How to Deal with Throat Infection?

by

It is common to acquire throat infections, which may be viral or bacterial. While diagnosis is done on the basis of throat examination, the common symptoms include pain while swallowing and swollen tonsils. Visit an ENT specialist to get the right treatment.

Throat infections are common, particularly amongst children. While a viral infection (sore throat or pharyngitis) is the most common form, infection of the throat is also caused by bacteria (strep throat or streptococcal infection). Read ahead to know more about throat infections and effective ways to treat them. Also, if you are seeking personalised advice for throat infections, then consulting a specialist like Dr Prasanna Kumar, who is the best ENT specialist in Hyderabad, is recommended.

What are Throat Infections?

Throat infections can either involve the back of the throat or just tonsils (small lumps of tissues located in the back of the throat that help fight infections). Usually, they are caused by a virus, but in some cases, bacteria can be the culprit too. A throat examination is required for an accurate diagnosis as severe pain when swallowing and swollen, red tonsils are amongst the common symptoms.

While everyone suffers throat infections, tonsillitis (infection of tonsils) is observed in children mostly. If left untreated, then tonsillitis from bacteria might lead to a tonsillar abscess (pus collection behind your tonsils). Also, it is vital to visit a specialist like Dr Prasanna Kumar if you often get tonsillitis. The doctor may perform surgery to take out tonsils (tonsillectomy) to ease out symptoms. Further, tonsillectomy is performed when doctors suspect cancer.

Causes of Throat Infections

Here are the major causes of throat infections:

  • Viral Infection: In most cases, it is caused by viruses that are responsible for common cold like adenovirus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus or influenza virus. In some cases, throat infections are also caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Bacterial Infection: Notably, around one-third of throat infection cases are caused by bacteria. Group A streptococcus is the most common bacteria that is responsible for causing strep throat, which is usually observed in children in the age group of 5 years to 15 years. Also, bacterial infections of the throat are less common in older adults and children under the age of 3 years. Further, untreated strep throat may lead to complications like kidney inflammation, tonsillar cellulitis, and rheumatic fever.

Symptoms of Throat Infections

Let’s delve deeper to know what are the symptoms of throat infections.

  • Severe pain when swallowing and usually speaking
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Tender and swollen lymph nodes
  • White patches on tonsils
  • Pain in the ears
  • Bad breath
  • Headache
  • Fever

Sometimes, owing to frequent tonsil infections, the normal small pits in tonsils get filled with white, hardened secretions (stone-like structures) that can trap odour-causing bacteria, leading to chronic bad breath.

Besides, people with mononucleosis often have swollen tonsils that start to block air when an individual breathes, causing noisy breathing.

Treatment of Throat Infections

The following are treatment options for easing throat infections:

  • Pain relievers (analgesics) or over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
  • In some cases, corticosteroids are used to relieve the symptoms faster
  • In case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin) are suggested
  • Tonsillectomy is recommended for treating severe tonsillitis from strep throat
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Resting is also recommended
  • Dexamethasone is prescribed to help lessen airway blockage
  • Lozenges and sprays containing benzocaine, phenol, or lidocaine (Must be used in moderation)

Notably, dexamethasone or corticosteroids must be taken after consulting a specialist only as they can have harmful side effects.

Besides, doctors recommend tonsillectomy to children and adults after taking into account one’s age and general health, as well as the ease with which they have recovered from previous infections. Also, they perform tonsillectomy in adults who have severe bad breath due to tonsillar stones.

By and large, the symptoms of viral and bacterial infections of the throat or tonsils can be managed using analgesics and antibiotics. However, it is important to properly diagnose the cause behind the infection in order to get the right treatment. If you are looking for a reputable specialist to get the correct guidance for easing out symptoms of throat infection, then consult Dr Prasanna Kumar at Apollo, who is the best ENT specialist in Hyderabad.

Leave a Comment