A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

SORE THROAT

What is a Sore Throat ?

Sore throats are very common and occur particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by an infection which affects the back of the throat (pharyngitis) and/or the tonsils (tonsillitis). Symptoms may vary from a mild soreness on swallowing to severe pain and difficulty in swallowing. There may be fever and even shivering attacks. The glands in the neck may become swollen and painful. Some people may have white spots on their tonsils. Sore throats may occur on their own or may often accompany or be the first sign of a cold or flu. It is not unusual to have a runny nose or a cough too. Sore throats may also be one of the first symptoms of glandular fever. In a few people there may be a red rash all over the body. This may be due to a particular type of sore throat (scarlet fever. Most sore throats clear up with no problem. In very rare instances complications can occur. For example, the infection may spread to the ear or the throat infection may extend around the tonsils causing an abscess (quinsy). It is now extremely rare for a bacterial infection of a sore throat to cause rheumatic fever or a kidney infection (glomerulonephritis).

How does a Sore Throat occur ?

In a few people it may be caused by overuse of the voice box (larynx). Persistent coughing can cause the throat to be sore. However, in most people, sore throats are caused by an infection. Usually it is due to a virus. It may be part of a cold or flu illness. Occasionally, it can be due to a bacteria such as streptococcus. Streptococcal sore throats cause the more serious side-effects.

Why does a Sore Throat occur ?

The majority of sore throats are caused by an infection, either a virus or bacteria. These are usually "caught" from the air. It may arise from close contact with someone else who has a cold or a sore throat. The infection causes an inflammation of the back of the throat which makes swallowing painful.

Treatment involved for a Sore Throat

The majority of sore throats will clear up in 3 or 4 days. All that is needed is to drink plenty of fluids and to take simple painkillers like paracetamol in children or aspirin or paracetamol in adults. If you have a temperature, it is important to take these drugs because they also work to keep the temperature down and make you feel better. Some people recommend gargling with salt water or taking plenty of vitamin C as found in fruit juices and vegetables. It is not possible to tell by looking at your throat, if your sore throat is due to a virus or bacteria. Some doctors may recommend a swab of your throat to try to determine the cause. However, this is not always very helpful and so is often not suggested. Sometimes it may be recommended for you to take an antibiotic. Penicillin is most frequently prescribed. If you are allergic to penicillin, an alternative will be given. It is important to complete the course. If you are allergic to an antibiotic a rash may develop. Erythromycin, which is sometimes used for bacterial sore throats, can cause nausea and vomiting.

During treatment for a Sore Throat

As the majority of sore throats should clear up after a few days, if you are not getting better, or getting worse, you will need to contact your doctor. If you experience increasing difficulty swallowing, so that you are unable to take fluids, you may become dehydrated. This will not only make you feel worse, but also make your sore throat worse. If a rash develops you will need to contact your doctor. This could be due to the sore throat or as a side-effect of the antibiotic. If due to the sore throat, you will need to continue with the antibiotic. This rash is like small red patches all over. After a few days, the skin may appear to peel. If the rash is due to the antibiotic, it will need to be stopped or changed. Sometimes a rash with a sore throat may indicate glandular fever.

After Treatment

If the course of antibiotic is not completed or not taken for a sufficient length of time, the sore throat may return. Some antibiotics can cause a fungal infection called thrush. This may result in white spots in the mouth or an itchy and sore penis or vagina.

If a Sore Throat is left untreated

Treatments for sore throats are used to make you feel better, rather than to cure the infection. Most sore throats, even the sore throats caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus, would get better in time without any treatment.

Effects on the family of a Sore Throat

It is important to ensure that plenty of fluids are provided to avoid dehydration. If fluids are not able to be swallowed, it will be necessary to contact the doctor.