postnasal drip — nasal drainage that runs down your throat. (Be sure to stop using nasal decongestant sprays after three days, or you may have an increase in congestion when you stop them. )

Antibiotics should not be used to treat a cold virus and sore throat. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. They will not work on sore throats associated with colds, which are caused by viruses.

Strep throat is caused by an infection of streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat spreads by having contact with an infected person’s saliva or nasal secretions. Although strep throat is more common in children ages 5 to 15, it also occurs in adults. To diagnose strep throat, your doctor can check a rapid strep test or send a throat swab to the lab for a culture. In some cases, they may be able to diagnose strep based on your reported symptoms and other signs, such as white spots in the throat area, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Strep throat can cause more serious illnesses, such as rheumatic fever, a disease that may harm the heart valves. That’s why it’s important to get proper medical treatment. With proper treatment, strep throat is usually cured within 10 days.

Strep throat symptoms are usually more severe than symptoms of a sore throat with a cold and may include the following:

• Sudden sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Painful swallowing
• Red tonsils with white spots
• Fever

The symptoms of a cold and strep throat can be very similar. If you think you have symptoms of strep throat, visit your healthcare provider. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam, and you may be given a strep test.

A rapid strep test checks for streptococcus bacteria infection in the throat. The test is painless and takes very little time. The tip of a cotton swab is used to wipe the back of the throat. The swab is then tested right away. If the strep test is positive, you have strep throat. If the strep test is negative, you likely do not have strep throat. However, if there are strong signs of strep throat, your healthcare provider can do a different throat swab test that is sent to the lab to see if strep bacteria can be grown (cultured) from it. A throat culture takes a couple of days for results.

Strep throat is treated using antibiotics, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics are often taken as pills or given as a shot. Penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics used to treat strep throat. Other antibiotics are prescribed for people who are allergic to penicillin.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for antibiotic use. Take all of the medication, even if you feel better. You should feel better within a day or two. A person with strep throat should stay home until 24 hours after starting the antibiotic.

If your strep throat is not getting better, let your healthcare provider know right away. Do not stop taking your prescribed medicine unless your health care provider tells you to. Call your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur:

• Fever one or two days after feeling better
• Nausea or vomiting
• Earache
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Skin rash
• Cough
• Swollen glands
• Painful joints
• Shortness of breath
• Dark urine, rash, or chest pain (may occur three to four weeks later)

Sometimes, a sore throat is caused by tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. While the tonsils’ job is to help fight infection, the tonsils can also become infected. When they do, the result is tonsillitis and a very painful sore throat.

In addition to a sore throat, a cold usually causes nasal symptoms, such as runny nose or congestion. With tonsillitis, your tonsils become swollen and may have telltale white or yellow spots. Other symptoms with tonsillitis include the following:

• Bad breath
• Fever
• Voice changes because of swelling
• Painful swallowing
• Swollen lymph glands in neck

If the tonsillitis infection is bacterial like strep throat, then antibiotics are given. If the tonsillitis infection is viral, antibiotics will not help. The virus must run its course for the sore throat to resolve. For either type of throat infection, the following treatment measures may help:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking lots of fluid
• Eating smooth, soothing foods like gelatin, ice cream, shakes, frozen desserts, and soup
• Avoiding crunchy or spicy foods
• Using a vaporizer
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Children should not take aspirin.

If the tonsillitis infections occur repeatedly, or if the tonsils are interfering with sleep and breathing, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.

What would you like to learn about next?

• Tonsillitis Treatment
• Strep Throat Treatment
• Common Cold Treatment

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Catarrhal angina: causes, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• 1 Catarrhal angina: symptoms, treatment and prevention
  • 1. 1 Catarrhal angina: what is it?
  • 1.2 Catarrhal angina: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.2.1 Causes of catarrhal angina
  • 1.3 Who is at risk of developing catarrhal angina
  • 1.4 Symptoms of catarrhal angina 9000 8
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of catarrhal angina
  • 1.6 How to prevent catarrh
  • 1.7 Treatment of catarrh: basic methods
    • 1.7.1 Get medical attention at the first sign of illness
    • hot drinks and inhalations
    • 1.7 .4 Maintain bed rest
  • 1.8 Principles of proper nutrition in catarrhal angina
  • 1.9 Hygiene is important in catarrhal angina
  • 1.10 Possible complications of improper treatment of catarrhal sore throat
  • 1.11 Catarrhal specialist
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is catarrhal angina?
      • 1.13.0.2 How common is catarrhal angina?
      • 1.13.0.3 What symptoms accompany catarrhal angina?
      • 1. 13.0.4 How is catarrhal angina diagnosed?
      • 1.13.0.5 How is catarrhal angina treated?
      • 1.13.0.6 What role do antibiotics play in the treatment of catarrhal angina?

Catarrhal angina is an infectious disease that is manifested by inflammation of the pharynx and tonsil trunk, accompanied by acute pain and a number of unpleasant symptoms. Find out how to identify catarrhal angina and how to effectively treat it on our website.

Catarrhal angina is an unpleasant disease caused by infection. This is an inflammation of the pharynx, which leads to many unpleasant symptoms. Usually, catarrhal angina is not a serious illness, and it can be treated at home. However, some people may develop complications if the disease is not treated in time.

In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for catarrhal sore throat. This will help you understand how to treat the disease, and what additional measures should be taken.

If you suspect that you have catarrhal angina, do not worry. By following certain precautions, you will be able to cope with this disease and return to normal life in no time.

Catarrhal angina: what is it?

Catarrhal angina is one of the varieties of angina, which is an inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal ring. This form of the disease is the most common and less dangerous than other types of angina.

In addition, catarrhal angina is an infectious disease and is transmitted by any contact route. If untimely treatment can lead to serious consequences, such as abscesses and other complications.

Catarrhal angina: causes, symptoms and treatment

Causes of catarrhal angina

Catarrhal angina is a disease characterized by inflammation of the tonsils and pharyngeal lymphatic tissue. Causes of catarrhal angina can be:

• Viruses. The most common cause of catarrhal angina are viruses. They can enter the body through air droplets that are released when the patient coughs and sneezes.
• Bacteria. Catarrhal angina can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as a streptococcal infection. It is also transmitted through coughs and sneezes.
• Hypothermia. Cold air and colds can contribute to the occurrence of catarrhal angina.
• Intake of cold drinks and food. Their use can cause cooling of the tissues of the throat and contribute to the development of infection.

It is important to consider that the causes of catarrhal angina may differ depending on the age and general health of the patient.

Who is at risk of developing catarrhal angina

Catarrhal angina is a disease that can develop in anyone, but it is especially important to protect certain risk groups from infection.

Children and adolescents are the most susceptible to catarrhal angina due to their not yet fully developed immune systems. They are also often in a community where transmission can occur.

People who work in public places eg doctors, nurses, teachers are also at risk. They come into contact with many people and can easily become carriers and spreaders of the infection.

People who are immunocompromised – such as AIDS patients, cancer patients, people who receive immunosuppressants – may also be at increased risk of getting catarrhal angina. Their immune system cannot effectively fight infection.

• People with low resistance to the outside world under stress, people who are in a cool or damp room for a long time, hypothermia, may also be at increased risk of catarrhal angina.

Symptoms of catarrhal angina

Sore throat is the most characteristic symptom of catarrhal angina. The pain usually begins gradually and worsens with swallowing.

Hyperemia of the pharynx – increased blood filling of the mucous membrane of the throat. It can be observed both in patients with a mild course of the disease, and in those who have catarrhal angina in a severe form.

Edema of the pharyngeal ring – This symptom can be observed only in some patients with catarrhal angina. It is manifested by the presence of edema in the peripharyngeal lymphatic tissue and can cause difficulty in swallowing.

Ear pain – Some patients with catarrhal angina may experience pain in the ear area. This symptom is often associated with pain in the throat.

Chills and fever – Most patients with catarrhal angina have a slight rise in body temperature and a sensation of chills. These symptoms indicate the development of the inflammatory process in the body.

Diagnosis of catarrhal angina

For the correct diagnosis of catarrhal angina, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist who will examine the throat. To clarify the diagnosis, pump scraping of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat may be prescribed.

The diagnosis should also take into account the general symptoms of the disease, such as weakness, headache, malaise.

Differential diagnosis of catarrhal angina with other throat diseases such as pharyngitis, influenza, pneumonia, etc. is important.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment, which depends on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

How to prevent catarrhal angina

Catarrhal angina is a disease that is easy to catch, especially if you have a weakened immune system. To prevent the development of this disease, the following rules should be observed:

1. Maintain hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after visiting public places, contact with sick people or objects.
2. Avoid close contact with sick people. If someone close to you has symptoms of catarrh, it is recommended that you avoid close contact with them until they recover.
3. Maintain immunity. You must pay attention to maintaining your immunity so that your body can fight infection. Try to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
4. Do not abuse alcohol and smoking. Alcohol and smoking weaken the immune system and may contribute to the development of catarrhal angina. If you smoke, try quitting.
5. Seek medical attention on time. If you develop suspicious symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Early treatment can help prevent the progression of the disease.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce your chances of contracting catarrhal sore throat and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Treatment of catarrh: basic methods

Get medical attention at the first sign of illness

To effectively treat catarrh, it is important to seek medical help at the first sign of illness. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe studies and determine the presence of an infectious agent.

Take anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat catarrh. They help reduce swelling, pain and lower body temperature. Usually drugs based on aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen or nimesulide are used.

Use hot drinks and inhalations

Hot drinks and inhalations may help relieve sore throat and reduce swelling of the lining of the larynx and trachea. It is recommended to take teas with honey, lemon, ginger or herbal preparations. Solutions with oils of eucalyptus, mint, lemon balm and other antiseptics are used for inhalation.

Stay in bed

Bed rest is an important element in the treatment of catarrhal angina. It helps to cope with the infectious process and does not allow complications. The person needs to stay under the covers, rest and drink plenty of fluids. At a body temperature above 38 degrees, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs.

Principles of proper nutrition in catarrhal angina

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of catarrhal angina, as a properly organized diet helps to relieve the symptoms of the disease and speed up the healing process.

The first rule of a diet for catarrhal sore throat is a soft diet. Eating should be regular and frequent, but the portions are small so as not to burden the body. It is recommended to eat food in the form of mashed potatoes, soups, cereals, yogurt, so as not to injure the throat.

The second rule of the diet is the exclusion of spicy, sour and fried foods. They are painful to swallow and may cause throat irritation. It is not recommended to drink alcohol, strong tea and coffee.

Finally, the third rule is to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. The diet should be rich in protein, vitamin C, calcium and iron to strengthen the immune system and help the body fight disease. It is recommended to consume fruits, vegetables, greens, milk, eggs and meat.

A properly organized diet for catarrhal angina helps to speed up recovery, reduce the burden on the body and strengthen the immune system. Do not forget that the diet should be discussed with the doctor.

Hygiene is important in catarrhal angina

Catarrhal angina is a disease in which inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil occurs. This disease can lead to various consequences if hygiene measures are not followed.

It is also important to provide individual dishes and linen for the catarrhal patient. This will help prevent the spread of infection through household items.

It is important to understand that catarrh is caused by bacteria or viruses. Therefore, hygiene measures must be followed to reduce the risk of infection.

By following simple rules of hygiene, you can reduce the risk of contracting catarrhal angina and prevent its spread to the body fund.

Possible complications of improper treatment of catarrhal angina

Catarrhal angina is the first stage of inflammation of the pharynx and pharyngeal tonsils. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner or treat it incorrectly, the disease can become more severe and cause serious complications.

Rheumatic fever is one of the most serious complications of catarrh. This disease is characterized by damage to the joints, heart and nervous system. The reason is the immune response to the bacteria that caused catarrhal sore throat. If left untreated, rheumatic fever can lead to permanent damage to the heart valves and the need to replace them.

Purulent angina is a more severe form of angina characterized by purulent deposits on the tonsils. This can be life threatening, requiring emergency antibiotic treatment and possibly tonsil removal.

Risk of infection spreading to the respiratory organs – in case of incorrect or delayed treatment of catarrhal angina, bacteria can spread to the bronchi and lungs, causing breathing problems and pneumonia.

To prevent these complications, it is necessary to start the treatment of catarrhal angina on time, follow the recommendations of doctors and take antiviral and antibacterial drugs, and also do not forget about drinking plenty of water and rest.

Catarrh specialist

At the first symptoms of catarrhal angina, you should consult a doctor. But which doctor should you go to?

You can also consult a general practitioner or pediatrician if you cannot get to an otolaryngologist. They can conduct an initial examination and prescribe the necessary medications, but in case of complications of catarrhal sore throat, an appeal to an otolaryngologist will be required.

It is important to consult a specialist in time to determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. You should not self-medicate, as this can aggravate the disease and lead to complications.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is catarrhal angina?

Catarrhal angina is an infection of the throat caused by the bacterium Streptococcus that causes inflammation of the throat and tonsils. It is called catarrhal because the inflammation is only on the surface of the mucous membrane.

How common is catarrhal angina?

Catarrhal angina is one of the most common diseases of the pharynx. It can occur in people of all ages, but children between the ages of 5 and 15 are especially affected.

What are the symptoms associated with catarrhal angina?

Symptoms of catarrhal angina include: sore throat, difficulty swallowing, redness and swelling in the pharynx and tonsils, fever, general weakness, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

How is catarrhal angina diagnosed?

To diagnose catarrhal angina, the doctor will examine the throat and check for signs of inflammation. They may also take a throat swab to test for Streptococcus bacteria.

How is catarrhal angina treated?

Treatment for catarrh may include antibiotics to kill the Streptococcus bacterium that is causing the infection. Herbal teas, rinsing the throat with saline solutions, applying painkillers, and gargling with antiseptic solutions can also help.

What role do antibiotics play in the treatment of catarrhal angina?

Antibiotics play a key role in the treatment of catarrh, as they help to destroy the Streptococcus bacterium. However, the doctor must choose the right antibiotic, taking into account the age, state of health and other individual characteristics of the patient.

How not to confuse the flu with SARS and tonsillitis?

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ARVI is an acute respiratory disease caused by viruses. One of the acute respiratory viral infections, which is more severe and often accompanied by complications, is called the flu. In this case, it is extremely important to immediately consult a doctor. We tell you how to distinguish the flu from SARS and tonsillitis.

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Differences between influenza and SARS

An acute respiratory disease is transmitted to a person by airborne droplets (when talking, coughing, sneezing) and by household contact (through household items).

ARVI can become a continuation of the common cold, in which case the disease is longer, more severe and often requires antibiotics. Also today, modern etiotropic antiviral drugs can be used to treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. At the same time, the signs of ARVI and influenza at first glance do not differ much, but there is still a difference.

Influenza begins sharply and abruptly. Signs of intoxication of the body develop quickly. ARVI or the common cold develops smoothly, it gets worse gradually, within 1-2 days.

When you have the flu, the temperature also jumps sharply, sometimes it becomes bad in just an hour or two, the temperature lasts 3-4 days. Usually it is 39 degrees and above. With SARS, the body temperature rarely rises above 38 degrees.

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With SARS, a sick person feels relatively normal. With influenza, the degree of intoxication of the body is higher. Therefore, there are additional symptoms of poor health: headache in the temples and around the eyes, dizziness, nausea, weakness, chills, sweating, photophobia. Muscle pain, that is, aches, is very characteristic of the flu.

In acute respiratory viral infections, the patient most often suffers from sore throat, cough, runny nose. With influenza, local symptoms appear later, on the second or third day, the runny nose is often not so pronounced.

With ARVI without complications, a person recovers in a few days, and after the flu, recovery is slower – 7-14 days remain weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of appetite.

The difference between influenza and tonsillitis

Angina, or acute tonsillitis, is always accompanied by inflammation of the tonsils. The disease can develop from external infections that have entered the body, and from its own bacteria.

Angina is characterized by a sharp rise in temperature, dryness and sore throat, general malaise. The lymph nodes are enlarged, which is accompanied by pain and fever.

That is, the flu is a viral disease, and tonsillitis is a bacterial one.

Antivirals are used to treat influenza, antibiotics are used to treat tonsillitis.

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A few words about bronchitis

More often than not, bronchitis is a complication of a number of infectious diseases. Inflammation of the bronchi is often the result of acute respiratory infections and is caused by the activity of viruses. Even less common are acute bronchitis of bacterial and mixed bacterial-viral origin. The first and most obvious symptom of bronchitis is a cough. On the first day, it is dry and painful. The temperature in bronchitis is usually low. If bronchitis is a complication of the flu, then it can rise to 40 degrees.

The danger of bronchitis is the transition to the chronic stage if left untreated. And it can also turn into a serious complication. A complication of acute bronchitis is pneumonia. When the infection from the bronchi passes to the lungs.

Flu Prevention

• Avoid going to events and places with large crowds of people, especially during flu outbreaks and other infections.