What is Pharyngitis? Pharyngitis Causes and Treatment

Pharangitis; It is the name given to the infection of the pharynx (ie pharynx). The pharynx is located behind the oral and nasal cavities.

What is Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is caused by inflammation of the part called the pharynx, located behind the oral and nasal cavities. It often occurs with viral or bacterial infections such as the flu and the common cold. In addition, there is a possibility of occurrence with mononucleosis, which is a viral infection. Sometimes pharyngitis can occur due to allergies such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Especially in winter months or seasonal transitions, recurrent sore throats may occur in the morning due to dry indoor air and chronic mouth breathing. Pharyngitis-like conditions may occur due to excessive fatigue of the vocal cords. This inflammatory condition causes dryness and difficulty in swallowing. Pharyngitis, which is very common, rarely has serious consequences. Viral pharyngitis is usually expected to heal spontaneously within a week. Pharyngitis caused by bacteria can be eliminated with antibiotic treatment. Since swallowing will be difficult during the disease, it is the right approach to turn to liquid and warm foods. Otherwise, the throat may become more irritated. This means that the pain becomes more severe. Such situations should be avoided in order not to prolong the healing process.

What Causes Pharyngitis?

Other causes of pharyngitis can be listed as follows:

• Air pollution
• Dry, dusty air
• Reflux
• Nasal congestion due to deformations in the nasal structure
• Allergy
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Consumption of very hot or very cold drinks

Is pharyngitis contagious?

Pharyngitis is divided into two as bacterial and viral. manifests itself in different ways. Bacteria and viruses find a place to live in the throat or nose. It settles in the nose and throat and multiplies here. As with other bacterial and viral diseases, pharyngitis also has an infectious feature. However, awareness of patients and their relatives can prevent the spread of the disease. When the sick individual coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets are spread around. In these tiny droplets There are also bacteria or viruses that cause disease. The person who breathes these bacteria and viruses that stay in the air for a while also gets sick. In order to prevent this situation, the environment where the patient is located should be ventilated frequently. At the same time, patients can cover their mouths with their hands when coughing or sneezing. Thus, the bacteria or viruses that cause the disease are transmitted to the patient's hand. The patient's touching an object with this unclean hand causes the spread of bacteria and viruses on the object. If a healthy individual touches this object and puts their hands in their mouth, nose or eyes, pharyngitis can be transmitted. In addition, the consumption of contaminated food and beverages contaminated with microorganisms that cause disease may also affect the spread of the disease. In order to prevent contamination, it is recommended that the patient always have a clean handkerchief with them. Thus, he can cover his mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. It is also important to wash hands frequently with soap and water.

What are the Symptoms of Pharyngitis?

Common symptoms of acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term, recurrent) pharyngitis are as follows:
For acute pharyngitis;

• Sore throat
• Redness in the throat
• Loudness of voice
• Cough
• High fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nasal discharge
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Weakness
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Ear pain

In chronic pharyngitis, complaints such as fever and fatigue are not seen as often as in acute pharyngitis. Complaints about the throat are milder, but they either never disappear or appear very easily. Feeling of dryness in the throat, stinging, burning, dryness, foreign body sensation, tripping, and mild difficulty in swallowing are among the most common complaints. or very cold food consumption should be avoided. Because such foods cause irritation of the throat. In addition, it is not recommended to consume acidic drinks and foods. Acidic foods, such as soda, also cause throat irritation. This allows bacteria to multiply faster and heal the disease later. triggers. Consuming hot, cold or acidic foods constantly prolongs the recovery period of the disease. It may be recommended to consume warm and fat-free soups at meals in order to cause less irritation of the throat and the patient to feel less sore throat. Spicy products also cause irritation of the throat in general. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to avoid spicy foods and spices. Sour foods can irritate the throat. Therefore, it is important to take a break from the consumption of sour foods. In addition, liquids such as coffee and tea consumed hot should not be consumed during the illness. Such drinks may also increase the feeling of discomfort in the throat over time.

Pharangitis in Children

Pharyngitis can be seen at any age. However, it is more likely to be seen in children, especially in the winter season. It is a highly contagious disease among children as well as adults. For this reason, it is important not to send school-age children to school during the illness in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Studies show that pharyngitis in children is most common between the ages of 2 and 12. Almost all of the symptoms that occur in adults can also occur in children. However, nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting may be more common in children. In addition, children's throats are more sensitive than adults. Therefore, pharyngitis can be seen in children exposed to cigarette smoke. In order to prevent this and to protect the general health of children, adults should not use tobacco products near their children or keep their children away from areas where tobacco products are used. physical examination is sufficient. The physician may request laboratory tests and/or radiological imaging tests when necessary. In cases of bacterial pharyngitis, appropriate antibiotic therapy is started. In viral pharyngitis, medications may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms. In addition to medicated treatment methods, it is recommended that patients get plenty of rest. Consumption of warm water by patients is a factor that shortens the healing process. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Ha It is recommended that the room in which the stand is located is constantly moist. Because moist air prevents the throat from drying out while breathing. For children over 6 years old and adults, gargling with warm water has a soothing effect on the throat. Mixing a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of table salt will be a suitable mouthwash. Children older than 4 years old, throat soothing and moisturizing lozenges can be used under the supervision of a physician. Avoiding cigarette smoke speeds up the healing process as it prevents irritation. Since pharyngitis is a contagious disease, it is very important to stay at home during the illness.

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