Sore throat, Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment.

Sore Throat jpg

A sore throat is a painful, scratchy irritation of the throat. It more worst when swallowing or talking. Sometimes sore throat can be due to symptoms of strep throat, common cold, allergies, or upper respiratory tract illnesses.

Types of sore throat.

  1. Pharyngitis – throat
  2. Tonsilitis – back of the mouth
  3. Laryngitis – the voice box

Causes.

A viral infection that can cause sore throat are;

  1. Common cold.
  2. Chickenpox.
  3. Influenza.
  4. Coronavirus disease.
  5. Measles.

Bacterial infections – streptococcus pyrogens bacteria is the most common cause of sore throat.

Allergies e.g dust, mold, and pollen irritate and inflame the throat.

Muscle strain of the throat caused by yelling, screaming, and talking loudly.

HIV infection-positive individuals have cases of recurring sore throats due to oral thrush (fungal infection) as a result of a low immune system.

Tumors – cancerous growth on the throat and tongue.

Acid flux is caused by diseases like gastroesophageal reflux where stomach acid reaches the esophagus (heartburn).

Symptoms of Sore throat

Sore Throat in a kid
  • Scratchy-like feeling in the throat.
  • Pain and difficulty in swallowing and talking due to swollen lymph nodes.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Cough and runny nose.
  • Fatigue or body aches.

Prevention of Sore throat

  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue.
  • Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Avoid sharing food and utensils, especially with the sick.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers in case there is no water.
  • Avoid touching the nose and the mouth.
  • Do not get into contact with the sick.

Diagnosis.

  • Throat swab – use a sterile swab to collect the throat section for the detection of streptococcal bacteria.
  • Full haemogram – helps one to know if the infection is viral or bacterial.
  • C-reactive protein – know the level of infection in the blood.

Remedies.

  • Rest especially if the soreness is a result of shouting and screaming.
  • Gargling warm salty water most in the morning before any meal.
  • Avoid irritants e.g cigarette, cleaning products that cause throat irritation.
  • Increase the intake of fluids as it helps to keep the throat moist.

Treatment.

So, the illness is a result of a viral infection that lasts 5-7 days and thus does not require medical treatment but pain relievers are usually given to ease the pain.

Bacterial – antibodies are given.

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