Otitis

Sore throat, its symptoms and treatment. Signs of sore throat and its treatment

An infectious-allergic process, local changes in which affect the pharyngeal lymphoid ring, most often the palatine tonsils. The course of angina is characterized by increased body temperature, general intoxication syndrome, sore throat when swallowing, enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes. Upon examination, hyperemia and hypertrophy of the tonsils and palatine arches, and sometimes purulent plaque, are revealed. A sore throat is diagnosed by an otolaryngologist based on pharyngoscopy and bacteriological culture of the throat. For sore throat, local treatment is indicated (gargling, rinsing lacunae, treating the tonsils with drugs), antibiotic therapy, and physiotherapy.

General information

Sore throat is a group of acute infectious diseases that are accompanied by inflammation of one or more tonsils of the pharyngeal ring. As a rule, the palatine tonsils are affected. Less commonly, inflammation develops in the nasopharyngeal, laryngeal or lingual tonsils. The pathogens penetrate the tonsil tissue from the outside (exogenous infection) or from the inside (endogenous infection). From person to person, sore throat is transmitted by airborne droplets or nutritional (food) routes. With endogenous infection, microbes enter the tonsils from carious teeth, paranasal sinuses (with sinusitis) or the nasal cavity. When the immune system is weakened, sore throat can be caused by bacteria and viruses that are constantly present on the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx.

Classification of sore throats

With catarrhal tonsillitis, low-grade fever, moderate general intoxication, and mild signs of inflammation in blood tests are observed. Pharyngoscopy reveals diffuse bright hyperemia of the posterior wall of the pharynx, hard and soft palate. Catarrhal sore throat continues for 1-2 days. The outcome may be recovery or transition to another form of angina (follicular or catarrhal).

Follicular and lacunar tonsillitis are characterized by more severe intoxication. Patients complain of headache, general weakness, pain in the joints, muscles and heart area. Hyperthermia up to 39-40C is noted. A general blood test reveals leukocytosis with a shift to the left. ESR increases to 40-50 mm/h.

A pharyngoscopy examination of a patient with lacunar tonsillitis reveals severe hyperemia, widening of the lacunae, swelling and infiltration of the tonsils. Purulent plaque spreads beyond the lacunae and forms a loose coating on the surface of the tonsil. The plaque looks like a film or separate small foci, does not spread beyond the tonsil, and is easily removed. When plaque is removed, the tonsil tissue does not bleed.

With follicular angina, pharyngoscopy reveals hypertrophy and pronounced swelling of the tonsils, the so-called “starry sky” picture (multiple white-yellow festering follicles). When the follicle spontaneously opens, a purulent plaque forms, which does not spread beyond the tonsil.

Necrotizing tonsillitis is characterized by severe intoxication. There is persistent fever, confusion, and repeated vomiting. Blood tests reveal pronounced leukocytosis with a sharp shift to the left, neutrophilia, and a significant increase in ESR. Pharyngoscopy reveals a dense gray or greenish-yellow plaque with an uneven, dull, pitted surface. When the plaque is removed, the tonsil tissue bleeds. After rejection of areas of necrosis, irregularly shaped tissue defects with a diameter of 1-2 cm remain. Necrosis may spread beyond the tonsil to the posterior wall of the pharynx, uvula and arches.

Complications

Early complications of tonsillitis (otitis media, lymphadenitis of regional lymph nodes, sinusitis, peritonsillar abscess, peritonsillitis) occur during illness when inflammation spreads to nearby organs and tissues.

Late complications of tonsillitis of infectious-allergic origin (glomerulonephritis, rheumatic carditis, articular rheumatism) develop 3-4 weeks after the onset of the disease.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is based on the symptoms of the disease and pharyngoscopy data. To confirm the nature of the infectious agent, a bacteriological examination of mucus from the tonsils and a serological blood test are performed.

Treatment

Treatment is usually outpatient. In severe cases of tonsillitis, hospitalization is indicated. Patients are prescribed a gentle diet, plenty of fluids, and antibacterial drugs (cephalosporins, macrolides, sulfonamides). The course of treatment is 5-7 days. Ambazon, fusafungin, gramicidin, rinsing with herbal decoctions and antiseptic solutions, irrigating the tonsils with chlorhexidine, norsulfazole, streptocide are used locally.

Specific sore throats

Candidiasis (fungal) sore throat.

Caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida albicans. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of candidal tonsillitis due to the widespread use of glucocorticoids and antibiotics. Fungal tonsillitis, as a rule, develops against the background of another disease after long courses of antibiotic therapy.

General symptoms are not expressed or expressed weakly. Pharyngoscopy examination reveals pinpoint white or yellowish deposits on the tonsils, sometimes spreading to the mucous membrane of the cheeks and tongue. The plaque is easily removed.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the results of a mycological study. Treatment consists of discontinuing antibiotics, prescribing antifungal drugs, restorative therapy, and rinsing the tonsils with solutions of nystatin and levorin.

Simanovsky-Plaut-Vincent tonsillitis (ulcerative membranous tonsillitis).

Develops with chronic intoxication, exhaustion, hypovitaminosis, immunodeficiency. It is caused by representatives of the saprophytic flora of the oral cavity - the Vincent spirochete and the Plaut-Vincent bacillus in symbiosis.

General symptoms are not expressed or expressed weakly. Usually one tonsil is affected. Superficial ulcers are formed on its surface, covered with a gray-green coating with a putrefactive odor. When plaque is removed, the tonsil bleeds. After rejection of the necrotic area, a deep ulcer is formed, which subsequently heals without the formation of a defect.

The diagnosis of ulcerative membranous tonsillitis is confirmed by the results of bacteriological examination. General restorative therapy is carried out. The affected areas are lubricated with a solution of boric acid or methylene blue, and rinses are prescribed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide. In case of deep necrosis and long-term course, antibiotic therapy is indicated.

11.02.2020

What is a sore throat?

- This is an acute inflammation of the palate, lingual and nasopharyngeal tonsils. Most often the palatine tonsils become inflamed. Sore throat is an acute infectious-allergic disease. During the course of the disease, the palatine tonsils become inflamed.

ICD

ICD-10-CM: J35.01

ICD-9-CM: 474.00

Causes of sore throat

The causative agent of sore throat is most often hemolytic, less often streptococcus aureus. In very rare cases - pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, viruses (enteroviruses, adenoviruses, herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, etc.), mycoplasma, chlamydia, fungi, mixed infection.

The infection can be transmitted by airborne droplets, through food and drink, and through direct contact with a sick person. Sore throat develops most often in the cold, damp season (spring, autumn); it can be a consequence of hypothermia or a manifestation of diseases such as diphtheria, scarlet fever, whooping cough, and in some cases, blood diseases.

Hypothermia is not the main cause of sore throat, as is commonly believed. The cause of sore throat in 90% of cases is the hemolytic streptococcus Streptococcus pyogenes. Therefore, you can become infected through airborne droplets even from a healthy person who is a carrier of bacteria.

Another route of transmission is contact (through dirty dishes). You can also become infected through food, for example, if you drink raw milk from a cow with mastitis. And sometimes a person infects himself. In such cases, a sore throat may be a consequence of chronic rhinitis, diseased teeth, or other permanent foci of infections in the body. The situation is complicated by unfavorable conditions: hypothermia, decreased immunity.

Types and symptoms of sore throat

Symptoms of sore throat appear after the incubation period, which is most often 24-48 hours, is completed.

The main symptoms of angina are the following:

Sore throat has an acute onset. A person, despite being in perfect health, sharply deteriorates in health.

Body temperature rises and chills occur. The mark on the thermometer can reach 40 °C.

Headache, joint pain, general weakness.

The throat is very sore, the pain intensifies during the swallowing process. On the second day, painful sensations reach their peak and are present on an ongoing basis.

On average, a sore throat lasts about two weeks, in children it lasts a little longer.

Catarrhal sore throat

Catarrhal tonsillitis usually develops quickly, but the temperature is not higher than 37-38°C. In most cases, a person suffers from a dry and sore throat. After the first unpleasant sensations, the patient feels swelling in the pharynx and pain when swallowing. Upon visual inspection, the palatine tonsils appear reddened and swollen, and palpation of the neck in the area of the submandibular lymph gland usually causes quite severe pain. As a rule, pain increases when swallowing. After a few hours, a person’s body temperature reaches 39 °C. Sore throat is accompanied by severe chills and painful aches and migraines.

As a rule, catarrhal tonsillitis is a precursor to follicular or lacunar tonsillitis. Despite the milder degree of angina, it must be treated; any angina poses a threat to human health.

Follicular tonsillitis

Follicular tonsillitis is a longer and more severe disease. It usually causes serious complications.

The main symptoms are also headaches, fever up to 39°C, joint pain and general malaise. All symptoms are much more pronounced than with catarrhal tonsillitis. In many patients, the saliva content in the oral cavity increases significantly. Follicular tonsillitis should be treated only in a hospital with constant medical supervision.

Lacunar tonsillitis

Lacunar tonsillitis is considered an equally serious disease. It is accompanied by a noticeable deterioration in the general condition of the body. The temperature rise can reach 40°C.

In addition to headaches, swallowing food and liquids causes discomfort. Often pain in the throat radiates to the ears. The mucous membrane of the tonsils swells and turns red. In patients, white or yellowish plaques, typical for sore throat, form in the lacunae, the so-called plugs, consisting mainly of rejected cells and bacteria. Upon examination, swelling and redness of the palatine arches are always noticeable.

How to distinguish a sore throat from an acute respiratory infection or pharyngitis?

The most important symptoms of a sore throat, and not an acute respiratory infection or a cold, are a rapid increase and retention of body temperature within 39 ° C, and the appearance of an acute unpleasant sore throat. It becomes painful to eat, drink and even talk. Later, the patient begins to experience attacks of severe fatigue, malaise, and begins to ache in the joints. If you already have these first signs of the disease, you should immediately contact your local doctor.

Also, sore throat can be confused with. But there are differences; sore throat is caused by a specific type of bacteria, streptococci, and the symptoms are often more severe. In addition, streptococci can infect other parts of the throat.

When to see a doctor?

Sometimes a sore throat can become so severe that breathing becomes difficult. If this occurs, medical attention is necessary and urgent.

Additionally, if a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should visit a doctor:

Temperature over 39.5 °C

Inflammation of the lymph nodes, the neck becomes stiff to the touch.

Muscle weakness

Sore throat that lasts more than 2 days

Sore throat is very contagious, so isolation of the patient is mandatory.

Diagnosis of sore throat

Examination by a doctor:

The doctor will examine your throat, and possibly your ears and nose, which can also be sites of infection.

The doctor will ask you if you have a rash on your body. The rash may indicate, which is associated with some cases of sore throat

Gently feeling (palpating) your baby's neck to check for swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs.

Check for enlarged spleen (a dangerous disease that also causes inflammation of the tonsils)

Throat swab

With this simple test, the doctor takes secretions from the throat. The sample will be tested in a laboratory for the presence of streptococcal bacteria.

Some clinics have a laboratory that can provide test results within minutes. However, a second, more reliable test is usually sent to a laboratory, which can provide results within 24 to 48 hours.

If the rapid in-clinic test is positive, you almost certainly have a bacterial infection. If the test result is negative, you most likely have a viral infection. However, your doctor will wait for a more reliable laboratory test to determine the cause of the infection.

Treatment of sore throat

Medicines for the treatment of sore throat

Fusafungin (bioparox) - 4 inhalations by mouth every 4 hours for 4-5 days. Before use, read the instructions.

Ambazon - keep the tablet in your mouth until it is completely dissolved. After taking the tablet, refrain from eating and drinking for 3 hours.

Gramicidin - the tablet is kept in the mouth (behind the cheek) until it is completely dissolved. Use 2 tablets (one after the other for 20-30 minutes) 4 times a day for 2-3 days.

For severe sore throat: Hexoral, Stopangin, Strepsils, Lugol and other remedies. Menthol products, such as Halls (menthol lozenge), can also reduce pain.

In case of allergies, take: Suprastin, Tavegil, Fenkarol, Loratadine, Claritin

Antibiotics

If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the most powerful antibiotic for tonsillitis; it should be taken for 7-10 days.

You should definitely take the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms completely disappear after a couple of days. Stopping medication early may cause the infection to worsen or spread to other parts of the body. Incomplete completion of the course of antibiotics can, in particular, increase the risk of developing rheumatism and serious kidney inflammation!

Amoxicillin is the most effective antibiotic for angina from the group of semisynthetic broad-spectrum penicillins. The following brands of amoxicillin are presented on the Russian market: Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab.

Cheaper ones: Amoxicar, Amoxil, Amosin.

For children: Suprax, Klacid, Azithromycin, Augmentin

If the body temperature persists for 5 days or more, the treatment regimen should be changed, as this indicates its ineffectiveness.

Video: how to quickly cure a sore throat at home? 5 simple steps:

Home care

Regardless of whether the sore throat is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, the described tactics will be needed in any case for a speedy recovery.

Remember that if your sore throat is caused by a virus, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics. And this home care will be the only treatment tactic

The home care strategy includes the following:

Get more rest.

Drink more water - this will prevent.

Warm liquids—broth, decaffeinated tea, or warm water with honey—and cold treats such as ice cream can soothe a sore throat.

Use a humidifier. Dry air can make a sore throat even worse.

Lollipops for sore throat (Strepsils, Angi sept Dr. Theiss, Anti-Angin, Septolete, Faringosept,).

Try not to take aspirin. In addition to causing stomach ulcers, taking aspirin in children causes Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.

Herbs to relieve sore throat

In medicine, the following are used to combat coughs and sore throats:

Sore throat in adults does not always occur in its true form. Often, with any sore throat, patients diagnose themselves on their own and most often call it a sore throat, without trying to understand the true diagnosis.

Sore throat is most often confused with laryngitis, pharyngitis, and the common cold. In order to avoid such misconceptions, you need to know what the signs of sore throat are in adults and how it progresses. Even if these signs are present, it is necessary to consult a doctor to receive adequate treatment.

The disease is mainly caused by staphylococci, less commonly pneumococci or a combined type of infection. Bacteria and viruses come both from the outside and pathogens already present inside the body are activated. They usually live in carious teeth, nasopharynx, and maxillary sinuses. Their activation is facilitated by any weakening of the immune system: hypothermia, stress, colds, prolonged exposure to various allergens, contact with a sick person.

Causes

The most typical infectious agents include staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, some representatives of the diplococcus genus and enteroviruses.

Routes of infection:

Endogenous (in patients suffering from gastroenteritis, purulent, and caries).
Airborne (the most typical route of transmission).
Enteral (together with contaminated dairy products).
Hematogenous (with blood flow from organs and tissues infected with the pathogen).
Artificial (during surgical operations on the nasopharynx and nasal cavity).

Most often, angina affects people who have reduced sensitization and reactivity of the body, or have congenital immaturity of physiological systems, or have chronic pathological processes in the ENT organs. At the same time, the condition of the tonsils and the virulence of the microflora play an important role in the development of the disease.

Classification

There are several forms of the disease:

Catarrhal sore throat. It usually develops very quickly. The main symptoms are malaise, dryness and sore throat. Next, swelling of the pharynx appears, pain when swallowing and in the lymph nodes. This type of sore throat is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 39°C, the appearance of chills, body aches and severe migraines. After 3-5 days, the main symptoms of the disease disappear or change into another form - it all depends on the treatment.
Lacunar tonsillitis. The first symptom is a sharp rise in temperature (up to 40 degrees). There are also sensations of pain in the larynx, muscles, joints, and heart. Saliva production increases significantly. Children may experience vomiting due to intoxication. With this form, fluid accumulates in the lacunae (fibrinous exudate). The mucous surface of the pharynx and tonsils turns red, swells, yellowish islands appear, the tonsils become covered with a whitish coating, which is easily cleaned off with a medical spatula. There is swelling of the cervical lymph nodes and pain in their locations. This type of sore throat lasts for a period of time of 5 - 7 days. A slight fever can also be observed after the acute period.
, unlike catarrhal, develops slowly, but passes no less painfully. Its danger lies in its complications: when your headache gets worse, your body temperature rises, your joints ache, you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. With this type of sore throat, the lymph nodes under the jaw become very painful and become enlarged. It should be treated in a hospital setting.
Necrotizing tonsillitis occurs with more severe symptoms than lacunar and follicular tonsillitis. It is accompanied by high fever, nausea, and vomiting. Blood tests for necrotizing tonsillitis show pronounced leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Tonsils with this sore throat are covered with a yellow-green coating, less often - gray. Often, when removing plaque, the mucous membrane bleeds, since tissue rejection occurs at the site of infection under the influence of fibrin. This rejection can spread not only to the tonsils, but also to the surrounding areas - the arches, the uvula, the back wall of the pharynx.

Sometimes forms of tonsillitis can be combined, which makes treatment much more difficult. On one tonsil there may be lacunar, and on the other - follicular tonsillitis.

General symptoms of sore throat

With the development of angina, the main symptoms in an adult appear depending on the severity of the clinical picture. The acute form of the disease is characterized by rapid development.

The first signs appear:

hyperthermia (high temperature), impaired swallowing functions;
enlargement and inflammation of the tonsils (glands), possible pustular lesions;
sudden syndrome of acute sore throat, gradual increase in pain;
hypertrophy and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the submandibular zone.

In the subacute form, the disease is sluggish. Mild symptoms appear and vary in duration from 1 to 3 months. Both adults and children experience:

changes in the intensity of pain;
halitosis (not a fresh mouth odor);
slight hypertrophy (enlargement) of the tonsils;
foul-smelling viscous discharge from the tonsillar niches;
change in taste.

The chronic form usually develops in patients who regularly tried to independently treat a sore throat at home, who suffered the disease “on their feet”, without bringing the treatment to complete recovery. Symptoms are periodic - they appear and then disappear. Noted:

mild swelling of the lymph nodes;
slight signs of redness of the tonsils, their slight enlargement;
periodic manifestation of pain symptoms in the throat.

The symptoms of the disease in adult patients and children are the same, since due to its contagiousness, one sick family member can infect all household members, including children.

What does a sore throat look like: photo

The photo below shows how the disease manifests itself in adults.

What are the symptoms of purulent tonsillitis?

With a sore throat, a person becomes weak, the body temperature rises to 40 degrees, it is impossible to swallow, severe pain in the throat occurs, a headache occurs, and the throat becomes very red. When the doctor examines the throat, he notices that the tonsils are enlarged and covered with plaque on top, often causing pain in the joints. If the disease is treated in time, the person becomes better after 5 days. Doctors often diagnose acute respiratory infections instead of a sore throat, but remember, if the temperature is above 39 degrees, this means that the throat is severely inflamed. At the same time, the patient cannot drink, eat, has difficulty speaking, and then begins to get tired quickly.

If the sore throat is purulent, the lymph nodes become significantly enlarged, the tonsils located on the soft palate change, and ulcers begin to appear on them.

How long does the temperature last for a sore throat?

Sore throat is a clear cause of increased body temperature. A distinctive feature of an acute infectious disease is a sharp rise in temperature that persists for a short time. Visible symptoms of a sore throat are sore throat, plaque on the tonsils, and general weakness. On average, high temperatures last up to 5 days. The duration of the disease depends on the nature of the sore throat:

catarrhal - duration is 1-2 days;
follicular - 3 - 4 days;
lacunar - 4 - 5 days;
herpes sore throat (herpangina) - 1-3 days;
Simanovsky-Plaut-Vincent angina - 1 - 2 days or passes without fever.

Natural changes in indicators due to the individual characteristics of the body, especially immunity and general susceptibility to viruses, should be taken into account. Different types of sore throats have similar signs of the disease, differing in the location of purulent areas. The absence of temperature during tonsillitis indicates a decrease in the body’s protective functions and an inability to resist the disease on its own.

How to treat a sore throat?

Bed rest. Having a sore throat on your legs often leads to the development of complications.
Drink plenty of fluids. It is necessary to relieve intoxication and remove pathogens and their waste products from the body. You can drink water, tea, compotes, fruit drinks, juices. The main thing is that they are warm.
Antiseptics. All kinds of lozenges, lozenges and aerosols for sore throat are used in cases of severe pain as symptomatic therapy.
Antipyretics. They are taken if the temperature has risen above 38 degrees and it becomes difficult for the patient to tolerate it.
Gargling for sore throat. Helps get rid of white plaque, which is a source of inflammation. It is recommended to gargle every hour if you have a sore throat.

In most cases, sore throat is caused by streptococci, so the main medications for sore throat are penicillin antibiotics. The most effective of them is benzylpenicillin. If the patient is allergic to penicillins, then macrolides (Azithromycin, Erythromycin) may be prescribed. Tetracyclines and sulfonamides are ineffective for angina.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers a large number of recipes for treating such a complex disease as sore throat at home. In case of acute tonsillitis, it is necessary to wash away microbes from the mucous membrane of the pharynx, and for this purpose it is recommended to use infusions and decoctions of herbs.

The following procedures give a good effect:

Frequently rinsing the mouth with a solution of sea water helps get rid of pain in the throat.
You can get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease in a few days with the help of garlic, using it for compresses, inhalations and rinses.
Drinking oregano decoction throughout the day will help get rid of hoarseness.
at the very beginning of the development of tonsillitis, it is recommended to chew lemon zest along with the pulp and gargle with a solution of lemon juice.
If a sore throat is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and chills, then warm tea with the addition of lingonberries, lemon or raspberries helps to alleviate the condition.

When diagnosing acute tonsillitis, it is important to drink as much fluid as possible, which will help remove all accumulated toxins from the body and restore water balance.

What to gargle with?

Local treatment of tonsillitis is no less effective than taking general medications. Gargling with solutions (furacilin, eludril, soda + iodine + salt), and decoctions (sage, calendula) helps eliminate pain and relieve inflammation of the tonsils.

You should gargle at least once every 2 hours; this process cleanses the pharyngeal mucosa from waste products of pathogenic microorganisms, washes away pus from its surface, and fights inflammation.

You can also watch a video of the program “Live Healthy” about the treatment of sore throat.

Complications of sore throat

Angina is very dangerous due to its complications. One of them is a paratonsillar abscess, which is a continuation of a sore throat. It seems that recovery has occurred, but suddenly the patient develops a severe sore throat that is constantly getting worse. After 2–3 days, swallowing becomes impossible, the temperature rises, and salivation increases. Soon the patient's condition worsens so much that during swallowing, as a result of swelling of the soft palate, food can enter the nasopharynx and nose. Breathing becomes difficult. In this case, only urgent hospitalization and surgery will help.

There are other complications. There are local and general manifestations. Local ones include acute purulent lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), phlegmon of the neck. Common complications include rheumatism, infectious polyarthritis, sepsis,. That is why, after a sore throat, you should definitely test your blood and urine twice and do an electrocardiogram to make sure there are no complications.

Sore throat is one of those diseases that begins suddenly and just as suddenly disrupts the entire order of actions of a healthy person. This disease is equally terrible for both adults and children. The risk of contracting it is the same at any age.

Sore throat always affects a person’s respiratory tract, causing him great discomfort. The disease frightens with its complications, which are sometimes the most unpredictable.

In medicine, sore throat is referred to as acute tonsillitis. In most cases, this disease appears in a person due to prolonged exposure to the cold or as a result of contact with a person with a sore throat. The disease spreads quite rapidly throughout a healthy body.

At the first suspicion, the surest and most correct remedy is to contact a medical institution for consultation with a specialist. It is an experienced doctor who is able not only to provide timely assistance to the patient, but also to prevent further spread of the disease. In addition, it is the doctor who will be able to correctly select for the patient the necessary list of medications that will speed up the patient’s recovery and not cause harm to the body.

In a medical institution, experienced doctors will be able to correctly diagnose a developing disease and identify the causes that contributed to its development. Self-medication for developing sore throat should not be practiced, as complications may arise in the body, which will also have to be dealt with. What to do if a person develops a sore throat?

Sore throat is a disease associated with an inflammatory process that occurs in the palate and affects the lingual and nasopharyngeal tonsils.

In most cases, sore throat. This disease is classified as an acute infectious-allergic disease. Sore throat is caused by a bacterial microorganism belonging to the streptococcal genus that has settled in the respiratory tract.

Causes of the disease:

Spreading infection is usually transmitted through airborne droplets, close contact with a sick person, and through sharing food and drink.
In most cases, tonsillitis occurs during the wet and cold seasons of the year, such as autumn or spring.
This disease can also develop against the background of damage to the body, diphtheria, influenza or whooping cough.
There are known cases where angina developed against the background of damage to the body by diseases associated with changes in blood composition.

Among the listed reasons that become sources of damage to the body by angina:

In the first place is not hypothermia of the body, but the penetration of hemolytic streptococcus into it. It is this microbe that in ninety out of a hundred cases causes the development of acute tonsillitis or tonsillitis in a person. This microbe can penetrate directly into the body through airborne droplets when a healthy person comes into direct contact with a patient or carrier of streptococcus.
In second place for infecting healthy people with sore throat is contact through dirty dishes. It is through objects of common use that the microbe that causes the development of sore throat in the body can also enter the body of a healthy person. You can get a sore throat through drinking raw cow's milk, which is contaminated with mastitis.

The best antibiotic for purulent sore throat for children and adults

In some cases, a person himself, through his negligent attitude towards his own health, contributes to the infection of the body with a sore throat. This happens when his body develops rhinitis, sinusitis, toothache or other infectious manifestations. On the plus side, the patient has been exposed to cold air for a long time, has a weakened immune system, or suffers from allergization of the body.

The sooner a developing disease is diagnosed, the greater the person’s chances of getting rid of the disease and not getting horrific complications from it. As you know, sore throat is based on the spread of infection and inflammation in the throat area. Streptococcus that has penetrated into this area begins to actively multiply and disrupt the functioning of the body’s cells.

In addition to streptococcus, sore throat can also be caused by another bacterium belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. At the same time, the cause of sore throat in the body is sometimes a virus that has entered the body.

Depending on what actually caused the development of the disease in the body, the following types of sore throat are distinguished:

Catarrhal
Ulcerative-membranous
Fibrinous
Phlegmonous
Follicular
Herpetic

Only a diagnosis that will be made in a medical institution can not only determine the type of infection that is developing, but will also contribute to the prescription of correct and effective treatment.

At the same time, primary, secondary and specific forms of angina are distinguished.

In primary angina, the lesion is located at the level of the pharyngeal ring, involving a small area of the palatine tonsils.
The secondary form of angina is characterized by the presence of a concomitant disease, for example, such as scarlet fever or mononucleosis. Sometimes secondary tonsillitis appears against the background of the development in a person of diseases associated with the circulatory system, including when the body is damaged by various forms of leukemia.
The specific form of sore throat is associated with the penetration of various pathogenic fungi into the human body, which cause its development.

Enlargement in size of the cervical or parotid lymph node is often associated with angina. The appearance of small pustules and a kind of plaque on the surfaces of organs located in the oral cavity is also associated with angina. Usually these symptoms accompany the patient for seven days.

All of the listed types of sore throat have their own symptoms:

Phlegmonous tonsillitis is accompanied by purulent melting of the tonsil area. They increase significantly in size and acquire a bright red color. Sometimes a specific symptom of this sore throat appears, characterized by trismus of muscle tissue. In severe cases, even displacement of the tongue is observed.
With catarrhal sore throat, the patient complains of a sore or dry feeling in the throat. The surface of his tonsils is covered with a thin film that creates this sensation.
With fibrinous tonsillitis, a peculiar plaque appears on the affected area. The plaque usually has a white or yellowish color. In this case they say intoxication of the body.
Herpetic sore throat affects children in most cases.

Treatment of the first signs of sore throat

If you suspect the onset of a developing sore throat, you should seek help from a professional in a medical facility as soon as possible. Only he is able to quickly and correctly not only diagnose an incipient disease, but also prescribe treatment. Remember, the sooner you seek help from a doctor, the greater your chances of a speedy recovery.

How many days does the temperature last for sore throat and the method of treating the disease?

An experienced doctor, after listening to all the patient’s complaints, examines the patient and makes a diagnosis of the existing disease. Using pharyngoscopy, the doctor assesses the degree of development of the inflammatory process in the patient’s body and determines the depth of damage to the palatine tonsils.

When examining a patient, the doctor must take a swab for analysis from the throat area of a patient with tonsillitis.

Using this procedure, the doctor will be able to determine the type of sore throat pathogen and confirm the diagnosis. After this, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment and prescribes antibacterial drugs to the patient.

The doctor will definitely prescribe bed rest for the patient. This event helps to prevent the development of various complications and the protracted nature of the disease in a weakened body.
The patient needs rest and a good balanced diet.
It is important to take medications prescribed by your doctor.
You should not independently prescribe one or another group of antibiotics aimed at combating the causative agent of sore throat; this can cause an exacerbation of other diseases in the body and contribute to the occurrence of complications from the disease.

For sore throat caused by a bacterial pathogen that has entered the body. Today, global and domestic manufacturers offer a wide range of these drugs, differing in cost and nature of manufacture. The best of them are antibiotics of synthetic origin. Antiseptics also help with sore throat. They are presented in the form of various lozenges, sprays or solutions that eliminate unpleasant pain in the throat.

More information about the treatment of sore throat can be found in the video.

If a sore throat occurs due to a virus that has entered the body, antibiotics are powerless. It is recommended to take special medications that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

When a sore throat develops from a fungus affecting the body, a special group of antifungal drugs is prescribed.

Along with the treatment prescribed by the doctor, you can also undergo procedures aimed at combating the developing disease. This includes gargling with herbal remedies and using natural antiseptics. To avoid unpleasant and irreversible consequences from such treatment, you should first consult with your doctor.

Rules for treating sore throat at home

To speed up the process of recovery of the body from a sore throat that affects it, there are several rules, the observance of which contributes to the speedy onset of recovery of the entire body. In addition to the measures prescribed by the doctor and taking medications, everyone can speed up the process of their recovery at home.

First, you need to strengthen your immune system, weakened by the disease. For this purpose, the patient needs to eat properly. The diet should contain a large amount of proteins, fats, essential amino acids, vitamins and microelements. Natural foods of animal and plant origin best contribute to strengthening the body's immune system.

When a patient has a sore throat, it is necessary to drink as much liquid as possible, since a sore throat causes an intoxication process in the body.

It is the fluid that enters the body that helps remove toxic compounds from the blood that form infiltrated sore throat pathogens. But it is not advisable for a patient diagnosed with tonsillitis to indulge excessively in alcohol, fatty foods and spicy dishes.

The best remedy for a sore throat: treating a throat at home

At home, everyone can additionally gargle the area of the sore throat with special antiseptics. Prepared solutions of salt or soda with the addition of a small amount of iodine are excellent. Calendula tincture is indispensable in gargling and fighting sore throat.

Taking painkillers prescribed by the doctor, using sprays and rinses helps speed up the body's recovery.

If your body temperature rises, you must take an antipyretic drug, for example, Paracetamol.

If after two days you feel complete relief from a sore throat, you should not rejoice in short-term treatment too early. Quick relief from the symptoms of a sore throat does not mean complete ridding of the body from the causative agent of the disease. You should not stop taking medications and cancel the sleep regime, as this can significantly complicate the disease. After completing the full course of prescribed treatment, you should consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of recovery. In case of a sharp deterioration in the patient’s well-being, one should also seek help from a medical institution.

Treatment of sore throat in children

A child's body affected by sore throat is one of the most common cases of going to a medical institution. Since the child’s immune system is not as strong as that of adults, then to. You should not use folk remedies to get rid of a sore throat, as it can cause harm to the child’s body. When visiting a medical facility, the doctor must prescribe antibacterial drugs and medications aimed at strengthening the child’s immunity. In addition, therapeutic measures that can relieve a child of a sore throat include mandatory treatment of the child’s almond zone. To do this, you can use special solutions that are used to gargle the throat area, herbal infusions or decoctions. The latter, on the recommendation of a doctor, can be purchased at the pharmacy chain.

In some cases, treatment of sore throat in children includes physical therapy procedures. For this purpose, many medical institutions use lasers or mud therapy. These measures achieve the greatest effect at the stage of remission.

In some cases, it is allowed to resort to the use of traditional medicine methods. After consulting with your doctor in advance, you can treat a child’s sore throat with methods containing a large amount of oils. Gargling the affected throat with freshly prepared beet juice or lubricating the surface of the inflamed tonsils with squeezed aloe juice is also effective for sore throats.

A good result in the treatment of sore throat is achieved from the use of propolis, of course, if the child does not have allergic manifestations to this product.

Treatment with propolis involves chewing a small amount of this product over a period of time. Propolis kills all types of bacteria that have entered the body.

In conclusion, I would like to note that treatment of sore throat should always be carried out by a doctor or on the basis of his consultation. Self-medication in any case is not only unable to rid the body of the causative agent of the disease, but also lead to the most irreversible consequences. At the same time, tonsillitis is an infectious disease that requires isolation of the sick patient.

Every person should know how angina manifests itself. This disease, known as acute tonsillitis, is characterized by acute inflammation of the lymphatic pharyngeal ring. As a rule, it does not have serious consequences - many have suffered from it. However, there may be complications if it is not treated on time.

Therefore, now it is worth talking about the symptoms of this disease, the causes of its occurrence, the principles of treatment and other features related to this topic.

Causes

Before we talk about how angina manifests itself, we need to understand the factors that provoke the development of this disease.

A primary focus of inflammation is formed in the lymphoid tissue of the oropharynx. As a rule, this occurs after a person has suffered from acute respiratory viral infection, which reduces the protective functions of the epithelium in the respiratory tract. This opens the way for infection. And it, in turn, is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through airborne droplets or nutrition.

Provoking factors include:

Irrational, unhealthy diet.
Living in unfavorable conditions.
Excessive fatigue.
General and local hypothermia.
Gas-filled, dusty atmosphere.
Weakened immunity.
Increased dryness in the room where a person spends a lot of time.
Constant dampness.
Lack of sunlight.

A sore throat begins to develop (ICD-10 code - J03) after a person is infected with group A streptococcus, adenoviruses, Vincent's spirochete or fungi of the genus Candida.

Symptoms

The first signs of the disease appear 10-48 hours after infection. And this is how a sore throat begins:

Knowing how a sore throat manifests itself, a person has the opportunity to quickly consult a doctor and begin treatment immediately.

This is important, since early therapy can actually suppress the development of the disease. So you should go to a therapist for help immediately after the appearance of a suspicious ailment and strange sensations in the throat.

Differences in symptoms depending on the type of disease

Since we are talking about how angina manifests itself, it is necessary to make a reservation that the signs of the disease may differ depending on the type of illness. So it is necessary to list the types of disease and its characteristic symptoms. Here's how different types of sore throat begin:

Catarrhal. Symptoms: mild malaise, elevated temperature to 37-38 °C, enlarged lymph nodes, redness of the tonsils.
Follicular. Symptoms: the appearance of suppuration on the tonsils, manifested by light yellow bubbles.
Lacunarnaya. Symptoms: pain in the throat, swollen tonsils, fever, intoxication of the body, attacks of vomiting and nausea, enlarged lymph nodes in the area under the jaw and plaque at the mouths of the lacunae.
Necrotic. Symptoms: vomiting, persistent fever, headache, confusion.
Viral. Symptoms: severe pain in the front of the neck, chills, fever, throat discomfort, gray plaque on the tonsils, swollen neck, bad breath, change in voice.

Each sore throat has a different ICD-10 code. Likewise, the approach to treatment is different. It is important to quickly diagnose the pathogen and the form of the disease, since only after this can competent, competent, effective treatment begin.

Diagnostics

Having noticed the first signs of a sore throat, you should immediately consult a therapist. It is he who makes the diagnosis by analyzing the picture of the disease during a visual examination. If necessary, cytological, serological and bacteriological studies are prescribed.

A much more detailed diagnosis is prescribed in the case of an aggressive course of the disease. Because complications arise, and their treatment requires a more responsible approach. In this case, the following diagnostic measures are prescribed:

Laboratory blood tests.
Echocardiogram.
X-ray of joints and bones.

Often these studies help determine an increase in the titer of antibodies to streptococcal antigens and toxins, identify the presence of cardiac complications and valve defects, or autoimmune joint damage. All this often becomes the consequences of advanced sore throat and, in turn, is also fraught with serious disorders in the body.

Eliminate temperature

Having dealt with the symptoms of the disease, you can move on to the topic of treatment. Many sick people, faced with unpleasant signs of the disease, immediately ask themselves the question: how many days does the temperature last with sore throat? Approximately 3-4 days.

Everyone knows how much life is complicated and worsened by elevated temperatures. Therefore, it needs to be shot down as soon as possible. As a rule, for this purpose, the doctor prescribes one of four drugs:

"Ibuprofen." An antipyretic that also helps fight inflammation. It is allowed to combine it with other antibacterial drugs. It is absorbed into the blood quickly, and therefore the temperature begins to decrease within an hour after use.
"Panadol". Even more powerful than Ibuprofen, because its effect is enhanced by other substances included in the composition.
"Nurofen". In general, they take it up to 4 times a day, and the total dose does not exceed 200 milligrams. However, this remedy is not as effective as the previous two, and therefore doctors allow dosage to be doubled in the first two days.
"Aspirin". This is a universal remedy based on salicylic acid, which additionally has an analgesic effect.

Also, at the first signs of a sore throat, Teraflu, Ibuklin, Rinza and Tylenol can help relieve fever.

Antibiotics

Previously, we talked about how angina manifests itself and why it occurs in the first place. Since the causative agent is always a pathogenic microorganism, it is impossible to do without the use of antibiotics. Especially if purulent tonsillitis is diagnosed.

In this case, therapy involves the mandatory use of penicillin, clindamycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin. Antibiotics can be used either in the form of tablets or in the form of intramuscular injections.

If the pathology is caused by exposure to a bacterial infection, then you will need to take Biseptol, Flemoxin Solutab or Amoxicillin - well-known and effective remedies.

However, you need to be careful with antibiotics. They can only be prescribed by a doctor after an examination, because an antibacterial agent that demonstrates high effectiveness against some microorganisms may be completely powerless against others.

You don’t need to choose your own antibiotics, otherwise there is a risk of serious harm to your health.

Lollipops for sore throat

Inflamed tonsils with tonsillitis cause a lot of discomfort to the sick person. You can relieve symptoms by taking special lozenges and lozenges. The following drugs are most effective:

"Faryngosept". It has no contraindications, however, if a person has an intolerance to certain components that make up its composition, this remedy should not be taken.
"Septolete." Its components are mint oil, eucalyptus, levomenthol and thymol. You need to take the product every 2-3 hours for 3-4 days. It is effective, but is prohibited for children under 4 years of age.
"Strepfen." Helps quickly relieve sore throat. Approved for use from 12 years of age, 3-4 days of treatment is sufficient. But the product is prohibited for people with stomach ulcers, rhinitis, bronchial asthma, as well as pregnant women.

It must be remembered that lozenges should not be the only substance used in therapy. But as an additional auxiliary tool they are ideal.

In addition to the listed remedies, the drugs Stopangin 2A, Grammidin, Koldakt Lorpils, Strepsils, Decathylene, Falimint, Sebidin, Lizobakt and Agisept have proven themselves to be excellent.

Sprays

The pain when swallowing that accompanies a sore throat is often unbearable. It can be eliminated by including sprays in the therapy complex. As a rule, doctors prescribe the following drugs:

"Hexoral". It has an antiseptic, analgesic, antifungal effect. It also produces a slight enveloping and hemostatic effect. Valid for up to 12 hours.
"Yox." It contains povidone-iodine and allantoin, thanks to which the spray has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. The product is active against fungi, bacteria and protozoan viruses.
"Maxicold Lore". A very popular analogue of Hexoral on the domestic market.
"Novosept Forte". Its main active ingredient is cetylpyridinium chloride, which is very active against gram-positive bacteria.
"Septolete Plus". Instantly relieves pain when swallowing, as it has an anesthetic effect.
"Theraflu Lar". It also has an antiseptic and anesthetic effect.

Any spray for sore throat must be used in accordance with the instructions. If you use it every 15 minutes, as some patients do, wanting to quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms, then you can only harm the body and even provoke addiction.

Inhalation with a nebulizer

At the very beginning of a sore throat, you must immediately have a comprehensive effect on your body. Inhalations with a nebulizer can be a good addition to complex therapy. After all, through this procedure it is possible to have a gentle and very effective effect on the infected lesion.

The result makes itself felt quickly. Symptoms become less intense, the risk of complications decreases, breathing becomes easier, and the removal of mucus from the sinuses and nasal cavity is accelerated. The severity of throat swelling is also relieved and reduced.

Here are the best remedies to use to treat the disease and prevent the development of complications after tonsillitis in adults and children:

Furacilin solution. It destroys pathogenic microflora and normalizes the patient's condition.
"Miramistin". Everyone knows how effective it is in treating any respiratory disease.
Chlorophyllipt solution in alcohol. Tinctures of eucalyptus and calendula have also proven themselves well.
"Tonsilgon N". It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
"Cromohexal". Eliminates even the most severe swelling of the throat.
"Essentuki" and "Narzan". If you dilute the healing water with saline and use the resulting composition for inhalation, you will be able to quickly eliminate a sore throat.

Very often, in order to prevent the development of complications after a sore throat in adults, doctors recommend adding an expectorant to the inhalation composition - Fluimucil or Lazolvan.

Folk remedies

Earlier it was said about how angina manifests itself and how it can be treated. Finally, a few words about the effectiveness and efficiency of folk remedies, also used in eliminating this ailment. Here's what is commonly used:

Beetroot juice. Many people wonder: how to gargle for an adult with a sore throat? Beetroot juice! It is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It is recommended to add a little vinegar to it (20 ml per glass).
Melt a small piece of butter (20 g) and the same amount of honey in a water bath. Sprinkle a little baking soda and stir until foam appears. Use the resulting mixture throughout the day with equal intervals of 1 tsp.
Mix 70% medical alcohol with cold boiled water in equal proportions. You can add a few drops of essential oil. Then make a compress with this solution and apply it to the throat or chest for 2-4 hours.
Dilute medical alcohol to 40% (you should get 100 ml) and add 10 grams of propolis. Leave for a week in a dark place, shake regularly. Then use for rinsing, diluting 1 tbsp. l. the resulting composition in a glass of warm water. Of course, you need to make the tincture in advance so that you already have it in case of a sore throat. But if anything happens, you can always buy it at the pharmacy.
Mix eucalyptus, chamomile and calendula in equal proportions. Then take 4-5 tbsp. l. collection, pour into a thermos and pour boiling water. Let it brew for 1-2 hours. When the composition becomes warm, you can use it to rinse. A collection of sage, elderberry and mallow flowers and plantain, calendula and wormwood have proven themselves well.

There are many other famous recipes. It is important to know that if you have a sore throat, it is useful to chew propolis regularly, drink milk with honey and butter, as well as other warm vitamin drinks.