I have a sore throat. What should I do?

Dr. Gokhan Guvener

Otorhinolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon, Acupuncturist

Tel: 07521 195818

http://www.drgokhanguvener.com

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A sore throat can present as a symptom of many ailments. Infections are the most common cause of this complaint, which is also expressed as burning and sensitivity in the throat and aggravated by swallowing.

Infections are mostly of viral origin. (Such as common cold, flu, and infectious mononucleosis viruses) It should not be forgotten that viral diseases such as measles and chickenpox can cause sore throat as well as rashes.

More rarely, bacterial infections cause a sore throat. Among them, streptococci stand out, especially in tonsillitis. Besides, diphtheria and whooping cough bacteria, which have been greatly reduced by vaccination, can be considered among the causes.

There is no specific treatment for viral infections, and they are not affected by antibiotics. Antiviral drugs, which have been introduced in recent years, provide partial relief in symptoms when used within the first two days. Therefore, it is recommended to be used only in severe flu epidemics and risk groups. In this case, treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. Rest, plenty of fluid, pain relievers; If there are additional findings such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, treatments for this can be used. In the normal course of viral infections, alleviation of the symptoms, and complete recovery within approximately one week are expected with the effect of the immune system.

Although bacterial throat infections are less common, they are more severe conditions that can cause complications, especially in children. In these cases, appropriate antibiotics may also be included in the therapy as well as supportive treatment.

Although there are no exact criteria to distinguish bacterial and viral infections, it is important to make this distinction when deciding on antibiotic use.

– In bacterial infections, sore throat and difficulty swallowing are much more severe and long-lasting.

-The general condition has deteriorated more significantly, the fever is generally above 38.3 degrees and resistant.

– Examination findings in the throat (such as redness, mucosal irregularity, swelling in the pharynx bands) are more prominent. If the tonsils are affected, white inflammatory rashes may be seen on them as well as swelling. Painful growth can be seen in the neck lymph nodes.

– In bacterial sore throats; Other signs such as sneezing, cough, and runny nose are more subtle or absent.

– Tests such as various blood tests, rapid streptococcal tests, and throat culture to be performed by the doctor also help in making an antibiotic decision.

Although it is less common, a sore throat may have non-infectious causes. Allergies, lack of healthy nasal breathing and throat dryness due to mouth breathing, chronic irritation caused by exposure to polluted air and smoking, throat and muscle pain due to excessive shouting and voice abuse, reflux pain, thyroiditis, and some tumours can be counted among these reasons.

In general, for sore throats lasting more than one to two weeks, further examination and evaluation is recommended to determine other possible causes.