What is throat infection?
The throat is the part of the body that carries food to the oesophagus and air to the trachea (windpipe). In medical terminology, the throat can be called pharynx. Throat infections are conditions in which the throat hurts and feels irritated and scratchy. Viruses are the most common cause of throat infections, but bacteria may also be the causative agents.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
The following signs and symptoms are typically experienced in throat infections:
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Pain in the throat
- Hoarse voice
- Headaches
- Cough
- Swelling of the lymph glands in the neck
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the main causes?
The main causes of throat infections are viruses and bacteria.
- Approximately 90% of throat infections are caused due to viruses. The viruses that commonly cause throat infections are those that cause flu, cold, whooping cough, chickenpox, and measles.
- The throat infections due to bacteria are usually caused by a Streptococcal infection.
Smoking, pollution, and allergies can increase the risk of throat infections.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
The doctor will perform a complete physical examination of the individual and ask if they were around an individual with ear, nose, or throat infection. The doctor will check the body temperature for the presence of fever, and also check the ears, nose, throat, and lymph nodes in the neck. If the doctor suspects a throat infection, they will recommend a strep test and a laboratory test of the throat fluid.
The following treatment measures are prescribed to overcome a throat infection:
- Antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection
- Treatment of the viral infection
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve throat pain
- Plenty of water intake to prevent dehydration
Non-prescription throat lozenges and cool mist vapouriser can help in providing relief from the throat pain and other local symptoms in the throat.
Maintaining good hygiene practices can help in the prevention of throat infection.