Pharyngitis, sore throat, or tonsillitis? Even if these terms are often used indiscriminately To express the same thing, the truth is that these are very different problems. The throat can hurt as a result of a virus, which causes inflammation around the tonsils, but not the tonsils themselves. When this happens, it is specifically tonsillitis that can be caused by different reasons.
But when there is pharyngitis, what exactly happens is that the pharynx is inflamed. This inflammation occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. This infection causes severe inflammation in the tonsils, as well as in the entire throat area. Pharyngitis is accompanied by pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort that usually lasts for about a week.
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis
Faced with an incipient sore throat, it is very important to take preventive measures to avoid greater consequences. However, when a bacterial infection occurs, it is very difficult to prevent the symptoms from appearing in each case. To be able to detect a possible pharyngitis, it is best to go to the doctor's office so that in addition to a diagnosis, give a course of antibiotics that clears the infection.
These are the symptoms of pharyngitis that can help you differentiate an occasional sore throat from an infection that requires drug treatment.
- Sore throat: The sore throat it is the main and most obvious symptom of pharyngitis. You can notice apstrong pressure along your neck, in the central area around the tonsils.
- Swollen tonsils: When an inflammation of the pharynx occurs, the tonsils can be affected and become severely inflamed. What prevents swallowing normally, producing strong pain even with the simple gesture of swallowing saliva.
- Fever: The infection can cause fever, as well as general malaise, muscle pain and weakness. These symptoms are very similar to those of the flu.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: The lymph nodes in the neck are found in the lower jaw, attached to the neck and pharynx. If the infection is significant, the nodes may become so swollen that become visible to the naked eye.
Treatment for pharyngitis
The only effective way to treat pharyngitis is to visit your doctor. It is essential that the specialist analyze the causes of pharyngitis, as well as its severity, in order to prescribe an adequate treatment. Because the risk of not curing this problem correctly can lead to chronic pharyngitis. Treatment can go through the intake of specific antibiotics, as well as pain relievers.
High fluid intake is also very important, as fever can lead to dehydration. In addition, it must be added that the difficulty in swallowing causes that for a few days you can hardly take any solid food. Therefore, the consumption of hot liquid foods, very nutritious broths, natural juices full of vitamins and of course, lots of water.
Rest is a fundamental part of recovery, as this way the immune system can be strengthened while fighting the infection. You can also help your throat heal by gargling with baking soda and water. Try to rest as much as you can, do not speak so as not to further irritate the throat and let it fully recover before returning to your normal activities.
Prevent pharyngitis
Not receiving the appropriate treatment in each case, can cause pharyngitis to lead to major problems like an ear infection or sinusitis. So it is vital to follow the specialist's recommendations regarding treatment. In addition to taking the necessary preventive measures, which include hand hygiene, avoiding very cold drinks or protecting the neck in very extreme environments.
In most cases throat infections could be avoided, taking some basic precautions. Staying away from people who show symptoms of pharyngitis is essential, therefore, if you have children at home, you should ensure that they do not get too close to avoid them. The use of a mask, as well as good hand hygiene will help you protect your family against this and other viruses.