As the weather cools and dries, there is an increase in people seeking medical attention for sore throats. While a sore throat often leads one to suspect a common cold, there are various types of throat infections. We delved into the causes of throat pain and the different treatment methods based on the type of infection.
Infections VS Non-infections
Most people complaining of a sore throat are infected with a virus. Viruses attach themselves to the cells in the throat, causing localized damage or inflammation, which can be painful. The most common virus is the common cold, but the flu, chickenpox, and herpes simplex are also possibilities. If it’s not a viral infection, a bacterial infection such as strep throat or staphylococcus may be suspected, which can be treated with antibiotics.
What are the early symptoms of a throat infection?
You may confuse a throat infection with a mild cold, but if you experience the following symptoms, you may have a throat infection. In the case of bacterial throat infections, you may have a scratchy throat, high fever, and headaches, along with a foreign body sensation, dryness, and coughing. If it worsens, the pain can make it difficult to swallow, leading to loss of appetite and bad breath. If the inflammation spreads to the larynx, you may lose your voice.
Chronic Throat Infections VS Acute Throat Infections
Acute throat infections commonly occur due to a virus, similar to the common cold, sudden temperature changes, or overuse of the vocal cords. Most cases improve after 1-2 weeks of rest. On the other hand, chronic throat infections occur when acute throat infections recur or persist, causing a constant sensation of scratchiness. This can be caused by smoking, long-term vocal cord use, or alcohol consumption.
Most Heal Naturally
Throat infections often heal naturally without any special treatment, and even if symptoms persist, they can improve without complications with consistent care. To prevent oral dryness, drink plenty of water and use toothbrushes or saltwater for gargling. Avoid spicy, salty, and greasy foods, which can irritate the mucous membrane and cause problems.
Differences from Tonsillitis
Many people confuse the symptoms and treatments of throat infections and tonsillitis. Generally, when immunity weakens, bacteria or viral infections can develop in the tonsils, small lymph tissues located on the sides of the throat, leading to tonsillitis. If the inflammation occurs in the back of the throat, including the pharynx and larynx, it becomes a throat infection.
Go to the Hospital if You Have a High Fever
If you have a high fever, it might not be a throat infection but acute tonsillitis, which is often caused by a bacterial infection and usually starts with a sudden high fever. This is followed by severe throat pain and swelling that can make it challenging to drink water, along with headaches and body aches. If the fever doesn’t subside even after taking fever reducers and you mistake it for a common cold, missing the treatment window, you may suffer for over a week, so it’s best to visit a hospital promptly.
How to Prevent Throat Infections?
Throat infections can improve by resting and drinking lukewarm water, but to prevent them, it’s best to avoid smoking or screaming. Maintain good hand hygiene and keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth or gargling. On dry days like these, it’s good to drink water to keep your throat moist frequently, and using a damp towel or humidifier to maintain the proper humidity can also help.
Risk of Complications if Neglected
Throat infections usually heal naturally or improve without complications with medication. However, for the elderly or those with weakened immunity, there’s a risk of complications such as acute otitis media, pneumonia, acute nephritis, and sepsis, so proactive measures in the early stages are essential.
Does Throat Spray Work?
Unlike oral medication, throat sprays don’t directly affect the bacteria or viruses that cause throat infections. Sprays are only effective when your throat is slightly sore and uncomfortable at the onset of a throat infection. If the infection has already progressed, causing fever and severe pain, it’s better to visit a hospital. Also, using throat spray for more than a week can dry out your mouth and throat, and products containing iodine should be avoided by those with iodine hypersensitivity and thyroid dysfunction.
Good Foods for a Sore Throat
Cabbage, bellflower root, and pears can help manage a throat infection. It is rich in Vitamin U and Vitamin K, excellent for improving inflammation, and can prevent throat irritation caused by excessive stomach acid. Cabbage can also stop bleeding caused by inflammation and treat damaged throat mucosa. Bellflower root contains platycodin, which can alleviate coughs and phlegm, and pears are rich in policosanol and lutein, which can help expel bronchial inflammation and enhance lung function.
By. Jeon Shin Young
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