Sore Throat – Explained
By John Reed on Apr 11, 2009 with Comments 0
Pharyngitis is the medical name for sore throat which can be caused by the infections of viruses or bacteria. Sore throat can also be the result of allergies and sinus infections. The pharynx which is at the back of the neck becomes inflamed which makes it painful to swallow and difficult to talk and breathe. Sore throat is the first sign that warns the oncoming of fever or sickness. Mostly sore throats heal within one week but they should not be ignored and condemned as insignificant as they can develop into serious illness.
Sore throats are either chronic or acute. Acute sore throats are more widespread. They emerge suddenly and the infection span lasts for 3 to 7 days while chronic sore throats can continue for a longer periods and are the symptoms of viral infection like sinus.
There are many sources which can affect the pharynx and cause sore throat some of which are:
- Excessive smoking and alcohol intake
- Infection of the fungus
- Allergies
- Cold and flu
- Measles
- Breathing through the mouth
- Viruses and bacteria
- Sinusitis
- Chicken pox
- Tonsillitis and strep throat
- HIV infections
- Oral cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Diphtheria
- Pollution
- Dryness and cold weather
- Mononucleosis
The common sore throat symptoms include:
- Scratchiness, dryness or swollen throat
- Discomfort experienced when breathing, talking or swallowing
- Cough
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Hoarse voice
If the sore throat has become serious and is persisting above one week duration the below listed symptoms might occur
- White lump or pus in neck
- Difficulty swallowing and breathing
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Acute pain in the throat
- Recurring sore throat
- Coughing blood
- Swelling of the lymph glands
- Skin rashes
- Ear ache
- High fever
- Redness of the throat
Once these signs are exhibited it is surely a warning that a medical professional be contacted. Diagnosis will be made by the doctor on the basis of physical examination and throat culture. He may also perform a strep throat test to rule out the possibility of strep throat infection. If the doctor has suspicions about mononucleosis he would also conduct antibody test. Once the lab results are obtained the doctor will suggest the best possible treatment and may suggest suitable antibiotics and drugs.
The best way to avoid having sore throat is to wash hands thoroughly, avoid having close contact with the infected person, quitting smoking, maintaining good hygiene and covering the mouth while sneezing or coughing. Until the sore throat has cured you can also try some of the home remedies.
- Include your fluid intake such as water, juice or warm soup to cover the fluid lost due to fever or mucus production
- Mix a pinch of salt with warm water and gargle three to four times daily.
- Mix honey and lemon in water and drink this mixture daily.
- Add powdered cloves, a pinch of pepper and 1 tsp honey in boiling water. Drink this concoction daily for effectively curing sore throat.
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Filed Under: General Health • Sore Throat
