Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
When a sore throat is severe and makes it difficult to swallow, it is better to abandon home treatments in favor of proven preparations containing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substances. This is important because improperly treated pharyngitis can turn into a bacterial infection - and then the only effective drug remains an antibiotic. Find out what to use to relieve a sharp sore throat.
Acute sore throat , which worsenswhen swallowing , and is sharp and burning, indicates advanced inflammation. In such a situation, home remedies for an acute sore throat are not enough. They should be treated as supportive treatment. When an acute sore throat develops, you need to take appropriate medications. Otherwise, the inflammation becomes chronic, which can lead to a bacterial infection. Damaged mucosa is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria in the throat. It is worth knowing that the risk of developing a bacterial throat infection, i.e. strep throat, is greater in children than in adults.
Acute sore throat - causes
A viral infection is the most common cause of an acute sore throat. Viruses (usually rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses) penetrate the respiratory tract, damage the esophageal mucosa, causing inflammation. The throat becomes red and swollen, severe pain appears. Additional symptoms may include coughing or hoarseness, headaches, increased body temperature.
In turn, streptococci are the most common bacterial infections. Then the symptoms are more severe than in the case of a viral infection. There is a high fever (often exceeding 38 degrees C) and chills, a feeling of weakness and breakdown.
A sharp sore throat can also be the result of disease processes in the neighborhood. Less common causes of acute sore throats are injury (caused by a foreign body), burns, or chemicals.
A sharp sore throat is often accompanied by difficulty swallowing, a scratchy burning sensation in the throat, hoarseness, increased body temperature, or a fever.
Acute sore throat treatment
Treatment of acute sore throat depends on the underlying cause. Most often, a sharp sore throat is caused by viruses. In this case, you should reach for drugs that work locally, e.g. in the form of syrups, throat lozenges orthroat spray preparation. They contain substances that soothe inflammation, reduce pain, reduce swelling, and additionally have an antiseptic effect, i.e. they fight pathogens responsible for sore throat, pain when swallowing, redness and swelling. Some of them contain natural plant ingredients. In addition, it may be necessary to use drugs with an analgesic and antipyretic effect - paracetamol or drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
It's good to know that antibiotics don't work with an acute sore throat caused by viruses. These are only necessary when bacteria are the cause of the acute sore throat.
ImportantIf an acute sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, headache, chills, weakness, and the tonsils have a whitish coating or purulent discharge - these are signs of a bacterial throat infection. It occurs more often in children due to the greater risk of contact with pathogens causing angina. Then it is necessary to go to the doctor who will order antibiotic treatment.
Acute sore throat - homemade remedies
You can use home remedies for acute sore throat as a supportive measure to alleviate symptoms, but they will have little effect on the immediate cause of the pain - inflammation. You can use gargling with herbal infusions such as chamomile or sage. You can also use boiled water with a little s alt or soda. Warm compresses or tea with honey and lemon can also bring relief.