Throat infections are amongst the most common health problems for people of any age, with varying degrees of severity from mild scratchiness to severe pain when swallowing. While many people ignore the symptoms at first (especially when they think the symptoms will subside on their own), it is important for anyone with a throat infection to get prompt treatment, since throat infections caused by either viruses or bacteria can worsen without treatment.
A throat infection is defined as an inflammation of the tissues within the throat as a result of either a virus(viruses) or a bacteria(bacteria) infecting the tissue(s) of the throat. This infection can cause pain, irritation, and inflammation in the tissue(s) of the throat, including, but not limited to the: tonsils, pharynx, and other areas that surround the throat. The most commonly known types of throat infections include sore throat infections, tonsilitis, and strep throat.
Although most throat infections are mild and will resolve on their own without medical treatment, there are certain throat infections that require professional medical attention.
The reasons for seeing a doctor regarding a throat infection are to provide an understanding of the reasons for seeking treatment as well as to evaluate the severity of the condition.
In general, viral throat infections can be treated with rest and supportive therapy at home; however, when the throat infection is caused by bacteria (such as strep throat), the majority of these cases require antibiotic treatment for complete recovery. The importance of early treatment cannot be stressed enough, as complications from not treating a throat infection may include:
Causes are important to know when diagnosing effectively and delivering good management based upon this information.
1. Viral Infections - Viral infections are the most frequent reason for throat infections. These viral infections associate themselves with colds or flu when accompanied by cough, runny nose and fever type symptoms. Normally a viral throat infection will resolve on its own.
2. Bacterial Infections - Streptococcus bacteria are a typical form of life that cause strep throat, which has the potential to have greater severity than any viral infection. Symptoms for strep throat are much more intense as compared to those for a viral infection. Symptoms include having a high fever, enlarged tonsils, and whitish “patches” located in the back of the throat.
3. Tonsillitis - Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. This can be caused by either bacterial or viral pathogens. Tonsillitis is most commonly diagnosed among the younger generations, such as children and adolescents.
4. Factors from Environment and Lifestyle - Exposure to pollution (i.e., smoking), dry air or overusing one's voice, as well as allergic reactions are also irritants and increase an individual's vulnerability to developing a throat infection.
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Using Physical Examination and Tests, Doctors can Identify Throat Infections
1. Clinical Examination
Redness or Swelling, Pus, Enlarged Tonsils
The clinical exam looks at your throat for redness, swelling, pus, and enlarged tonsils.
2. Throat Culture Test
A throat culture is taken to determine if there is a strep bacteria or some other type of bacterial infection. The throat culture test determines if you need to be treated with an antibiotic.
3. Blood Test, if Necessary
In some cases of chronic, ongoing, or severe infections, blood tests can identify possible underlying infections and/or immunological dysfunction.
The method of treatment for tonsillitis will depend on the cause of the infection and the degree of the symptoms.
Viral Infections: Viral infections typically present with less severe symptoms than bacterial tonsillitis and can be managed in the home. Management includes: Getting plenty of rest and drinking enough fluids; Gargling warm salt water; Taking steam inhalation; Taking NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain and/or fever; Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections.
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In addition to alleviating the immediate pain caused by throat infections, the right care also helps to stop future infections before they start. Maintaining proper hygiene, consulting with your physician as early as possible, and adhering to prescribed treatment instructions will help decrease the likelihood of developing additional throat infections.
Some basic preventative strategies include: washing your hands often, staying away from people who are sick, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and eating well so that you can maintain your overall health.
Rishabh Hospital Jaipur has a thorough understanding of the diagnosis and management of throat infections. Our staff is dedicated to providing excellent medical treatment from start to finish for everyone, whether they suffer from a simple sore throat or tonsillitis or "strep throat".
The sooner a patient seeks medical attention the better their chance of quickly recovering from any complications they could have experienced following the initial onset of their symptoms. Our dedicated healthcare team at the Best ENT Hospital provides special attention to our patients so that they can get through this difficult stage as comfortably as possible.
1. How long can a throat infection last?
A viral throat infection usually lasts 3-7 days whereas an antibiotic for a bacterial throat infection may provide relief after 2-3 days.
2. Is a sore throat always indicative of a throat infection?
A sore throat may be due to an allergen, dry weather or voice strain rather than an infection.
3. Are viral and bacterial throat infections transmissible?
Yes, both viral and bacterial throat infections are contagious and are transmitted through coughing, sneezing and close personal contact.
At Rishab Multispeciality Hospital, our primary focus is on delivering unparalleled multidisciplinary care to our patients. We are committed to leveraging state-of-the-art technology and harnessing expertise to ensure the highest standards of healthcare.
Rishab Hospital Choraha, Vishwa Vidhyalaya Nagar, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017
0141 3513400
