Sore Throat
Sore Throat Causes
Viral sore throats which compose of about 90% of all cases of infection and can also be a cause of several types of viral infections. Causes of this kind of sore throat are adenovirus, orthomyxoviridae, infectious mononucleosis, herpes simplex virus, measles and common cold virus. Bacterial sore throats are commonly caused by the bacteria streptococcus and also diphtheria which is an upper respiratory infection.
Sore Throat Definition
The medical term for this kind of infection is pharyngitis. It is the swelling of the pharynx and in most cases is painful. It is regarded to be caused by viral infection (90%) while the remainder is caused by bacterial infection and in rare cases oral thrush. Irritation due to pollutants or chemical substance, sometimes cause sore throat.
Sore Throat Diagnosis
A physician will perform a physical exam and throat culture. During the examination the physician will look at the throat for swelling and redness and for white stripes or pus in the tonsils. A strep test may also be performed to check for bacteria that causes strep throat.
Sore Throat Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms may differ depending on the kind of infection. Sore throat accompanied by common cold: watery eyes, sneezing, cough, mild body aches or headache and mild fever (less than 102 F) Sore throat accompanied by influenza: fatigue, body aches, sweats, chills and high fever than 102 F Sore throat accompanied by mononucleosis: tonsils are swollen, lymph nodes in the neck and armpits are swollen, skin rash, headache, lack of appetite, spleen is swollen and soft, liver are swollen
Sore Throat Treatment
For symptomatic treatment which aims at decreasing pain and symptoms treatments are cayenne pepper, analgesics, throat sprays, throat lozenges, avoiding foods and drinks high in acid, warm tea, mouthwash, drink a lot of liquid, peppermint candy, yogurt and gargling. For remedial and preventive treatments which aim at decreasing its spread and making the healing process fast and also aims to prevent the start of infection. Treatments include use of antibiotic and taking in a couple teaspoons of raw lemon or lime juice.
Drugs used for treatment of Sore Throat
Amalaki