Sore Throat

We might just call the sore throat a common sore, since it is as common as the common cold.  It could happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime.  It can be an early sign of many diseases, even some serious diseases.  The key is “Pay attention, but don’t panic”.

The cause:

• Irritation - If the day before having the sore throat you were in a crowded nightclub, talking out loud – screaming would be more likely, smoking or exposed to a nightclub full of smoke, then it’s more likely the sore throat is due to the exposure of smoke or maybe overuse of the vocal chords.  Some people also experience sore throat when the wake up in the morning because of sleeping with their mouth open.  People who have rhinitis or sinusitis also can have a sore throat due to the post nasal drip.  Sometimes the stomach acid can reflux up to the throat, this is called GERD and the symptom can start as a sore throat.
• Virus - Common cold, influenza, mumps, mononucleosis and many other viruses can cause a sore throat.
• Bacteria -  The mouth itself has many bacterias which are also important for the balance, called the normal flora.  In certain conditions when there is imbalance, a group of bacteria can cause symptoms.  One bacteria that can be harmful is the bacterial infection called strep throat.
• Fungus -  The mouth also normally contains fungus inside.  When there is an imbalance, it can also cause symptoms.  One common fungus is the candida, causing oral thrush.
  

What are the dangers of sore throat

The most important thing to remember is that the throat is part of your airway.  It’s important it keeps open and clear to let the air you breathe go into your lungs.  If you have a severe infection, the throat can become very swollen and closes your airway.  This condition can be fatal.  The early signs of stridor, a coarse sound when you breath because the air flows into a narrow passage, is a sign you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible before the airways closes totaly.

A more common complication is difficulty to swallow.  Since it is painful to swallow, patient’s are reluctant to eat, in severe infections, it is even painful to swallow fluid.  When this occurs, the patient can develop dehydration.  This is also an indication to see a doctor and you might need IV rehydration.
In strep throat – throat infection to due the streptococcus bacteria – when not treated properly, the infection can spread in the blood and cause severe systemic infection.  Other complications are heart and kidney problems.  You should see a doctor to get antibiotics and most importantly, finish the full course as directed by you physician.

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the cause.
For irritation and virus cause, the treatment is symptomatically.
For bacterial and fungal infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics according to the suspected organism.  Some doctors will take a throat swab to determine the cause of infection.

What you should do to ease the sore throat?

• You should have enough rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Even if its painful to swallow, you should encourage yourself to drink about 8 glasses of water a day.  The sore throat will get worse when you are dehydrated or when you have a dry throat.
• Take pain medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.  You can also take over-the-counter throat antiseptic lozenges or gargles.  Avoid ones containing alcohol, because it will dry your mouth and tongue, which will worsen the soreness.
• Avoid polluted areas.
• Eat soft food.
  

You should seek medical attention when you notice:

• High fever.
• Body aching.
• Difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
• Painfull swelling of the neck, ie enlarged lymph nodes.
• You see your throat has white patches.
• You are not getting better after 3-4 days.
  

There is no sure way to prevent a sore throat. To help reduce your risk:

• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wash your hands often, especially when you are around people who are sick.
• Identify and avoid irritants, such as smoke, fumes, or yelling, that cause a sore throat.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid contact with people who have strep throat.
• If you have mononucleosis, do not share eating or drinking utensils to prevent spreading the virus to others. A brief kiss on the lips is not likely to spread mono; it is spread when saliva from an infected person enters another person's mouth.