Contents

  • Causes and characteristics of sore throat in various diseases

  • What symptoms require seeing a doctor?

  • Which diseases cause a sore throat?

  • Main methods of treating throat diseases

  • How else can you relieve a sore throat?

  • Prevention of throat diseases

A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms. It can occur in adults and children with colds, ARVI, flu, and many other infectious and inflammatory diseases.

In the absence of additional complaints, many people are in no hurry to see a doctor, using folk remedies or over-the-counter drugs for treatment. Sometimes this helps, and the sore throat goes away, but there are cases when such an approach leads to serious complications.

In this article, we will consider:

  • Which diseases can cause a sore throat?

  • What symptoms require mandatory consultation with a doctor?

  • Which treatment methods are recommended by specialists?

Causes and characteristics of sore throat in various diseases

A sore throat is quite a general concept. In different diseases, it can be sharp or aching, manifest as dryness or mild tickling, burning, or discomfort when swallowing. This symptom may occur suddenly or intensify over several days and may be accompanied by general malaise or develop against the background of normal well-being. Everything depends on the provoking factor.

The main causes of sore throat are:

  • inhalation of smoke or harmful vapors;

  • burns of the mucous membrane from hot drinks or dishes;

  • injury of the mucous membrane while eating;

  • allergy;

  • cold;

  • bacterial, viral, and fungal infections;

  • diseases of internal organs, etc.

In acute diseases, a sore throat is usually not the only symptom. It is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough, fever, etc.

Good general well-being may persist if the throat mucosa is burned, for example, by hot tea, or scratched by sharp foods. If the condition does not worsen, discomfort may disappear within one or several days even without specific treatment.

What symptoms require seeing a doctor?

Ideally, a doctor’s consultation is necessary for any malaise. Only a specialist can carry out diagnostics and prescribe therapy. But many people try to treat a sore throat on their own. To prevent complications, it is important to know what symptoms require medical help.

You should make an appointment with an otolaryngologist or family doctor if:

  • the throat is red and very sore;

  • purulent plugs have formed;

  • the neck is swollen;

  • cervical lymph nodes are enlarged;

  • the voice is severely hoarse;

  • body temperature has risen;

  • the ear started to hurt;

  • there is a severe cough;

  • sputum with blood is secreted;

  • the sore throat does not go away for more than 2–3 days, worsens, or other symptoms appear.

Specialists at "Oxford Medical" warn that in case of neck and face swelling, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, severe cough, or rash on the skin, you need to call an ambulance! These symptoms may develop during Quincke’s edema – an acute allergic reaction.

Which diseases cause a sore throat?

A sore throat is one of the main symptoms of:

  • angina, or tonsillitis – inflammation of the palatine tonsils accompanied by their swelling and redness, a feeling of severe burning, enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes (in chronic form, a sore throat is mild and occurs more often in the morning);

  • adenoiditis – inflammation of the nasopharyngeal tonsils accompanied by a runny nose, wet cough, and snoring (develops more often in children);

  • pharyngitis – inflammation of the pharynx, manifested by dryness and tickling in the throat, coughing, and runny nose;

  • laryngitis – inflammation of the larynx accompanied by tickling, coughing, and severe pain when swallowing.

In these diseases, fever and symptoms of general malaise most often appear. They may be caused by bacterial (streptococcus), viral (ARVI, flu), or fungal (candidiasis) infections.

If there is no fever, but the sore throat does not go away for more than 2–3 days, the causes may be:

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (may also cause heartburn and a bitter taste in the mouth);

  • thyroid disease (accompanied by hormonal disorders);

  • glossopharyngeal neuralgia (characterized by unilateral acute pain radiating to the jaw and ear);

  • benign or malignant neoplasm (possible hoarseness, sensation of a lump in the throat);

  • angina pectoris and other diseases.

In such cases, to rule out a serious illness or start treatment on time, you need to see a doctor.

Main methods of treating throat diseases

Most throat diseases are successfully treated with medications and physiotherapy. The main thing is an accurate diagnosis.

A sore throat is just a symptom, so it is important not to mask it with painkillers but to eliminate the root cause.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the patient:

  • antibiotics;

  • antivirals;

  • antifungals;

  • antipyretics;

  • anti-inflammatory drugs;

  • immunostimulating drugs;

  • gargling solutions;

  • sprays and lozenges with anesthetic effect;

  • physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, rinsing the tonsillar lacunae or ultrasound therapy.

It is important to note that antibiotics and other systemic drugs are prescribed only with confirmed infection. For this, tests or other examinations may be required.

If a sore throat is caused by the development of tumors or diseases of internal organs, the doctor will refer the patient to a specialized specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

How else can you relieve a sore throat?

To reduce discomfort and speed up recovery, in addition to main therapy, it is recommended to:

  • exclude cold and hot drinks and dishes that irritate the mucous membrane;

  • eat soft food, exclude spicy products;

  • avoid general hypothermia;

  • regularly ventilate the room, control humidity levels;

  • follow a drinking regime to reduce body intoxication;

  • maintain voice rest;

  • give up smoking and alcohol.

Prevention of throat diseases

For the prevention of inflammatory and infectious diseases, it is recommended to strengthen immunity, get timely vaccinations, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid hypothermia, and seek medical help in time.

It should be remembered that a sore throat can be a symptom of various diseases. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and select effective treatment.

To make an appointment with a specialist at "Oxford Medical", call our contact center or leave a request on the website.

Sources:

  • National Library of Medicine

  • College of Family Physicians of Canada

  • JAMA Network