Sore throat (pharyngitis): symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is laryngitis (pharyngitis)?

Sore throat or pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the throat (pharynx) which is usually caused by viral and bacterial infections. In Indonesia, sore throat is often referred to as heartburn.

Pharyngitis makes the throat uncomfortable, sore, dry, and itchy. This condition makes it difficult for you to eat, swallow, and speak.

Viral infections that commonly cause strep throat are viruses that cause colds and flu. However, the virus that causes measles, chicken pox, or the Corona virus can also cause inflammation of the throat.

Pharyngitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection, namely Streptococcus, a condition known as disease strep throat.

The transmission of viruses and bacteria that cause pharyngitis takes place through saliva splashes that are inhaled when the sufferer sneezes, coughs or talks.

Depending on the cause, inflammation in the throat can be treated with simple home treatments, over the counter medicine (OTC) or antibiotics from a doctor.

How common is this condition?

Pharyngitis can affect anyone. Everyone can get sore throat whether children, adults, or the elderly.

However, strep throat tends to be more common in children aged 5-15 years. Pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus infection is only 5-10% experienced by adults.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat (pharyngitis)?

When experiencing pharyngitis, you will usually feel the main symptoms such as an uncomfortable sensation in the throat such as dryness, burning, and itching.

Other symptoms that appear usually depend on the cause of the sore throat. Regardless of the cause, common strep throat signs and symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Pain when speaking
• Sore throat when swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• The tonsils are swollen and become reddish
• Hoarseness

Reporting from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, sometimes white patches also appear around the tonsils. This is a characteristic sign that appears more frequently in pharyngitis caused by bacterial infection, i.e. strep throat.

In addition, viral and bacterial infections that cause sore throat can also cause symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Sore
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

When should I see a doctor?

If the symptoms of sore throat do not subside after more than a week, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment. Especially when experiencing symptoms that are severe enough such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain in the ear, especially when swallowing
• Fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius
• There is blood in saliva
• Lump on the neck
• Sound is lost

Complications

What are the complications of strep throat (pharyngitis)?

Pharyngitis generally does not last long (acute). However, when it is chronic (more than 2 weeks) and not immediately checked by a doctor, it can cause serious complications such as:

• Peritonsil abscess

A peritonsil abscess is a severe inflammation that can cause pus to appear between the roof of the throat and part of the tonsils (tonsils).

• Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, which is the valve located behind the base of the tongue. This condition can be life threatening because it can inhibit breathing.

• Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a viral infection that attacks the inside of the nose, especially the sinuses. However, sinusitis which is a complication of pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. This condition can also cause abscesses or pus.

Cause

What causes strep throat (pharyngitis)?

The most common causes of strep throat are viral and bacterial infections.

Pharyngitis is usually transmitted when a person inhales bacteria or viruses that spread in the air and also through the patient's saliva splashes that stick to surfaces.

On strep throat, the cause of inflammation of the throat is a bacterial infection Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus group A. While viruses that can cause sore throat include:

• Influenza virus
• Adenovirus, rhinovirus, and RSV
• Measles virus
• Corona virus
• Chicken pox virus
• Viruses that cause mononucleosis (glandular fever)

Risk factors

What puts me at risk for this condition?

Everyone has the possibility to get sore throat. However, there are several things that make you more susceptible to pharyngitis, namely:

• Children and adolescents between 5-15 years old.
• Constantly exposed to secondhand smoke and pollution which can irritate the throat.
• Have an allergy to cold, dust, mold, or animal dander. Allergies can trigger it post-nasal drip which results in irritation of the throat.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals from household waste or pollutants from factories.
• Have had a sinus infection (sinusitis).
• Having physical contact, interaction, or living with a person who has pharyngitis.
• Have a weak immune system or have a disease such as HIV / AIDS, autoimmunity, or diabetes.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose pharyngitis?

The doctor will determine a diagnosis from a medical history or physical examination around the ears and throat.

If needed, the doctor will take a small sample of fluid at the back of the mouth. This sample will be analyzed in the laboratory to find out whether there is a virus or bacteria that causes sore throat.

A blood test will also be done if the doctor suspects that there is another disease, such as glandular fever, which is recognized by an increased white blood cell count.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the most commonly used strep throat (pharyngitis) medications?

Strep throat caused by a virus usually doesn't need treatment. Generally the condition will improve within 5 to 7 days.

However, sometimes medication is still needed to relieve the symptoms of pharyngitis that appear. Strep throat medications that are used, such as:

Analgesics (pain reliever)

Analgesics or pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin are generally recommended to relieve sore throats. Especially if the condition is accompanied by fever and occurs in children.

The following is a guide for taking pain relievers that you need to pay attention to:

• Always read the directions for using the drug so that you do not overdose.
• Paracetamol is an alternative therapy for children and people who cannot take ibuprofen.
• Aspirin should not be taken by children under 16 years of age.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics such as pencillin or amoxicillin are used as treatments for strep throat caused by bacteria. Usually doctors always ask that prescribed antibiotics must be spent, even though the symptoms have improved.

What are some home remedies for laryngitis (pharyngitis)?

Generally, sore throats go away on their own in less than a week.

In addition, natural remedies for sore throat are also effective at dealing with symptoms faster. According to the American Osteopathic Association, you can perform simple treatments such as the following:

• Gargle with a salt water solution several times a day. The dose is ¼-½ teaspoon of salt and 400-800 ml of warm water.
• Consume warm drinks and foods that are soft for pharyngitis such as broths, herbal teas with honey, and warm water.
• Increase drinking water, especially water.
• Avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke.
• Sucking on lozenges.
• Do not drink drinks that are too hot or too cold as they can irritate the throat.
• Adequate rest, including temporarily limiting talking.
• Creating a comfortable air at home with humidifier so that it is not too dry so that it triggers irritation.

Prevention

How to prevent sore throat (pharyngitis)?

Although pharyngitis is easily transmitted, there are several ways to prevent this disease.

Here are various things you can do to reduce the risk of an infection that causes sore throat:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after and before eating, especially after traveling from public places.
• Use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60 percent if you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.
• Clean frequently used items at home or work, such as telephone handles, doorknobs, and remote television.
• Avoid sharing the same food, drink, and eating and drinking utensils with others.
• Avoid contact with a person who has pharyngitis until he has completely recovered.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke on a regular basis.
• Avoid allergens (allergens) such as animal dander and dust or chemicals that can irritate the throat.

For more information, consult your doctor to find the best solution to your problem.