Sore throat is the most common infection occurring at the back of the throat or pharynx, a condition known as pharyngitis. It also can occur in the surrounding organs, such as inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis), or inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis) which is often characterized by hoarseness. These conditions often occur together.
Pharyngitis will make the throat feel uncomfortable. Usually, this condition causes a sensation of pain or heat, making it difficult for you to eat and swallow.
Usually, the sore throat becomes one of the common symptoms of several different diseases. It could also mean that this condition occurs due to other diseases, such as flu, fever, and mononucleosis (glandular fever). This condition will usually subside without medication in less than a week. This condition can attack anyone regardless of age and gender either children, adults, or the elderly. But children aged between 5 to 15 years tend to experience this problem most often.
In adults, 10% of their sore throats are caused by streptococcal bacterial infections. This condition can be overcome by reducing the risk factors. For more information, discuss it with the doctor or ENT Specialist by DoctoronCall
There are several symptoms of a person experiencing throat infection, including:
- Painful throat, especially when swallowing
- A dry sensation of the throat
- The emergence of a mild fever
- Experiencing discomfort when talking
- The appearance of a disturbing cough
- Swollen lymph nodes around the neck.
It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately if complaints of sore throat persist for more than 10 days and get worse. Especially if accompanied by complaints such as difficulty breathing, unable to swallow, difficulty opening the mouth, swelling of the face or neck, ear pain, blood in the saliva or phlegm, and high fever
What are some lifestyle changes that can be made to treat or stop sore throat (pharyngitis)?
Generally, a sore throat can heal by itself in less than one week. Sore throat medications prescribed by your doctor can usually help to relieve your symptoms.
In addition, reported by the American Osteopathic Association, you should do the following things when experiencing sore throat:
- Eat warm drinks and soft foods
- Avoid smoking or breathing cigarette smoke
- Gargling with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash
- Drink plenty of water, especially water
- Sucking ordinary candy or lozenges to increase saliva production
- Do not drink drinks that are too hot or too cold because they can cause irritation
- Get plenty of rest, including temporarily limiting speech
- Create comfortable air at home with a humidifier so that it does not dry out, which can cause irritation
How to prevent laryngitis (pharyngitis)?
Although this condition can be caused by many things, there are several ways to prevent the onset of laryngitis (pharyngitis). Here are various things you can do to reduce the risk of infection :
- Always wash your hands regularly, especially after using public facilities.
- Use a hand sanitizer with 60 per cent alcohol content
- Clean items that are often used together at home or work, such as telephone handles, door handles, and television remotes.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, and eating and drinking utensils.
- Avoid cigarette smoke.
- Avoid sources of allergies or other irritants that can trigger a sore throat, such as dust and pollen.
If you have questions, consult your doctor for the best solution for your problem.
