2023-10-07 06:08:22
HomeLifeHealth
A sore throat usually indicates a cold or flu, but it can also occur on its own. The cause is, for example, tonsillitis.
Many people complain about a sore throat, especially in autumn and winter. Most of the time, the symptoms are caused by a harmless cold that can be cured within several days. An infection with the coronavirus often begins with a scratchy throat, accompanied by flu symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, headache and fever. If these classic symptoms are missing, other illnesses may be responsible for the sore throat. These are usually due to an infection, which can indicate subsequent clinical pictures.
Tonsillitis (tonsillitis)
A common and dangerous cause of a sore throat is the well-known tonsillitis. This is an acute infection of the tonsils, which can become chronic over time. Like a classic cold, it is usually caused by a virus. But streptococci can also be behind it. These aggressive bacteria cause a purulent inflammation in the tonsil area, which can usually only be treated with antibiotics. In addition to a sore throat, symptoms include difficulty swallowing, red and coated tonsils, a red throat wall, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Sufferers often complain of bad breath and fatigue.
There are three stages of tonsillitis, which look like this:
1. Angina catarrhalis: The tonsils are red and swollen.2. Angina follicularis: The tonsils are covered with small “spots of pus”.3. Angina lacunaris: The purulent plaque extends into the entire throat area.
Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)
In contrast to tonsillitis, pharyngitis refers to an inflammation of the throat. It is also triggered either by viruses or bacteria, although the symptoms are more pronounced with a bacterial infection. As with tonsillitis, the sore throat is accompanied by difficulty swallowing and a burning and scratchy feeling in the throat. The throat mucosa is red and swollen. Patients often complain of dryness and a feeling of a foreign body in the throat. If the tonsils and throat are inflamed at the same time, it is referred to as tonsillopharyngitis.
Mandelabszess
More rarely, a so-called peritonsillar abscess or tonsil abscess can form, which causes the sore throat. Pus accumulates around the tonsils. This is often caused by a streptococcal infection that has spread into deeper tissue layers. But tonsillitis can also lead to the formation of an abscess. Factors such as smoking or poor oral hygiene increase the risk of a tonsil abscess. The accumulation of pus can be life-threatening as it can lead to blood poisoning. It is therefore important to see an ENT doctor to treat the abscess.
Kehldeckelentzündung (Epiglottitis)
If the epiglottis is infected by bacteria, it becomes inflamed and swells. This causes severe pain in the throat and difficulty swallowing. Epiglottitis can cause breathing problems because the entrance to the larynx becomes narrowed. Due to the risk of suffocation, the disease, which primarily affects children, is life-threatening. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine against the responsible bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), so that the infection occurs less frequently.
A sore throat can indicate an infection, which can also be accompanied by a fever. (Symbolic image) © Sergio Monti/Imago
Reflux disease
A sore throat without a cold can also indicate gastroesophageal diseases. In reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This leads to unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn and acid belching, but also to a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and a feeling of lumpiness in the throat. Reflux disease is very common and occurs in 10 to 20 percent of adults. Changing your diet and avoiding alcohol and fatty foods can help. Medication to reduce stomach acid can also help.
Other possible causes
If the throat is only slightly irritated or sore, environmental influences may be responsible. Irritants such as alcohol, nicotine, chemicals or dry indoor air can put strain on the throat region, as can excessive use of the voice through screaming or singing. In this case, the symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Sore throat without a cold: when to go to the doctor?
Certain warning signs indicate a serious illness that should definitely be treated by a doctor. These include, among other things, rattling or whistling noises when inhaling (stridor), which can be heard from a distance. If you feel short of breath, you should definitely go to the nearest doctor’s office or hospital. Drooling and a muffled, lumpy voice are also warning signs and can indicate a life-threatening epiglottis infection.
If you only have a normal sore throat, the symptoms usually disappear within a few days. If this is not the case or if the pain gets worse, you should see a doctor. Medical help should also be sought if a high fever suddenly occurs.
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