What is pharyngitis, pharyngitis is a medical term used by medics and, a term that most people don`t fully comprehend. In more understanding terms for the ailing, it means a sore throat. Nearly every person on this planet will have suffered a sore throat at some time and, knows just how painful a condition it is, and one that ups in pain to an unbearable level when trying to swallow food and drink fluids.
We connect a viral infection as the cause of a sore throat. Although we repeatedly mention soreness, it is not the only symptom. A sore throat can have you lose your voice, cause hoarseness, cough, high fever, nausea and have you to feeling lethargic. Another sign is the glands swelling in the neck. Swollen glands are what make it difficult for a person to swallow food and even saliva. People with a throat infection will do their best to avoid coughing because of the excruciating pain involved. Normally within a couple of days of the infection happening the symptoms tend to worsen, however they can gradually over time ease and disappear within a week but should symptoms persist see your GP.
If it is a severe case of sore throat then it is likely you may be suffering from tonsillitis - which is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the mouth. Conditions, sore throat and tonsillitis can be easily confused with each other due to the symptoms being very much alike. Tonsillitis shows up as a type of pus at the back of the mouth which looks like white spots around inflamed and swollen tonsils. While suffering a sore throat we know the problem of swallowing is an issue, but, it is best if you can get some liquid into your body because without realizing it you can become mildly dehydrated.
Paracetamol is an effective painkiller for tonsillitis. Some grownups and kids over the age of fourteen years of age are more comfortable gargling soluble aspirin. Throat and tonsil infections are commonly caused by a virus although bacteria can be a cause too. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterium is present, however antibiotics do not kill viruses therefore we have to rely on the immune system to help clear infections.
Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of your condition will have you understand why it may have happened and more importantly how to treat it. About tonsillitis - The tonsils are tiny glands to the rear of the throat. They are lymph organs and are part of the lymphatic system. The tonsils are said to help your body fight infection in younger years. Unfortunately it is not quite as mighty for fighting infection, later in life. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. It's caused by a viral or bacterial infection as like many other infections also. There are various viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis. They include the influenza virus, the Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever) and group beta haemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. Big medical words I know and if you are ever in doubt of what you are told by your doctor – have him or her clarify any confusion you may be having with understanding the medical terms they use.
Symptoms to look out for may include if you have tonsillitis/sore throat
- fatigue
- high fever
- pain when you swallow
- bad breath
- ear/headaches
You may also see
- red swollen tonsils
- reddening at the back of the throat
- white pus spots on your tonsils
- the glands in your neck are larger than normal
Tonsillitis can cause complications if it is of the serious sort. How does a person know what is the serious sort, well it has to be pain and how the actual infection is affecting that person in general? This is why your sore throat has to be determined by your doctor so appropriate medication can be prescribed. The more "serious" symptoms can include
- ear infections
- tonsil abscesses which cause breathing problems
- inflammation of the sinuses
- a lung infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- inflammation of the kidney
- inflammation of body joints and muscles
The virus or bacterium responsible for infection is infectious and can be passed onto others through physical contact like kissing. You can also infect another human being by coughing and sneezing. Can you treat a sore throat or tonsillitis yourself; the answer is yes if it be a mild case and not severe. First step to take in home healing is to
- Rest and sleep
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Suck throat pastilles with a mild anaesthetic (Soothers and Lockets.)
- Gargling with salt water is good for throat pain
You could try using Benzydamine hydrochloride (e.g. Difflam) mouthwash or spray for the pain. The patient with a sore throat normally sees it clear up after a week even without use of antibiotics. But should your GP prescribe them then you may need a five to 10 day course, depending on the type of infection. Penicillin is normally prescribed for tonsillitis; if you are allergic to penicillin and some people are, then the alternative to this is erythromycin.
Some people are known to suffer regularly from a sore throat than others. If you `re prone to tonsillitis and suffer repeat episodes about five times a year or you have had symptoms for more than a 12 months, and it prevents you from functioning in the way you are accustomed then your tonsils may have to be taken out. The surgery for this is called tonsillectomy. If you have a child suffering from a sore throat make sure to make an appointment for him/her to see a doctor as soon as. We adults can do for ourselves but kiddies can`t so parents need to do right by the child.
Strep throat: caused by the bacteria group a streptococcus is an infection we associate with children over three years old. Symptoms start with high temperature where the child becomes feverish, red swollen throat and tonsils normally coated with pus (white spots,) swollen glands, loss of appetite and a decrease in energy level. When a child loses his or her natural energy where running round comes to halt – then this says the child is not well at all. And we can`t have that, we need them back to their old ways, even if it means running round after them.
Mononucleosis: or mono is a regular condition that normally derives from the Ebstein Barr virus. Most at risk are teenagers and young adults, but it can infect younger children to, who have a milder illness that is often not recognized as mono. Symptoms include a high fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils covered in pus, tiredness, an enlarged spleen, and swollen glands that may be tender.
Herpangina: usually caused by the Coxsackie virus. If a child is infected with this type it causes painful blisters in the back of the child's throat. Other reasons for sore throat can include a peritonsillar abscess or epiglotitis. These are normally connected with a high fever, dribbling, severe pain and breathing problems. You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your child has one of these conditions. Never leave anything to chance where your child's health is concerned.
Soothe Sore Throat Pain and Discomfort from Cold Sores on the Mouth
