Sore Throat - A Quick Read

Back to Quick Reads Is your throat painful and scratchy recently? Is the throat burning  tender and painful when you try to swallow? What is sore throat? painful, dry, scratchy and tender feeling in the throat most commonly experienced. Risk group Children are more susceptible than adults due to undeveloped immune system. People with weakened immune systems  Chemotherapy patients People around sore throat patients since it is contagious Signs and Symptoms scratchy feeling in the throat feels raw and burning dry and painful mostly feels irritated and hurts to swallow or talk maybe with white patches around the tonsils. can be associated with: running nose cough fever swollen lymph nodes/glands voice irregularities Types  Depending on the part of the throat affected: Pharyngitis - affects the area right behind the mouth Tonsilitis - inflammation of the tonsils, the soft tissue at the back of the mouth Laryngitis - redness, pain and swelling of the voice box or the larynx. Epiglottitis - swelling and redness of the flap tissue at the back of the mouth Quinsy - pus collection at the back of the throat Causes Environmental factors like dry air, smoke or chemicals Glandular fever Injury to the throat Irregular or increased use of the vocal cords like in yelling reflux conditions associated with cough and cold symptoms recent cough bout Viral origins Bacterial sources commonly strep throat. Pollen and pet exposure Breathing through mouth while asleep Allergies Lifestyle Alterations Gargle with warm salt solution to relieve the symptoms Consume warm soothing drinks If burning sensation, try consuming something cool like ice block to help with it. use air humidifier in case it is being caused by dry air conditions. Avoid raising the voice more than required if caused by frequent yelling. Increase fluid intake Avoid smoking or smoky environments Avoid allergens Treatment and alternatives Depending on the cause: use suitable pain relief medicines throat sprays throat gargles lozenges cough medication herbal teas Antibiotics Prevention avoid getting cold or flu Wash hands regularly Avoid touching the eyes or mouth Cover up when coughing and sneezing Eating balanced meals Keep immune system active and healthy by exercising and resting well. Avoid smoking Keep personal items seperate eg cups and plates Avoid close contact with people who are currently sick Complications difficulty in breathing frequent sore throats Drooling  Urinary infections Sinusitis Systemic infections Rheumatic fever Mastoiditis Peritonsillor abscess Glomerulonephritis (Pic credit:www.healthline.com) All these and more are available at Health First pharmacy...visit us for all your health needs first...talk to us first!!!