Frequent and recurrent sore throats are common, especially in children between the ages
of 5 and 10. There is no evidence that removing the tonsils decreases this frequency;
therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is performed less commonly than in the past.
Sore throats can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. The majority of sore throats
are caused by viruses; therefore, treating all sore throats with antibiotics (which can't
cure viruses and can be unnecessarily expensive) would needlessly expose people to the
risks of adverse reaction to the drugs.
The group A streptococcus bacterium is responsible for most cases of streptococcal
illness.
Some of the major syndromes associated with group A strep infection are streptococcal
pharyngitis or "strep throat" and scarlet fever, most often preceded by a sore throat.
Strep Throat
The signs and symptoms of strep throat are red, sore throat with white patches on
tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck, fever, and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
pain more common in children.
The illness is spread by direct, close contact with patients via respiratory droplets
(coughing or sneezing). Casual contact rarely results in transmission. Rarely,
contaminated food, especially milk and milk products, can result in outbreaks. Untreated
patients are most infectious for 2 - 3 weeks after onset of infection. Incubation period,
the period after exposure and before symptoms show up, is 2 - 4 days. Patient is no longer
infectious within 24 hrs. after treatment begins.
Antibiotic treatment will reduce symptoms, minimize spread (transmission), and reduce
the likelihood of complications. Treatment consists of penicillin (oral drug for 10 days;
or single intramuscular injection of penicillin G). Erythromycin is recommended for
penicillin-allergic patients. Second-line antibiotics include amoxicillin, clindamycin,
and oral cephalosporins.
Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina)
Scarlet fever is a streptococcal infection that occurs most often in association with a
sore throat and rarely with impetigo or other streptococcal infections. It is
characterized by sore throat, fever and a rash over the upper body that may spread to
cover almost the entire body.
Persons with scarlet fever have a characteristic rash that is fine, red, rough-textured
and blanches upon pressure. Scarlet fever also produces a bright red tongue with
"strawberry" appearance. The skin often "desquamates," or peels, after recovery, usually
on tips of fingers and toes.
The illness is spread by the same means as strep throat.
Other than the occurrence of the rash, the treatment and course of scarlet fever are no
different from those of any strep throat.
Infectious Mononucleos
Known popularly as "mono" or "the kissing disease" -- has been recognized for more than
a century. An estimated 90 percent of mononucleosis cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus group. Most of the remaining cases are caused by
certain other herpesviruses, particularly cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms may take between two and seven weeks to develop after exposure to the virus
and can last a few days or as long as several months. In most cases, however, they
disappear in one to three weeks. In fact, mononucleosis symptoms may be nonexistent or so
mild that most people are not even aware of their illness.
Symptoms may include a general complaint of "not feeling well," headache, fatigue,
chilliness, puffy eyelids, and loss of appetite. Later, the familiar triad of symptoms
appears: fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially at the side and back of
the neck, but also under the arm and in the groin. A fever of 101F to 105F lasts
for a few days and sometimes continues intermittently for one to three weeks. (High fever
late in the illness suggests bacterial complications.) The swollen lymph glands, varying
in size from that of a bean to a small egg, are tender and firm. Swelling gradually
disappears over a few days or weeks. The spleen is enlarged in 50 percent of mononucleosis
patients, and the liver is enlarged in 20 percent. Tonsillitis, difficulty in swallowing,
and bleeding gums may accompany these symptoms.
Usually, mononucleosis is an acute, self-limited infection for which there is no
specific therapy. For years, standard treatment was bed rest for four to six weeks, with
limited activity for three months after all symptoms had disappeared. Today, doctors
usually only recommend avoiding strenuous exercise. One real hazard of uncomplicated
mononucleosis is the possibility of damaging one's enlarged spleen. Therefore, the patient
should avoid lifting, straining, and competitive sports until recovery is complete. A
person should limit other activity according to symptoms and how he or she feels.
Treatment of the acute phase of the illness is symptomatic and nonspecific because
there is no specific drug treatment for mononucleosis. Rest, plenty of fluids to guard
against dehydration, and a well-balanced diet are recommended. Antibiotics are ineffective
against viruses, and they should not be prescribed for mononucleosis itself. Some patients
with mononucleosis also develop streptococcal (bacterial) throat infections, which should
be treated with penicillin or erythromycin. Ampicillin (a form of penicillin) should not
be used.
Flu
Influenza, or flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza
viruses. Viruses that cause flu spread primarily from person to person, especially by
coughing and sneezing (via airborne droplets of respiratory fluids). Flu viruses can enter
the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. After a person has been
infected with the virus, symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 days. The infection is
considered contagious for another 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear.
Flu is usually signaled by headache, chills, and dry cough, which are followed rapidly
by body aches and fever. Typically, the fever starts declining on the second or third day
of the illness. It is then that the upper respiratory symptoms become noticeable - nasal
congestion and sore throat.
Once a person has the flu, treatment usually consists of resting in bed, drinking
plenty of fluids, and taking medication such as aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever
and discomfort. Children with flu should not take aspirin. Antibiotics are not effective
against flu viruses.
The Common Cold
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose - everyone knows the first signs of a cold,
probably the most common illness known. Although the common cold is usually mild, with
symptoms lasting a week or less, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and of school and
job absenteeism.
Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after infection and often
include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, swelling of the sinus membranes,
sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102o
F in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days, but
two-thirds of people recover in a week. If symptoms occur often or last much longer than
two weeks, they may be the result of an allergy rather than a cold.
Only symptomatic treatment is available for uncomplicated cases of the common cold: bed
rest, plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, petroleum jelly for a raw nose, and
aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache or fever. Many people are convinced that
taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms.
Cancer
Between 90 and 95 percent of all oral cancers arise from the cells that line the mouth.
Most of the sores, lumps and red or white patches seen or felt in the mouth are not
cancer. However, the signs and symptoms of oral cancer are the same as conditions commonly
found in the mouth. These signs are easy to see and feel, and easy to watch. If
irritations do not heal within a couple of weeks, they should be looked at by a dentist or
health care practitioner. Symptoms of persistent sore throats, sores under dentures,
difficulty chewing or swallowing or a lump on the neck also require medical
evaluation.
Cancer cells growing at these sites may spread to the neck's lymph nodes and the jaw
bones if left undetected. Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect.
Approximately 75% of oral cancer cases are caused by smoking or prolonged use of
smokeless tobacco. The combination of regular alchohol consumption and smoking is also a
factor. Four times as many smokers as opposed to non-smokers die from oral cancer. Pipe
and cigar smokers have an increased risk of cancer of the lip. When tobacco users also use
alchohol regularly, their chance of developing oral cancer is greater.
Participate in your own care! Cancer can be beaten!
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
The causes of acute pharyngitis is almost always infection. Of course, trauma or injury
due to chemicals (lye) or radiation can also cause inflammation of the pharynx. For
definition sake, the tonsils, which are lymphatic glands, are located within the
anatomical oropharynx. Thus, tonsillitis is a subset of pharyngitis. For example, even if
one has had his tonsils removed, one can still develop pharyngitis.
The most common symptom of pharyngitis or tonsillitis is sore throat. Dysphagia (pain
with swallowing) is also a common symptom of these conditions. Examination of the
oropharynx with a pen light will usually show exudate, erythema (redness), mucosal
congestion and enlargement of the tonsils (if they are present.)
Bacterial causes of sore throat are usually treated with antibiotics. Penicillin
derivatives, cephalosporins, and erythromycin can all be utilized to treat suspected
bacterial pharyngeal infections. A course of antibiotics must be fully completed to help
prevent the development or resistant strains.
Naturaral Treatment and Comfort Measures
Gargle with warm salt water. It help soothe the irritated throat and reduces swelling
in the tissues. This is the safest, least expensive and probably the most effective
treatment of a sore throat. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt to an 8 oz. cup of warm water. Dissolve
it completely. Gargle every 3 - 4 hours.
Sipping warm liquids like hot tea or hot chicken soup broth
can soothe the throat, and the heat increases the circulation to the
throat to promote healing. The saltiness of the soup also helps to
reduce swelling, much like a salt water gargle.
Hard candy can also soothe and lubricate your throat.
Rest your voice. Avoid using your voice for long periods, and refrain from screaming or yelling.
Stop smoking or at least cut down. Cigarette smoking may cause a sore throat, or may
aggravate your symptoms by causing further throat irritation.
Humidity will keep your throat moist and more comfortable. It can relieve a raw, dry,
scratchy sore throat. Hot, dry air will aggravate it. So, turn down the thermostat, use a
vaporizer if you have one, place a pan of water by the heat vent, or turn on a hot shower
to create steam.
Cherry sore throat lozenges contain Benzocaine which numbs the throat tissues
temporarily and make swallowing easier.
The following Combinations are those recommended for a sore throat:-
Vitamins :- A, C (frequent large doses)
Minerals :- Nat Mur (Dry throat), Zinc Lozenges, Potassium Chloride & Iron Phosphate
Food Supplements :- Acidophilus, Propolis, Rutin + Bioflavonoids, Liquid Chlorophyll
Herbs :- Fenugreek, Horseradish, Slippery Elm Lozenges, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Garlic
Time is the most important healer for sore throat pain. If the sore
throat is caused by a virus, it will clear up on its own. Cold liquids
and over-the-counter pain medications are effective in treating the
pain. Aspirin should be avoided in children under 15 years old (because
of the risk of Reye's syndrome). Home remedies such as gargling salt
water, or drinking honey or lemon tea may help. Analgesic sprays and
lozenges may be administered; however, they may make the pain of strep
throat worse instead of better.
The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.
