First aid
When your throat hurts, it feels raw. Products that contain an anesthetic in their composition help to eliminate the unpleasant symptom.
A sore throat most often occurs with lesions of bacterial and viral etiology, but sometimes this can indicate the presence of other non-infectious pathologies.
A severe dry cough can be of allergic origin. Accordingly, you need to take antihistamines.
A tickling sensation can also occur with severe overstrain of the vocal cords.
Causes of sore throat, symptoms
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is classified as acute (tonsillitis) or chronic. A sore throat occurs with a rise in temperature and severe pain in the throat. The pharynx is sharply hyperemic, the tonsils are enlarged.
Depending on the type (catarrhal, follicular, lacunar, necrotic), enlarged follicles or accumulation of pus in the lacunae will be visible on the surface of the tonsils. There is an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes and their pain on palpation.
Chronic tonsillitis occurs without a sharp rise in temperature; the temperature may increase in the evenings to low-grade levels, general weakness and decreased performance. There are purulent plugs in the gaps.
Pharyngitis
It is expressed in pain and sore throat, a feeling of itching on the back wall of the throat. There is hyperemia of the pharynx and posterior wall and its granularity. Often occurs without a rise in temperature.
Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
The larynx is a cartilaginous tube connecting the pharynx and trachea. It contains the vocal cords - paired whitish formations consisting of muscles and ligaments. When entering the larynx, infections are the first to be affected.
Laryngitis is often combined with inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngo-laryngitis) or trachea (laryngo-tracheitis). It occurs with soreness and itching in the throat, dysphonia up to complete loss of voice, and coughing. In the case of laryngo-tracheitis, the cough intensifies and viscous sputum appears.
ARVI
In addition to a sore throat, there is a runny nose, cough, fever, and headache.
Infectious diseases
A number of infections (measles, viral hepatitis, meningitis) begin with catarrhal symptoms, including sore throat and fever.
Other manifestations (rash, jaundice, meningeal symptoms) appear later. Often mistaken for a sore throat or ARVI.
Infectious mononucleosis
Acute disease of viral etiology. Distinctive features are damage to the pharynx, enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. In the throat there is a sharp hyperemia of the mucous membrane and a clinical picture of catarrhal, follicular or ulcerative necrotic tonsillitis.
The posterior wall of the pharynx is swollen, granular, and hyperemic. Pinpoint hemorrhages in the affected areas are common. A characteristic sign is an enlargement of all, rather than regional, lymph nodes, more often the submandibular, posterior cervical and occipital. On palpation they are practically painless.
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
It occurs in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. It can be nodular or diffuse. A sore throat occurs due to pressure from the enlarged gland on the tonsils, which are rich in nerve endings.
Tumors
Tumors of the pharynx (less common) and larynx (the most common type of lesion). A predisposing factor is long-term smoking.
When should you see a doctor?
Most people cope with the sensation of tickling in the nasopharynx at home on their own, but there are cases when medical help cannot be avoided.
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You should urgently consult a specialist if the following symptoms are present:
- the temperature remains stably within 38 for at least three days;
- the appearance of white plaque and small formations on the tonsils;
- enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
- a rash appeared on the body;
- there is shortness of breath, attacks of suffocation;
- general condition worsened (headaches, weakness, nausea appeared).
Why does my throat hurt?
Bacteria and viruses constantly attack our body. They enter us with air and food. Any infection that enters this way can cause a sore throat.
When the disease is infectious, sore throat is usually only one of the symptoms. Along with a sore throat, you may experience:
- runny nose;
- cough;
- headache;
- fever, chills, increased sweating;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- skin rash;
- weakness, loss of appetite.
The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection. In this case, inflammation develops gradually, and the severity of symptoms increases accordingly.
A sore throat can be caused by the following viral diseases:
- ARVI;
- flu;
- mononucleosis;
- measles;
- chicken pox;
- some other viral diseases.
If the inflammation is caused by bacteria, the sore throat begins suddenly and is immediately severe. The most common bacterial throat infection is streptococcal infection.
If for some reason a person has impaired nasal breathing and is forced to breathe through the mouth, unpleasant sensations in the throat can be caused by direct exposure to the atmosphere. The air may be too dry or cold, contain smoke, dust particles, and harmful chemical compounds. As a result, the mucous membrane dries out, becomes irritated, and a feeling of discomfort, pain, and cough appears. Many substances sometimes found in the air are allergens. And if you are prone to allergic diseases, the presence of such substances (for example, plant pollen, tiny particles of animal hair, etc.) in the inhaled air can cause a sore throat.
Therapy methods
There are a great variety of treatment methods, both using drugs and traditional medicine. It is not enough to get rid of a sore throat; therapy must be comprehensive.
Drug treatment of the disease
The modern pharmaceutical industry produces many medications that can not only get rid of the sore throat itself, but also remove its cause. Next we will talk about the most popular means.
Antiseptics
These are the first aides for a sore throat. They quickly suppress the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. However, it should be remembered that some of them have a very strong effect, so for use they must be diluted with water in accordance with the prescription of a specialist.
These products are sold in pharmacies without a prescription. Antiseptics for the throat act on bacteria; viruses are powerless against viruses, so before use it is better to consult a specialist to accurately determine the etiology of the disease.
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They are produced in the form of lozenges, lozenges, and throat sprays. Sprays should not be used to treat sore throat in children under 3 years of age.
Available highly effective antiseptics:
- Chlorophyllipt.
- Furacilin.
- Chlorhexidine.
Gargling with solutions of these medications allows you to destroy pathological microorganisms in the throat.
Chlorhexidine is not diluted. It is used according to the instructions. Furacilin and Chlorophyllipt should be diluted in accordance with the prescription of a specialist or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Solutions should not be swallowed; the rinsing procedure should be carried out in several stages. Avoid gargling for too long at a time.
The most popular drugs with analgesic effect:
- Septolete.
- Tantum Verde.
- Hexaspray.
- Strepsils,
- Strepsils Plus.
- Strepsils Express.
- Faringosept.
- Falimint.
- Neo-angina.
These drugs should not be abused. If after three days the pain has not gone away, you should undergo tests as prescribed by your doctor, since drugs with anesthetic can hide a serious illness.
Some medications, such as Lizobact and Laripront, contain enzymes that have antimicrobial activity.
Antibacterial agents
Medicines with this effect will definitely be prescribed for acute tonsillitis.
In other cases, the use of antibiotics depends on the type of pathology, as well as the general condition of the patient.
The doctor prescribes antibiotics in the following situations:
- Throat infection has a bacterial etiology.
- The patient has severe general intoxication.
- The sore throat develops further.
- If, in addition to a sore throat, there are other signs of upper respiratory tract diseases.
You cannot prescribe antibiotics on your own without a doctor. The specialist recommends such drugs mainly for oral administration, but in some cases it would be advisable to administer the medicine intramuscularly, for example, in case of acute tonsillitis.
The most commonly used antibiotics to treat sore throat in adults are:
- Amoxicillin.
- Augmentin.
- Amoxiclav.
It is important to complete the course of antibiotic treatment, not until symptoms disappear.
Antihistamines
These medications help prevent or relieve swelling of the throat. They are prescribed not only for an allergic reaction, but also for the treatment of sore throat, in order to avoid a special reaction to antibiotics.
For children over the age of one year, experts often prescribe Zyrtec drops. For children over 6 years of age and for adults, the same drug in tablets, as well as Cetrin and Zodak.
Prokinetics and enzymes
Prokinetics and enzymes are drugs that accompany the main therapy. Prokinetics have an antiemetic effect.
Remedies used for sore throat:
- Metoclopramide;
- Bromopride;
- Dimetpramide;
- Cerucal;
- Raglan;
- Perinorm;
- Tseruglan.
Sedatives
It is important not only to relieve pain, but also to soothe the inflamed area. There are several ways to do this.
In the room where the patient is located, the air must be clean and always humid. It will help soothe a sore throat.
Rinsing with solutions of medications such as Chlorophyllipt and Furacilin also soothe the affected area. Infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage) relieve pain well and soothe.
Inhalation with a nebulizer
Inhalation will help eliminate the unpleasant sensation of tickling. They can be carried out using a nebulizer or in the usual way.
However, you should remember: the device is designed in such a way that the inhaled medicine brings maximum effect, since the affected area is directly irrigated.
Inhalations can be carried out only one and a half hours after eating.
The procedure is contraindicated in case of high body temperature, the presence of purulent complications in the pharynx, and also in the presence of heart problems.
The following medications should be used in the nebulizer:
- Furacilin;
- Chlorophyllipt;
- Tonsilgon;
- Saline solution;
- complex herbal remedies.
Treatment with folk remedies
Diseases that cause severe pain in the throat should be treated comprehensively. The combined use of medicines and traditional medicine helps relieve illness very well.
Hot drinks
For throat diseases, you need to drink as much liquid as possible, as it washes the mucous membrane, capturing viruses and pathogenic bacteria . When they enter the stomach, such microorganisms are disinfected and destroyed by hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice.
To prepare healing teas, use calendula, licorice root, mint, sage, and chamomile. Hot milk with the addition of a spoon of butter, teas based on honey and lemon juice, a drink made from anise root or ginger are also effective. For a sore throat, you can use fruit drinks made from cranberries and viburnum. The vitamin C they contain replenishes its deficiency in the body, helping to heal the throat faster.
Gargles
For a sore throat, doctors often prescribe gargles. This procedure helps clear the throat, preventing bacteria from moving downwards, where they cause pneumonia and bronchitis . The throat should be gargled once every 2 hours, or more often, with warm water.
The following ingredients effectively relieve swelling and inflammation:
- unflavored sea salt;
- iodine;
- chamomile;
- radish or beet juice.
Avoid acidic foods
With gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), acid produced in the digestive system can travel to the throat area and cause pain. This means that acid reflux can worsen pain and increase recovery time. Dr. Comer recommends avoiding carbonated drinks, fried foods, and citrus fruits. Also, don't eat an hour before bed. Eating before bed causes acid reflux and heartburn. toothbrush With gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), acid produced in the digestive system can get into the throat area and cause pain. This means that acid reflux can worsen pain and increase recovery time. Dr. Comer recommends avoiding carbonated drinks, fried foods, and citrus fruits. Also, don't eat an hour before bed. Eating before bed causes acid reflux and heartburn.
