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Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP
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What is a sore throat?
A sore throat (also known as pharyngitis or
tonsillitis) is a
symptom of a disease affecting the pharynx or the area around the tonsils. It can be the result of an infection by a virus or bacteria. A sore throat may be symptomatic of the condition itself or one of a number of symptoms realting to a wider illness such as
flu and
glandular
fever.
The disease is most commonly seen in children and young people but it
can occur at any age. The characteristics of the symptom are throat pain and
trouble swallowing. If the sore throat is due to bacterial infection it can be treated with
antibiotics. Usually there are no complications.
How do you contract a sore throat?
By being infected by a
virus or
bacteria.
Infection by a virus causing a sore throat may come from a variety of sources, including the common cold virus, influenza and the Epstein-Barr virus – the cause of glandular fever. Viral
infection originates from airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing and from not washing hands that can carry the infection
from person to person.
Among the bacteria that cause sore throats, the streptococcus
group A is the most common. The incubation period between picking up the
infection until the disease breaks out, is up to four days.
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Good advice
If signs of a sore throat persist for more than a few days or
are severe with marked difficulty in swallowing, high fever, a rash or vomiting, then
your GP should be consulted.
Warm drinks and soft food may ease swallowing
problems.
Drink plenty of fluids.
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What are the signs of a sore throat?
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Pain in the throat and difficulty in swallowing.
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Pain may spread to the ears.
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The throat is reddish, the tonsils are swollen and may be
coated.
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Possibly a high temperature.
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Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck may
occur.
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If the sore throat is due to a viral infection the symptoms are
usually milder. Usually they are connected to the common cold.
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If the sore throat is due to the Coxsackie virus, small
blisters may develop on the tonsils and in the soft palate. The blisters erupt
in a few days and are followed by a scab which may be very painful.
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If the sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection, the
tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore. The patient runs
a temperature, has foul-smelling breath and may feel quite ill.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
The doctor usually makes the diagnosis from the symptoms of the
disease, but occasionally a swab of the secretions of the throat and possibly a
blood sample are
required to identify the cause.
What complications may arise?
Usually a sore throat causes no trouble and only lasts about a
week, but the following complications may arise:
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a secondary infection may occur in the
middle ear,
sinuses or chest.
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if the sore throat is due to a streptococcus infection, there
may be a rash (scarlet
fever).
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an uncommon complication is a throat abscess that usually
occurs only on one side.
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in very rare cases, diseases like rheumatic fever or a
particular kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) may occur.
How is a sore throat treated and which medication may
help?
In the vast majority of cases, a sore throat caused by a virus
infection need only be treated with
paracetamol (eg Calpol,
Panadol) or ibuprofen, (eg) to
bring the temperature down.
In a small minority of patients, a sore throat caused by
bacteria is treated with
penicillin, or
erythromycin (eg Erythroped) in
cases of penicillin allergy.
The symptoms of a sore throat can be relieved by using
over-the-counter medicines, such as
sprays containing antiseptics and anaesthetics to numb the sore area, or
antiseptic gargles. These can be bought without a prescription and your doctor
or pharmacist will be able to advise you about them.
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Based on a text by Dr Hanne Korsholm, GP
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Last updated 06.10.2008
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