The most common cause of sore throat is a viral cold infection. The throat pain usually accompanies: cough, runny nose, fever, headache and muscle aches, weakened immunity.
Treatment of sore throat
Viral pharyngitis should be treated symptomatically without switching on the antibiotic. When the throat hurts and we do not have fever, muscle pain, joint pain, etc., the patient is recommended to use:
1. Anti-inflammatory and disinfectant drugs with topical effect.
These may be, for example, medicaments: e.g. based on benzydamine (Tantum Verde, Hascosept); whether amylmetacresol and alcohol (Strepsils, Neo-Angin, etc.).
2. Aseptic drugs that inhibit bacterial growth
It is recommended to rinse the throat and mouth several times a day with disinfectants, provided that they are of appropriate quality, do not cause drying of the mucous membrane of the throat, as well as the disinfectant mouth and throat of the patient. They are available in the form of lozenges, gargles or aerosols. These can be extracts from herbs (numerous herbapol preparations, etc.)
In addition, synthetic drugs, e.g. based on cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorochloradol, etc.
You should also treat a cold at the same time
First, for example, high doses of vitamin C and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, salicylates, paracetamol, naproxen). However, it should be remembered that acetylsalicylic acid is given to adults who do not suffer from peptic ulcer disease; and for children - which this drug threatens so-called Rey syndrome, and - we give paracetamol or ibuprofen. Particularly preferably, especially in children, it acts on the throat ibuprofen, which can alleviate the inflammation of the throat with relieve pain. Ibuprofen is a drug that is considered safe even for infants and young children. Ibuprofen works quickly and brings relief for a long time, even for 8 hours, which allows, for example, to sleep through the night. Do not underestimate or neglect treatment, as it may result in dangerous angina or other complications.
Moisturizing the throat
When the cause of sore throat is repeated chronic sore throat inflammation, paranasal sinuses - which is manifested by redness and dryness of the throat's back wall - we try to keep the throat mucosa in a proper humidity. This can be achieved by rinsing the throat with a solution of table salt with a temperature of 37 C and appropriate rinses available at the pharmacy without a prescription. It is advisable, for example, frequent sipping Sal Vichy or Sal Ems (dissolved in water at 37 C).
Steam inhalations
When the throat hurts, in addition to rinsing and sucking disinfectant tablets, steam inhalation is recommended - from water saturated with mineral salt solutions, infusions of some plants, such as chamomile flower, sage, essential oils (thyme, lavender), which significantly increases the healing effect. You can do them at home, using a pot (a pot) with hot water (60-80 ° C). Bend over the dish, cover the head with a towel and inhale the steam for several minutes. After the procedure, you should stay warm for at least a dozen or so minutes, wrap the neck with a scarf and notgo outside.
Avoid irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat
Because tobacco smoke, alcohol, dust, hot foods - they can exacerbate a sore throat, they should be carefully avoided.
Final remark
In acute inflammations, we usually use anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Antibiotic should be given only in the case of symptoms of bacterial infection. Otherwise, the normal flora of the mouth and throat can be destroyed, and consequently the infection with yeast-like fungi may develop.
When to go to the doctor?
♦ When a sore throat is accompanied by a high fever.
♦ When there are difficulties in breathing.
♦ When there are: ear pain, swelling around the throat and long-lasting hoarseness.
♦ When sore throats do not subside after a few days of self-treatment.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med. Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical University in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4 Apothecary advises - Treatment of colds - doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
