Throat Infections

The human body is a very delicate str ucture. And one of the most delicate parts ar e the sensory orifices, ear , nose and throat. These three structures are interconnected and an infection in any one of them , would normally be felt in the other . The throat , the one that is hidden within, with the mouth as opening is as delicate as it is vocal. This ther efore means that it is constantly moist , and therefore prone to infections. The most common throat infection is sore throat. A sore throat (throat infection, pharyngitis) is caused when a virus (or bacteria) infects the area at the back of your throat (pharynx). This causes redness and swelling (inflammation), and can be painful, especially when you swallow. Viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Pharyngitis is most commonly caused by viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis. ... Bacterial infections require antibiotics. The most common bacterial infection of the throat is strep throat, which is caused by group A streptococcus . A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat. These types of infections include: str ep throat, which is an inflammation of the throat caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. diphtheria, which causes throat inflammation. A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow.The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu.A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment. Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week.

There are times when you need to take immediate action, by seeing a doctor:

inability to swallow As an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems occur .

runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing and a fever also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis and have a fever and swollen glands in your neck

6. It may also be caused by something irritating your throat, such as smoke, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (where acid leaks up from the stomach) and allergies. 7. Less common causes. 9. quinsy (a painful collection of pus at the back also have difficulty opening your mouth or difficulty swallowing

and you may have difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing.

There are also products such as medicated lozenges and sprays sold in pharmacies that you may want to try. There isn’t much scientific evidence to suggest they help, although some people find them worth using. Antibiotics aren’t usually prescribed for a sore throat, even if it’s caused by a bacterial infection, as they’re unlikely to make you feel better any quicker and they can have unpleasant side effects. don’t give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking long it lasts you can:

try this) don’t give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking throat you can: (although there’s little proof they help)

or you feel hot and shivery

example because of diabetes or chemotherapy cold or flu) or from smoking.

- ture, or you feel hot and shivery

example because of diabetes or chemotherapy.

Strep throat, also called streptococcal sore throat, is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcal bacteria. Typical symptoms are sore throat, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat is cured by antibiotic treatment.

sore throat caused by S. pyogenes, compared with when someone infected with the virus or bacteria sneezes or coughs, releasing droplets that contain the virus into the air.

Pharyngitis (viral and bacterial) is contagious and mucus, nasal discharge and saliva can contain the viruses and/or bacteria that can cause sore throat these organisms.

If you have simple viral pharyngitis, your symptoms should go away gradually over a period of about one week. If you have strep throat, your symptoms should subside within two to three days after you begin taking antibiotics.

The bacterium or virus that causes a sore throat is usually caught from someone else who is already through tiny droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus, launched into the air when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks.

If you breathe in one of these droplets or touch a surface that has the virus on it, and then touch your face, you may become infected.

has mild antibacterial properties.

Apple cider vinegar Suck on ice chips Peppermint essential oil Licorice Marshmallow root

Acupuncture A humidifier A warm compress Throat spray Lozenges or cough drops

Zinc lozenges

Quit smoking sore throat pain.