Sore throat is one of the most common complaints. That's why many people undergo examination and treatment.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Sore throat can occur as a symptom of many disorders. Inflammations are the most common
causes of sore throat, and they are contagious. Inflammations are mostly caused by viruses (cold, infectious
monoucleosis..) or bacteria (strep, mycoplasma..).
The most important difference between bacteria and viruses is that bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Viruses are not treated
Viruses: The cause of most colds is viruses. When it is accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing, general weakness, and sore throat, the probable cause is one of hundreds of known viruses. They are very
contagious and cause epidemics, especially in winter. The body gets rid of this disease within about
a week through its own struggle.
Sore throat is also accompanied by diseases caused by viruses such as measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. Aphtha and thrush in the throat are also very painful.
A virus infection that lasts more than a week is 'infectious mononucleosis'. This virus
covers the lymph nodes with a white membrane. Swelling occurs in the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. Sometimes a sore throat
makes it difficult to even breathe, and it can affect the liver and cause jaundice. It can cause extreme weakness that may
last for six weeks or longer.
This disease is severe in adulthood and adolescence, but is milder in childhood. It is also called 'kissing disease' because it is transmitted through saliva. However, it can also be transmitted from mouth to hand and then back in the mouth. Therefore, the same towels and food containers should not be used.
Bacteria: 'Strep' inflammation is caused by a family of bacteria called 'streptococcus'. Inflammation can affect the heart
valves (rheumatic fever) and kidney (nephritis). These types of microbes can also cause scarlet fever,
tonsillitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and ear infections.
Considering the damage that 'strep' inflammation may cause, they should be treated with antibiotics.
Most They cause a sore throat for longer than a simple cold. This bacterium cannot always be detected by
examination, a throat culture may be required
Tonsil is the name given to the lymph tissue mass that comes to the back of the tongue and is located on both sides of the throat. In some cases, these tissues can harbor germs. Recent research has shown that children who suffer from frequent tonsillitis are healthier when their tonsils are removed.
The most dangerous throat inflammation is the inflammation of the structure called 'epiglot' located at the entrance of the throat. This situation
is urgent because it may block the airway. It is suspected in cases where swallowing is very painful, drooling occurs from the mouth, and
breathing becomes difficult.
Allergy: Those with hay fever and allergies have complaints such as runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. They also experience a sore throat. The same pollen and molds that irritate the nose
can also irritate the throat.
Those who are allergic to cats and dogs may complain of sore throat
when they are with such animals. House dust is also a common cause of allergies and they cause discomfort in dry air, especially in winter due to the effect of heating.
Irritation: In winter, due to the dry air created as a result of heating the houses, sore throat is felt especially in the mornings. it could be. This can be prevented by humidifying the room and drinking fluids. Throat dryness and pain may also occur in people who constantly breathe through their mouth due to nasal congestion. Nasal examination
and necessary treatment are required.
One of the causes of sore throat in the morning is the acidic stomach contents getting into the throat. It would be beneficial to keep the head of your bed fifteen to twenty centimeters higher. You should not eat anything
for a few hours before going to bed. Medicines that are good for stomach acid may be helpful. If these do not help, you should
consult a physician.
People who are allergic to industrial air pollution and chemicals in the air cannot tolerate it.
Other irritating substances are alcohol and spicy foods.
In a person who shouts excessively in a competition or somewhere else, both neck muscles A sore throat occurs due to fatigue and irritation of the throat. Well-trained announcers and singers know how
to protect their throats.
They can make loud sounds by taking deep breaths and using their chest and abdominal muscles instead of their throat muscles.
Tumors: Throat, tongue. and tumors of the trachea are often, but not always, related to long-term smoking
and alcohol use. Sore throat and difficulty swallowing, sometimes reflected in the ears, may be symptoms of such a
tumor.
Throat pain is usually long-lasting and mild. Other important complaints are voice disorders, swelling in the neck
unexplained weight loss, blood in saliva or sputum.
How Can I Treat My Sore Throat?
- You increased your fluid intake (hot tea with honey, a known It is a folk remedy.)
- Keep a humidifier or steam source in your bedroom.
- Gargle your throat with salt water many times a day. (one-fourth tablespoon of salt in half a glass of water
)
- You can use mild painkillers.
- You can use lozenges that numb the throat.
When should we go to the doctor?
Throat If the pain lasts longer than the five to seven days caused by a simple cold, and is not caused by an allergy or irritant that you can avoid, you should see a doctor. The following symptoms should
be a warning for you to consult a doctor:
- Severe long lasting sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
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- Difficulty in opening the mouth
- Joint pain
- Earache
- Rash
- Fever (over 38 degrees on)
- Frequently recurring sore throat
- Neck swelling
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
When Should I Take Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are drugs that stop the growth of bacteria or kill them. When the physician suspects 'strep' type bacteria that cause frequent throat inflammation, he prescribes antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin.
However, some types of bacteria are not affected by penicillin, so other antibiotic groups must be used.
Antibiotics, viruses They do not kill, but viruses weaken people's resistance to bacteria. If this type of
mixed inflammation occurs, antibiotics may be necessary.
When prescribed by a physician, antibiotics should be used exactly
as recommended by the physician. Otherwise, the inflammation remains suppressed and may recur when the medication is stopped.
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