Have most people experienced, at least once in their lives, that difficulty eating, a sore throat that can be more or less intense, sometimes accompanied by a certain malaise?
If you have been through this, you are likely to have soon associated symptoms with a sore throat ? which is actually a popular denomination called pharyngotonsillitis.
Alexandre de Souza Cury, Otorhinolaryngologist, Master in Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Anhanguera-Uniderp, explains that pharyngotonsillitis are inflammation of the tonsils, pharynx and oral cavity tissues, often called "sore throat". "They may be due to infectious processes or not," he says.
Pharyngitis x Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis is the name given to inflammation of the pharynx, and tonsillitis to inflammation of the tonsils. Both have as their main symptom sore throat.
Since the pharynx and tonsils are anatomically close, it is very common to ignite simultaneously, resulting in exactly the picture called pharyngotonsillitis.
Read also: Tonsillitis: What Causes And How To Avoid Sore Throat
But while there is this possibility (of igniting together), some people have predominantly tonsillitis; while others pharyngitis.
Sore throat vs. infected throat
Alexandre Cury explains that, actually,? Sore throat? and? infected throat? they are lay terminology. We can say that the sore throat represents signs suggestive of inflammation, without having as an etiological factor an infection. While in the infected throat, we would have an inflammation due to an infectious process caused by viruses or bacteria ?, highlights.
Sore throat symptoms
According to the otorhinolaryngologist Cury, the pharyngotonsillitis have the main symptoms:
- Sore throat;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Fever (in some cases);
- Difficulty breathing (in some situations).
Why does a sore throat cause a fever?
This is not a rule, but in some cases fever may be one of the symptoms of "sore throat".
Alexandre Cury explains that this occurs in some cases because fever is usually indicative of a viral or bacterial infectious process. "So this is an important semiological data for the investigative conduct of the cause of the 'sore throat'," he says.
When to seek medical help?
Alexandre Cury explains that when observing one of the symptoms of pharyngotonsillitis (popularly called sore throat), it is important to seek medical help. "It is essential to always have a medical evaluation for the best diagnosis and, consequently, appropriate treatment early on, at the first signs or symptoms," he says.
Sore throat treatment
Treatment should always be based on the underlying cause. Alexandre Cury highlights some examples: in cases of bacterial infections, use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics; whereas in cases of viral infections, only anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Get a doctor to tell you which option is right for you.
Tips to Relieve Sore Throat Symptoms
Otolaryngologist Cury explains that, at home, the most important thing is to maintain adequate hydration, either with water or some teas that can provide relief of symptoms. In this regard, check out the guidelines:
- Drink a lot of water;
- Also drink teas such as black, green and white;
- Gargle with water and salt, which may help to reduce discomfort from edema.
It is worth noting that these tips only serve to relieve the symptoms of sore throat, but in no way exclude the need for proper treatment (as directed by the doctor).
How to prevent sore throat
Alexandre Cury points out that prevention is based on having a healthy lifestyle. In this regard, check out some guidelines:
- Follow a proper diet (with the consumption of more natural and less processed foods);
- Keep oral hygiene up to date;
- Values for good sleep quality (sleeping about 8 hours a day);
- Drink plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration.
Also, do not hesitate to seek medical help if symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and others begin to bother you. Only a professional can investigate the case and treat it to the best of its ability.
Sore Throat | How To Get Rid Of A Sore Throat (2019) (April 2024)
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