And Pavel Dmitrievich Pryanikov, an otolaryngologist at Olympus Clinic, and Anastasia Nikolaevna Skuba, an otolaryngologist, told all about the sore throat.
Why does my throat hurt?
In normal condition, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is moistened and pale pink in color. But with injuries or infection, the mucous membrane becomes hyperemic, and a feeling of dryness may appear.
The most common diseases of sore throat:
● Pharyngitis
● Sore throat
● Laryngitis
More rare:
● Paratonsillar abscess
● Various neoplasms
The main causes of inflammation in the throat are viruses, bacteria and fungi. There are other factors: smoking or overstrain of the vocal cords.
Treatment of throat diseases
Angina is an inflammation of the tonsils, most often caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms — sore throat (often when swallowing), increased body temperature.
Treatment: first of all, it is antibacterial therapy, antipyretics, painkillers and local anti-inflammatory drugs are also required.
The exact diagnosis is confirmed by a smear from the oral mucosa.
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Symptoms include scratching, dryness and sore throat, and cough.
Drinking plenty of warm drinks or water, inhalation, gargling with antiseptic solutions, using sprays and lollipops for sore throat.
● In case of bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which can lead to hoarseness or loss of voice. Symptoms of laryngitis are pain when swallowing, fever, hoarseness, cough. It is often caused by overstrain of the vocal cords, infection, exposure to smoke, dust.
Treatment:
● Plenty of warm drink, humidification of the air in the room.
● In case of severe sore throat, swelling of the vocal cords, pronounced hoarseness or loss of voice, anti-inflammatory drugs and inhalations may be prescribed.
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, mold and other allergens can cause itching and irritation in the throat, dry cough.
Treatment:
● Taking antihistamines.
● Avoiding contact with allergens.
Gargle with saline solution.
To determine the allergen, come to an appointment with allergists at Olympus Clinics. They will conduct allergy tests, prescribe an individual treatment plan and monitor progress.
A paratonsillary abscess is an accumulation of pus in the area around the tonsils. Symptoms are severe sore throat (more often on one side), difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth, fever and chills, enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment:
Only medical care.
Surgical opening of the abscess and drainage of the abscess.
Antibacterial therapy.
Observation by an ENT doctor in dynamics.
If you find similar symptoms, contact your doctor to prevent the spread of infection.
Neoplasms — can cause hoarseness, voice changes, a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, cough.
And how not to get sick? Prevention for the throat
To protect your throat from diseases, be more careful about your health and make the following a rule:
Avoid hypothermia: dress according to the weather and try not to drink too cold drinks.
Strengthen the immune system: include foods with lots of vitamins (especially vitamin C) in your diet.
Avoid contact with sick people: This is important during periods of SARS and flu outbreaks.
Ventilate the room regularly: fresh air helps to maintain a normal level of humidity, which prevents the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract from drying out.
Turn on the humidifier: especially in winter, when the indoor air may be too dry.
Gargle with antiseptic products if necessary: this can reduce the risk of infection spreading.
Do not smoke: tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
Can the throat go away on its own?
If you have a sore throat in combination with high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, plaque on the tonsils, this may indicate a bacterial infection. It is necessary to consult an otorhinolaryngologist and, possibly, take antibiotics.
With diseases of the ENT organs, you can seek help from our otorhinolaryngologists, pediatricians and therapists. After diagnostic procedures and the establishment of the cause of the disease, the patient may be referred for consultation and additional examination to doctors of another narrow profile. Several different specialists may participate in the treatment process. Namely: allergists, immunologists, infectious diseases specialists, gastroenterologists. We are in favor of a comprehensive approach and a personal treatment plan without templates.