What are the common symptoms of a sore throat. How can you distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. When should you seek medical attention for a sore throat. What are the potential complications of untreated strep throat. How can you prevent sore throats and reduce your risk factors.

Understanding Sore Throat: More Than Just a Scratchy Feeling

A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, is a common ailment characterized by pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat. This discomfort often intensifies when swallowing or speaking. While most cases are caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu, bacterial infections such as strep throat can also be culprits. Understanding the underlying causes and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for proper treatment and management.

Identifying Sore Throat Symptoms: What to Look For

Sore throat symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include:

• Pain or scratchy sensation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus
• Hoarse or muffled voice

In addition to these primary symptoms, sore throats caused by infections may be accompanied by:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Viral vs. Bacterial Sore Throats: Understanding the Difference

Can you differentiate between a viral and bacterial sore throat? While both types share similar symptoms, there are some key distinctions:

Viral Sore Throats

Viral infections are the most common cause of sore throats. They are typically associated with:

• Common cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, mild fever)
• Gradual onset of symptoms
• Resolution within 5-7 days without antibiotic treatment

Bacterial Sore Throats

Bacterial infections, particularly strep throat, are less common but can lead to more severe complications if left untreated. Characteristics include:

• Sudden onset of severe throat pain
• High fever (over 101째F or 38.3째C)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Absence of cold symptoms like coughing or sneezing
• White or yellow spots on the tonsils

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags for Sore Throats

While most sore throats resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends seeing a doctor if the sore throat persists beyond the first drink in the morning. Adults should seek medical care if they experience:

• A sore throat lasting longer than a week
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Inability to open the mouth fully
• Joint pain or earache
• Rash
• Fever higher than 101째F (38.3째C)
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throats
• Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Swelling in the neck or face

Exploring the Various Causes of Sore Throats

Sore throats can result from a variety of factors beyond viral and bacterial infections. Understanding these potential causes can help in prevention and treatment:

Environmental Factors

• Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust, or pollen
• Dry indoor air
• Air pollution (both indoor and outdoor)
• Irritants such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, or spicy foods

Lifestyle Factors

• Muscle strain from yelling or prolonged talking
• Breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion
• Chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol

Medical Conditions

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• HIV infection
• Tumors of the throat, tongue, or voice box
• Rare conditions like abscesses or epiglottitis

Treatment Options: Managing Sore Throat Discomfort

The appropriate treatment for a sore throat depends on its underlying cause. Here are some general guidelines:

Home Remedies

• Gargling with warm salt water
• Drinking warm liquids (tea with honey, broth)
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers
• Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air

Medical Treatments

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections like strep throat
• Antihistamines or decongestants for allergy-related sore throats
• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for GERD-related symptoms

Do antibiotics help with viral sore throats? No, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. They should only be used for bacterial infections like strep throat, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Preventing Sore Throats: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent sore throats, several measures can reduce your risk:

• Practice good hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Strengthen your immune system through a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Use a humidifier in dry environments
• Manage allergies and GERD effectively

Complications of Untreated Strep Throat: Why Proper Care Matters

Strep throat, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. These may include:

• Rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves
• Kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Scarlet fever
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body

How long does it take for strep throat complications to develop? Complications can occur within a few weeks of the initial infection if left untreated. This underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and timely treatment of strep throat.

Special Considerations for Children and Sore Throats

Children are particularly susceptible to sore throats, with those between ages 3 and 15 at higher risk for strep throat. Parents should be aware of the following:

• Children may have difficulty articulating their symptoms
• Strep throat in children can sometimes present without typical symptoms
• Recurring strep throat may indicate the need for tonsillectomy
• Children with sore throats should be monitored closely for signs of dehydration

How can parents distinguish between a common sore throat and strep throat in children? While a definitive diagnosis requires a medical examination, parents should be alert to high fever, absence of cough, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which are more indicative of strep throat.

The Role of Lifestyle in Sore Throat Prevention and Management

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in both the prevention and management of sore throats. Consider the following approaches:

Dietary Considerations

• Stay hydrated with water and warm herbal teas
• Consume foods rich in vitamin C and zinc to boost immunity
• Avoid irritating foods like spicy or acidic items when experiencing a sore throat

Environmental Modifications

• Maintain proper indoor humidity levels (30-50%)
• Use air purifiers to reduce airborne irritants
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and other pollutants

Stress Management

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Ensure adequate sleep to support immune function
• Engage in regular, moderate exercise to boost overall health

How does stress affect the likelihood of developing a sore throat? Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including those that cause sore throats.

Understanding the Link Between Allergies and Sore Throats

Allergies are a common but often overlooked cause of sore throats. The connection between allergies and throat discomfort involves several factors:

Postnasal Drip

Allergies often trigger excess mucus production, leading to postnasal drip. This constant flow of mucus down the back of the throat can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in a sore throat.

Mouth Breathing

Nasal congestion from allergies may force individuals to breathe through their mouths, particularly during sleep. This can dry out and irritate the throat tissues.

Immune System Response

The immune system’s reaction to allergens can cause inflammation throughout the respiratory tract, including the throat.

How can you differentiate between an allergy-related sore throat and an infection? Allergy-related sore throats typically occur in conjunction with other allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. They also tend to persist as long as allergen exposure continues, unlike the limited duration of most viral or bacterial sore throats.

The Impact of Chronic Conditions on Throat Health

Several chronic conditions can contribute to recurring or persistent sore throats. Understanding these connections is crucial for effective management:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and throat, leading to irritation and a sore throat. This is often accompanied by heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Chronic Sinusitis

Ongoing sinus infections can result in persistent postnasal drip, contributing to throat irritation and soreness.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes manifest with symptoms including sore throat and fatigue.

How does GERD contribute to nighttime sore throats? GERD symptoms often worsen when lying down, as gravity no longer prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This can lead to throat irritation and soreness upon waking.

Sore Throats in Special Populations: Considerations for Different Age Groups

The impact and management of sore throats can vary significantly across different age groups:

Infants and Toddlers

• May have difficulty communicating discomfort
• At higher risk for dehydration
• Require close monitoring for signs of more severe illness

School-Age Children

• More prone to strep throat infections
• May experience frequent sore throats due to exposure in school settings
• Benefit from education on proper hygiene practices

Elderly Individuals

• May have weakened immune systems, increasing susceptibility to infections
• More likely to experience complications from untreated infections
• May have concurrent health conditions that complicate treatment

Why are school-age children more susceptible to strep throat? Children in this age group are often in close contact with peers, facilitating the spread of the streptococcus bacteria. Additionally, their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections.

The Role of Hydration in Sore Throat Management and Prevention

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing sore throats. Here’s why staying hydrated is so important:

Maintaining Mucosal Barriers

Adequate hydration helps keep the mucous membranes in the throat moist and functioning properly. This moisture acts as a barrier against pathogens and irritants.

Easing Discomfort

Drinking fluids, especially warm liquids, can help soothe a sore throat by reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief from pain.

Supporting Immune Function

Proper hydration is essential for optimal immune system function, helping the body fight off infections more effectively.

Recommended Hydration Strategies

• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Consume warm herbal teas or broths
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can be dehydrating
• Consider electrolyte-rich drinks if experiencing fever or excessive sweating

How much fluid should you consume when dealing with a sore throat? While individual needs vary, aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water or other hydrating fluids per day, increasing intake if you have a fever or are losing fluids through sweating or diarrhea.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Sore Throat Management

The field of sore throat management continues to evolve, with ongoing research exploring new treatment options and preventive strategies:

Probiotics and Throat Health

Studies are investigating the potential role of probiotics in preventing recurrent strep throat and other throat infections by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the oral and throat microbiome.

Alternative Therapies

Research is examining the efficacy of various alternative treatments, including herbal remedies and acupuncture, in managing sore throat symptoms and reducing recurrence.

Targeted Antibiotics

Scientists are working on developing more targeted antibiotic treatments that can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes in the throat.

Immunotherapy

For individuals with chronic or recurrent sore throats related to allergies, researchers are exploring new immunotherapy approaches to reduce sensitivity to specific allergens.

What potential benefits could probiotic treatments offer for sore throat prevention? Probiotics may help strengthen the immune system and create an environment in the throat that is less hospitable to harmful bacteria, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of infections.

Sore throat – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.

Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

Throat anatomy

The throat includes the esophagus; windpipe, also known as the trachea; voice box, also known as the larynx; tonsils; and epiglottis.

Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

When to see a doctor

Take your child to a doctor if your child’s sore throat doesn’t go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow

If you’re an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:

• A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Joint pain
• Earache
• Rash
• Fever higher than 101 F (38. 3 C)
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throats
• A lump in your neck
• Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Swelling in your neck or face

Causes

Viruses that cause the common cold and the flu also cause most sore throats. Less often, bacterial infections cause sore throats.

Viral infections

Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:

• Common cold
• Flu (influenza)
• Mono (mononucleosis)
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Croup — a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough

Bacterial infections

Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.

Other causes

Other causes of a sore throat include:

• Allergies. Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat.
• Dryness. Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy. Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat.
• Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
• Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly or talking for long periods without rest.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids back up in the food pipe (esophagus).

  Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat.

• HIV infection. A sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes appear early after someone is infected with HIV.

  Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems.

• Tumors. Cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Other signs or symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, and blood in saliva or phlegm.

Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage “lid” that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency.

Risk factors

Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:

• Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box.
• Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.
• Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
• Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
• Close quarters. Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather, whether in child care centers, classrooms, offices or airplanes.
• Weakened immunity. You’re more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.

Prevention

The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, and then wash your hands. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching public phones or drinking fountains with your mouth.
• Regularly clean and disinfect phones, doorknobs, light switches, remotes and computer keyboards. When you travel, clean phones, light switches and remotes in your hotel room.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms.

Sore throat – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.

Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

Throat anatomy

The throat includes the esophagus; windpipe, also known as the trachea; voice box, also known as the larynx; tonsils; and epiglottis.

Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

When to see a doctor

Take your child to a doctor if your child’s sore throat doesn’t go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow

If you’re an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:

• A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Joint pain
• Earache
• Rash
• Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throats
• A lump in your neck
• Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Swelling in your neck or face

Causes

Viruses that cause the common cold and the flu also cause most sore throats. Less often, bacterial infections cause sore throats.

Viral infections

Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:

• Common cold
• Flu (influenza)
• Mono (mononucleosis)
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Croup — a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh, barking cough

Bacterial infections

Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.

Other causes

Other causes of a sore throat include:

• Allergies. Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat.
• Dryness. Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy. Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat.
• Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
• Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly or talking for long periods without rest.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids back up in the food pipe (esophagus).

  Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat.

• HIV infection. A sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes appear early after someone is infected with HIV.

  Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems.

• Tumors. Cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Other signs or symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, and blood in saliva or phlegm.

Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage “lid” that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency.

Risk factors

Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:

• Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box.
• Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.
• Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
• Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
• Close quarters. Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather, whether in child care centers, classrooms, offices or airplanes.
• Weakened immunity. You’re more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.

Prevention

The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, and then wash your hands. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching public phones or drinking fountains with your mouth.
• Regularly clean and disinfect phones, doorknobs, light switches, remotes and computer keyboards. When you travel, clean phones, light switches and remotes in your hotel room.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms.

Sore throat – Article I Clinic for evidence-based medicine NEPLACEBO

Author –
Lukankina Irina Aleksandrovna

10/26/2022

Every person has experienced a sore throat at least once. Most often, this happens for the first time in childhood, with various viral infections. But even in adulthood it can be a common problem.

Older children complain on their own that they have a sore throat or that it hurts to swallow. Babies can’t always explain what’s bothering them. More often they begin to eat poorly, refuse to drink. With severe pain in the throat, they can even swallow saliva poorly.

The most common causes of sore throats are infections. Both viral and bacterial.

Effective sore throat remedies are surprisingly sold in the store and not in the Pharmacy.

For example:

• cool drinks and melted ice cream,
• any lollipops to taste, just remember that up to 4-5 years old children can accidentally inhale hard candy and suffocate, so the method is age-limited,
• Sucking on a piece of ice, 9001 8
• Gargling with a salt solution: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Children usually learn to gargle properly by about 6 years of age,
• For very severe sore throats, general pain medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used. These are the same remedies that you give children to reduce fever.

You may find some of the recommendations strange or questionable. Indeed, in our childhood it was customary to treat differently, and even now some doctors of the old school can advise warm drinks and prohibit ice cream.

However, there are studies confirming the safety of such recommendations. It is well known that cold dulls pain. In addition, scientists tested whether throat pain pills really work better than plain lozenges and found that there is no difference. Only pharmaceutical lozenges are usually more expensive and more likely to cause allergies and other side effects. The same results were obtained when comparing salt with special products and sprays – the effectiveness of the saline solution is not inferior, it is available to everyone and does not cause side effects.

Other things to know before you see a doctor:

Do not take antibiotics for a sore throat on your own. The infection may turn out to be viral, in which case the drug will not only be useless, but also harmful.

When exactly to see a doctor:

• sore throat persists for more than three days,
• pain increases with time,
• pain is accompanied by swallowing problems, difficulty drinking water and swallowing saliva,
• sore throat accompanied by rashes on the body .

At the Neplacebo clinic in Voronezh, pediatricians and an ENT doctor see children with sore throats, while adults are treated by therapists and an ENT doctor.

Sources:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-children-management-and-prevention?search=common%20cold&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-adults-treatment-and-prevention?search=common%20cold&topicRef=16629&source=see_link

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Sore throat and other signs of chronic tonsillitis – Saiko

Tonsils are our body’s first line of defense against viruses and bacteria. They are located on the back of the pharynx and consist of lymphoid tissue. In structure, the tonsils are similar to a rock pitted with caves, that is, they consist of a porous tissue with lacunae. That is why a common sore throat, if it is not completely cured, can turn into a chronic one, when the gaps are filled with dead bacteria or viruses, protective cells, pus and cannot recover. Because of this, with any hypothermia or contact with an infection, the tonsils become inflamed and another exacerbation begins.

Most often, children suffer from chronic tonsillitis: they have not yet developed the mechanisms of the body’s immune defense, and constant contacts in children’s groups provoke frequent inflammation of the tonsils, which easily becomes chronic.

How it manifests

Chronic tonsillitis is manifested by pain in the throat – it can be either a uniform pain over the entire surface of the throat, or one-sided. It also becomes painful to swallow, and with enlarged tonsils, snoring or difficulty breathing may occur. Small children refuse to eat and sleep poorly. And there may be common manifestations of SARS: high fever, runny nose, cough and others.

What complications can there be? Chronic untreated tonsillitis can lead to sleep apnea (temporary cessation of breathing during sleep), as well as to the spread of infection beyond the tonsils, then a peritonsillar abscess develops, which is treated only in the operating room.

If the cause of the disease is streptococcus bacteria, then antibiotic treatment is necessary, otherwise the disease can lead to inflammation of the joints, heart and kidneys – this is how rheumatic fever, a serious complication of streptococcal infection, manifests itself. Therefore, it is so important to consult a doctor for the treatment of tonsillitis in order to reduce the risk of complications and the transition to a chronic form.

How to make a diagnosis

On examination, the doctor will pay attention to the tonsils, their shape, color and size. He will also look at the lymph nodes on the neck and behind the ears, ask about well-being and general condition, find out how often they got sick and with what symptoms.

To determine the cause of the disease, a complete blood count and a test for streptococcal infection are ordered.

How to treat

During exacerbations, treatment depends on the source of the infection. Viral tonsillitis is treated symptomatically: antipyretic, warm drink, antiseptic rinse and pain lozenges. With a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessarily added to the treatment regimen.

In the interval between exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis, ENT doctors recommend washing the tonsils – this can reduce the frequency of exacerbations and reduce the risk of surgery. You can rinse with a syringe or the Tonsillor apparatus. Both methods have their pros and cons.

Syringe flushing is cheaper and can be done at any clinic, but the result depends on the skill of the otorhinolaryngologist and in any case damage to the tonsils is possible. In addition, it is more difficult to wash the most distant lacunae with a syringe, and this increases the risk of exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis.

Tonsillor device is more expensive, it can be found not in all clinics and not all specialists know how to use it. There are also contraindications to it, for example, it cannot be used to treat tonsillitis during pregnancy. On the other hand, the vacuum cleans the lacunae much more thoroughly, and the administration of the drug using low-frequency ultrasound accelerates the healing of damaged lacunae. As a result, pathogenic foci are destroyed and the likelihood of recurrence of the disease is reduced.

The procedure is carried out two weeks after the last exacerbation. If necessary, the back wall of the pharynx is anesthetized, and the whole procedure lasts about 15 minutes.

When to operate

The operation is performed if the tonsils do not perform their function and the usual treatment has ceased to help.