Sore throat, Acute tonsillitis

Sore throat, Acute tonsillitis: Characteristics, symptoms and treatment

Sore throat, also known as acute tonsillitis, is an infectious disease characterized by severe inflammatory damage to the tonsils. The tonsils, also known as tonsils, are located in the throat on either side of the uvula and soft palate and can be clearly seen when the mouth is open.

Sore throat is caused by various microbes, mainly streptococci, which often enter the throat through everyday items used by a sick person, such as dirty dishes and other objects. In some cases, microbes that are usually found in the throat and do not cause disease are activated under the influence of unfavorable conditions, such as cooling or sudden changes in ambient temperature. For some people, just getting their feet wet, eating ice cream, or swimming in a pond is enough to immediately get a sore throat. Irritating substances that regularly enter the throat, such as smoke, dust, alcohol and others, as well as the presence of adenoids or other diseases of the nasopharynx that interfere with nasal breathing, can contribute to the development of sore throat.

Frequent cases of sore throat can be associated with purulent inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, such as sinusitis, as well as in the oral cavity, for example, due to rotten teeth. Symptoms of a sore throat usually begin suddenly. The patient feels general weakness, heaviness in the head, pain when swallowing, dryness and tingling in the throat. It seems to him that his throat has narrowed, hence the name “angina,” which in Latin means “to squeeze, to constrain.”

An increase in temperature is also observed. Depending on the degree of damage, local changes in the throat are manifested either by redness of the tonsils or the appearance of purulent plaque on their surface. Usually the disease lasts about 7-8 days and ends with recovery. However, in some cases, other outcomes are possible, especially if the patient went to the doctor too late, did not follow his recommendations, or self-medicated.

One of the most common and serious complications of tonsillitis is a peritonsillar abscess, also known as a peritonsillar abscess. E is a purulent accumulation that forms near the tonsils. It is accompanied by severe sore throat, lack of improvement after treatment with antibiotics, and may require surgery to remove the abscess.

Treatment for a sore throat usually involves taking antibiotics to fight the infection. Your doctor may prescribe a wide range of antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. If you are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin may be prescribed. It is important to take antibiotics as directed by your doctor and complete the full course of treatment to prevent relapses and the development of antibiotic resistance.

Additional at-home measures may include rinsing with warm saline or antiseptic solutions to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also recommended to drink plenty of warm liquids to moisten the throat and make swallowing easier. Rest and lack of exercise can also help speed recovery.

It is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of a sore throat to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Untimely or improper treatment of sore throat can lead to complications and a prolonged course of the disease.