Sore throat: symptoms, how to treat, prevention

Among other winter ailments, various serious illnesses often arise - tracheitis, sinusitis or tonsillitis. This happens especially often in childhood. This article will tell you why sore throat occurs and how to cure it correctly and quickly.

Causes of sore throat

A severe sore throat is called a sore throat. Scientifically, tonsillitis, also known as acute tonsillitis, is an acute infection that causes inflammatory process. This disease affects all parts of the throat - tonsils, larynx or pharynx. This is a fairly serious and severe illness, complications from which can also infect other organs. For example, the heart, lungs or even joints.

The causative agents of sore throat can be:

1. Viruses.
2. Bacteria.
3. Fungus.

An infection can enter the throat due to the following factors:

• airborne droplets, upon contact with a carrier of the virus;
• consumption of dairy products with bacteria;
• decline of immunity and awakening of “one’s own” internal viruses;
• the proliferation of a large number of bacteria as a result of an existing illness - caries, sinusitis, gastroenteritis;
• through blood;
• consequence of hypothermia;
• living in a dirty, polluted atmosphere;
• overwork, exhaustion of vitality;
• poor quality nutrition;
• dampness, lack of sun;
• sudden change in weather conditions.

It is worth remembering that the body of a healthy person, with a strong immune system, is able to resist viruses on its own. And prevent the occurrence of serious illnesses. If the disease does begin, the immune system is weakened and it is necessary in parallel with treatment carry out measures to strengthen it.

Types of sore throat

Sore throat is the most common disease in the world. After the flu. Depending on the irritant, one or another type of disease occurs. And the treatment, accordingly, is different. The specialist will tell you about this in detail after contacting a medical institution and passing all the necessary smears and tests.

Sore throat can be of the following types:

1. Catarrhal. Symptoms of the disease appear on the first day of infection. It lasts for a short time - 3-5 days. Feels like pain and dryness in the throat, chills and general weakness. If measures are taken in time, catarrhal sore throat can be cured in 5-7 days. But if treated incorrectly, other forms of the disease may develop against the background of this type.
2. Lacunar. A more acute form, accompanied by a white coating on the tonsils and tongue. Most often, it cannot be done without a sharp increase in temperature.
3. Pseudodiphtheric. Symptoms resemble diphtheria - fever, general loss of strength, noticeable white coating.
4. Fillicular. It is similar to type 2 of the disease, but the symptoms are expressed in a much milder form. An increase in cervical lymph nodes is added, which are painful when touched.
5. Herpetic. Symptoms appear immediately and sharply. Accompanied by the formation of bubbles with liquid on the tonsils. Approximately on the 3-4th day of illness, these blisters burst. Symptoms become less noticeable. It is extremely rare in adults, mainly affecting children 4-10 years old.
6. Ulcerative. Purely adult type of sore throat. The symptoms are not very pronounced, but are accompanied by a specific odor from the mouth and ulcers on the tonsils. Occurs with regular lack of sleep, decreased immunity against the background of existing or not fully cured old diseases.
7. Combined. There are cases where one person has several types of sore throat at the same time. On one side of the larynx there is one type, on the other - a completely different one.

Sore throat can be of the following types:

1. Primary. Only the pharyngeal ring is affected. Standard pain symptoms, without aggravation.
2. Secondary. Appears when complications occur and causes changes in the chemical composition of the blood.
3. Specific. Caused by the presence of a fungus in the body.

Symptoms of a sore throat

So, how to recognize a sore throat? Severe sharp pain in the throat, that's understandable. What is it accompanied by?

Symptoms of a throat infection:

• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• enlarged cervical and jaw lymph nodes;
• temperature from 38 degrees;
• drooling in children;
• chills, fever;
• lack of appetite;
• swelling of the tonsils;
• headache;
• hoarseness or loss of voice;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• abdominal pain;
• rarely - the presence of protein and red blood cells in the urine, changes in the composition of the blood;
• the pain radiates to ears;
• white coating or blisters on the throat.

Remember that infectious inflammation is not something to joke about. If you notice signs of a throat infection, consult your doctor immediately. Self-medication can lead to dire consequences, since sore throat can cause complications on the heart and other important organs of the human body.

Is sore throat contagious?

As a rule, symptoms of sore throat appear 2-5 days after the pathogen enters the body. The speed at which the virus spreads depends on the immune system.

If proper treatment is not carried out, a sick person is considered infectious within 14 days from the moment the first symptoms appear. If you apply high-quality therapy using antibiotics, then this period can be significantly reduced, up to 48 hours from the moment you start taking the drug. There is a theory that a person becomes contagious from the moment the throat becomes red.

This disease is transmitted mainly through saliva - using the same mug, or kissing. Sore throat is also transmitted by airborne droplets, sneezing and coughing.

Remember that the symptoms of a sore throat are very similar to diphtheria and mononucleosis. Which are also very contagious and severe in their course.

It is also worth mentioning that there is always a certain amount of bacteria in the throat of any person. But with strong immunity, their vital activity is quite harmless. As soon as you get caught in the rain, get your feet wet, or eat ice cream, your immunity drops and bacteria begin their active work. That is, you can get a sore throat without direct contact with a sick person.

Treatment of sore throat

It is worth mentioning right away that you cannot do without a visit to the doctor. The doctor will prescribe antibacterial medications - rinses, sprays, inhalations. For example, Miramistin or hydrogen peroxide solution.

In case of a particularly serious illness, a specialist may prescribe a smear test, after which he will definitely prescribe antibiotics. Most often they are prescribed together with antiviral drugs. Don't forget to use sprays. They will help reduce pain and kill harmful microorganisms in the throat. For example, Hexoral, Stopangin, Tantum verde. The latter is allowed to be taken during pregnancy.

Be sure to use bed rest, complete rest and plenty of warm drinks. This will help reduce the risk of possible complications. Since sore throat often has a negative effect on joints and internal organs.

With angina, there is a decrease in appetite. But you definitely need to eat as much fortified food as possible. That is, during the illness you will need to completely abandon harmful, excessively fatty, spicy or salty foods. Optimally - light soups with chicken broth, stewed vegetables and meat. If you have a sore throat, eating fruits is quite problematic, so at least take freshly squeezed juice from them.

Remember that young children are most susceptible to contracting sore throat. Especially infants - they still have a weak immune system. As soon as you notice signs of infection in someone in your household, try to isolate your children from contact with them as much as possible. Also, all utensils of the sick person should be thoroughly washed and doused with boiling water. All family members are required to wash their hands thoroughly, preferably with an antibacterial agent.

Remember that almost all cases of rheumatic diseases in childhood are a consequence of ordinary sore throat.

Sore throat tablets

To achieve maximum effect and speedy recovery, it is recommended to combine antibiotics with folk remedies. Also, do not forget about the fallen immunity and urgently restore it.

Most often, for this disease, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics. But if the cause of the sore throat is streptococcus, then medications containing amoxicillin are prescribed. In especially severe cases, Sumamed or Azithrimycin is prescribed. You may also be prescribed Cefatoxime. To prescribe antibiotics, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, that is, to identify which virus, fungus or bacteria is the cause. Otherwise, the treatment will be ineffective. Remember that the use of antibiotics must be accompanied by the use of means to maintain the normal microflora of the body. Acepol, Linex and similar drugs.

To relieve pain and reduce temperature, a specialist may prescribe the use of an anesthetic. For example, analgin, paracetamol, aspirin. Or drugs containing these substances.

Be sure to gargle or simply irrigate your throat with such means as:

• Miramistin;
• Furacilin;
• aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide;
• a solution of soda and salt in water.

Traditional treatment for sore throat

The use of folk remedies for sore throat is necessary in order to wash away pathogens from the mucous membrane and speed up recovery. Traditional medicine provides for the use of rinses and inhalations in this case.

Good for rinsing:

1. Warm water with sea salt and soda.
2. Medicinal decoction herbs — chamomile, calendula, sage, oregano, eucalyptus. It is better to use a combination of herbs.
3. Propolis tincture.
4. Lemon juice with water. It is also good to simply chew or dissolve a slice of lemon in your mouth.
5. A mixture of garlic pressed through a hand press and warm water.
6. Red beet juice with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added.

Good for treating sore throat:

• lingonberry juice or cranberries;
• compote from dried fruits;
• tea with raspberries;
• chew pieces of propolis;
• onion juice with honey;
• calamus root;
• lubricating the inflamed glands with iodine;
• inhalation with garlic - chop the raw material, pour boiling water and add a pinch of soda.

Prevention of sore throat

First of all, you should pay special attention to your immunity. Eat enough fresh vegetables and fruits, eat right, avoid hypothermia.

To don't get sick sore throat, it is recommended:

1. Don't forget about hand hygiene.
2. Do not use dishes or personal belongings of the patient.
3. Dress for the weather.
4. Avoid very dry indoor air.
5. Give up bad habits, especially smoking. Tobacco smoke helps bacteria multiply.
6. Regularly carry out wet cleaning of premises, because dust also does not improve health.