What can cause a sore throat?
By sore throat, people understand discomfort in the pharynx, tonsils or larynx. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the back of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis or tonsillitis, inflammation of the larynx is called laryngitis, in which hoarseness comes to the fore. The pain can be acute, caused by an infection, or chronic, lasting for weeks. Character helps to understand the cause: soreness and dryness are more common with viruses and irritation, severe pain with plaque on the tonsils is with sore throat.
- Pharyngitis - inflammation of the pharynx
- Tonsillitis and tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils
- Laryngitis - inflammation of the larynx with hoarseness
- Peritonsillar abscess - an abscess near the tonsil
- Epiglottitis is a dangerous inflammation of the epiglottis
- Chronic sore throat
Possible reasons
Most cases of acute sore throat are associated with viruses - the causative agents of ARVI, influenza, and coronavirus infection. Among bacteria, the main cause is group A streptococcus, which causes sore throat and is more common in school-age children. Infectious mononucleosis is manifested by severe sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes and liver. Non-infectious causes - gastroesophageal reflux, dry air, smoking, allergic rhinitis with mucus drainage, voice strain. Persistent unilateral pain in an adult smoker requires the exclusion of a tumor of the pharynx and larynx.
- Viral infections are the most common cause
- Streptococcal sore throat
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Dry air, smoking, dust
- Drainage of mucus due to rhinitis and sinusitis
- Tumors of the pharynx and larynx - rare
Associated symptoms
With a viral infection, a sore throat is usually combined with a runny nose, cough, hoarseness, and conjunctivitis. Streptococcal tonsillitis, on the contrary, is characterized by high fever, plaque on enlarged tonsils, painful lymph nodes under the jaw and lack of cough. With mononucleosis, the lymph nodes on the back of the neck become enlarged, severe weakness appears, and sometimes an enlarged spleen. Increasing unilateral pain radiating to the ear, difficulty opening the mouth and nasal sound are signs of an abscess. Morning pain with heartburn and a sour taste is characteristic of reflux.
- Runny nose and cough - most often a virus
- Tonsil plaque and high fever
- Painful lymph nodes in the neck
- Severe weakness, enlarged lymph nodes throughout the neck
- Unilateral pain radiating to the ear
- Heartburn and sour taste in the morning
What examinations are needed
The doctor examines the pharynx, tonsils, palpates the lymph nodes of the neck and assesses the likelihood of streptococcal infection according to special clinical criteria: temperature, plaque, lymph nodes, absence of cough and age. If streptococcus is suspected, a rapid test or throat swab culture is done - this avoids unnecessary antibiotics. A complete blood count and tests for mononucleosis are prescribed for severe weakness and enlarged lymph nodes. If necessary, an ENT doctor performs an endoscopy of the pharynx and larynx. If an abscess or deep infection of the neck is suspected, a CT scan is ordered.
- Examination of the pharynx and lymph nodes
- Rapid test for group A streptococcus
- Throat swab culture
- General blood test
- Tests for infectious mononucleosis
- Endoscopy of the pharynx and larynx
- CT scan of the neck for suspected abscess
Treatment and what to do
For a viral infection, treatment is symptomatic: painkillers and antipyretics, warm drinks, humidification, rest. Lozenges and rinses may temporarily relieve pain. Antibiotics for viruses do not help and do not speed up recovery. They are prescribed by a doctor for confirmed streptococcal sore throat, and it is important to complete the course in full to prevent complications. The peritonsillar abscess is opened and drained. For reflux, diet is adjusted and drugs that reduce acidity are prescribed. Children are prescribed any medications by their pediatrician.
- Painkillers and antipyretics
- Warm drinks and air humidification
- Rinses and lozenges
- Antibiotics - only for bacterial sore throat
- Opening a paratonsillar abscess
- Treatment of reflux
- Quitting smoking
