Sore Throat: A sore throat is habitually from irritation or inflammation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most frequent cause (80%) is acute viral pharyngitis. Other conditions include other infections (streptococcal pharyngitis), trauma, and tumors.
Gastroesophageal (acid) reflux condition can make stomach acid to back up into the throat and further cause the throat to become sore. In the children, streptococcal pharyngitis is the cause of 37% of sore throats.
Sore throats are classified into three types, based on the part of the throat they affect:
- Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
- Tonsillitis is inflammation and redness of the tonsils.
- Laryngitis is inflammation and redness of the voice box or larynx.
Causes & Risk factors of a Sore Throat
Factors make you more susceptible, including-
- Age- Children and teens are most liable to develop sore throats.
- Allergies- Seasonal allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander, make developing a sore throat more expected.
- Vulnerability to tobacco smoke- Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat.
- Vulnerability to chemical irritants-Burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can induce throat irritation.
- Familiar quarters-Viral and bacterial contaminations spread easily anywhere people gather.
- Chronic or frequent sinus infections-Drainage from your nose can aggravate your throat infection.
- Vulnerable immunity- You’re more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low.
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
Symptoms of a sore throat can be depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:
- Pain in the throat
- Pain that worsens by swallowing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Sore, swollen glands in your neck
- Swollen, red tonsils
- White patches on your tonsils
- Hoarse or muffled voice
Common infections inducing a sore throat might happen with other signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Body achee
- Nausea or vomiting
How long a sore throat last?
The continuation of a sore throat depends on the cause. If the reason is a persistent irritation, like the puff of cigarette smoke or other toxic substance, the sore throat can remain as long as the exposure to the offending factor. Bacterial infections such as strep throat begin to better once appropriate treatment by antibiotics is commenced. Viruses like the prevalent cold typically present a sore throat that lasts for several days to a week or longer.
Diagnosis of a Sore Throat
History and physical examination are common tools in diagnosis. While epiglottitis is suspected, neck X-rays may be helpful. A blood count and antibody examination may be important while mononucleosis is suspected to validate the diagnosis.
A throat swab to check for a strep throat infection is useful in selected circumstances. A throat culture is a more reliable test, but the results take 24 hours to return.
Treatments for a Sore Throat
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen – paracetamol is better for children and for people who can’t take ibuprofen.
- Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid very hot drinks
- Eat cool, soft foods
- Avoid smoking and also smoky places
- Adults can try gargling with salt water (not recommended for children)
- The chicken soup-An age-old home remedy for colds, chicken soup can help relieve a sore throat, as well.
- Rest-Getting some rest is probably the best thing you can do to battle the infection that caused your sore throat.
- Tea- A warm cup of herbal tea can offer immediate, soothing relief for a sore throat. For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of honey.
- Antibiotics- A sore throat will be caused by a bacterial infection such as Streptococcus pyogenes, your physician should prescribe an antibiotic. ( a sore throat caused by a virus will not be effective.)
- Forever take the full course of medicine, even if you feel healthier following a few days.
- Suck lozenges, ice cubes or ice lollies
There are also such as medicated lozenges and sprays sold in drugstores that you may desire to try.
