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Sore throat

Publisher/Author : Pacific Cross

This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Sore throat

Know the basics

What is sore throat?

Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is known as a common infection with throat pain. Patients will feel uncomfortable while their throat is painful or burning, especially hard to eat. It usually goes away by itself in a week without causing damage.

How common is sore throat?

All people at any ages can have this disease. It can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Know the symptoms

What are the symptoms of sore throat?

Throat discomfort is the most common symptom. Others, depending on the cause of sore throat, may be earache, fever, large tonsils, neck pain, pain when talking or swallowing, red throat, runny nose, snoring and trouble breathing, drooling, general aches, and swollen, painful glands in the neck.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • The disease lasts longer than 7 days;
  • Pain when talking, breathing or trouble opening your mouth.
  • Sore throat with pain in temporomandibular join, or earache;
  • Sore throat with hives or fever above 38OC;
  • Blood in saliva, or sputa;
  • Tumor in your neck;
  • Hoarseness than 2 weeks.

Know the causes

What causes sore throat?

The cause is usually a virus, but air pollution, alcohol, allergies, bacteria, chemicals, and smoking can also cause a sore throat. Moreover, it usually occurs when the weather gets colder. The other, less common is virus of gonorrhea, Chlamydia, can also cause sore throat.

Know the risk factors

What increases my risk for sore throat?

There are many risk factors for this disease such as:

  • Children or weak immune system;
  • Staying in a crowed place or a narrow space such as classrooms, hospitals, or office;
  • Exposed to cigarette smoke (also called passive smoking);
  • Allergic to dust, animals fur or pollen;
  • Chronic rhinitis or usually have rhinitis.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is sore throat diagnosed?

Your doctor make a diagnosis from your medical history or a physical examination around the ears and the throat.  If you may have streptococcus infection (the cause of sore throat), your doctor will exam the fluid in your throat.

Blood tests can be done if your doctor suspect that you have other disease such glandular fever (the number of white blood cells increasing causes fever).

How is sore throat treated?

Most cases go away by themselves. Paracetamol can be used to reduce fever and pain. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin if he suspects the cause is infection.

However, antibiotics are ineffective if you have viral infection.in addition, using warm water or drinking lemonade with honey can also help the disease.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage sore throat?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with this disease:

  • Gargle with warm saltwater.
  • Drink a lot of warm water and avoid drinking cold or water with ice.
  • Stop drinking beer or alcohol.
  • Don’t smoke, and keep distance with polluted or smoky environment.
  • Wash your hands regularly before eating and after contacting with people who have sore throat.
  • If you have sore throat, do not share food or domestic appliances with other people.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.


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