This is an automatically translated article.
Article by Doctor Nguyen Vinh Toan - Ear, Nose Throat Doctor, Interspecialty Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the lining of the throat, often causing symptoms of sore throat, dry throat, difficulty swallowing. Causes of pharyngitis include viruses and bacteria, is a common disease, rarely causes dangerous complications, but when left untreated, pharyngitis can cause many complications, especially pharyngitis. due to streptococcus.
1. What are the symptoms of sore throat?
Symptoms of pharyngitis vary depending on the cause, symptoms include:
Pain or a scratchy feeling in the throat, pain that increases when swallowing, speaking Difficulty swallowing : Difficulty swallowing sometimes immediately with whole liquid Voice may be hoarse or hoarse in the presence of enlarged tonsils Fever: May be moderate to high fever 39-40 degrees C Cough: Usually dry cough at first, then may cough with phlegm Runny nose , sneezing, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting may be present, swelling of the cervical lymph nodes, reddened throat mucosa, numerous blood vessels in the posterior wall of the pharynx, tonsils may be enlarged, purulent, or pseudomembranous cover
2. Complications of sore throat
Rheumatic fever: Caused by the body's immune response after a sore throat caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, usually occurs between the ages of 5-15. Glomerulonephritis: Also according to the immune mechanism, the glomerular structure has some characteristics that cause the body to produce antibodies to destroy streptococcus, thus damaging the glomeruli. Otitis media : Infection spreads to the middle ear causing acute otitis media Rhinosinusitis . Meningitis Bronchopneumonia Septic shock syndrome : A rare but serious complication of bacterial pharyngitis caused by the spread of infection and multiple organ failure. Peritonsillar or posterior pharyngeal abscess. Complications of abscesses due to untreated or inadequate treatment lead to severe pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, affecting breathing. These abscesses should be drained as soon as possible in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. Complications of pharyngitis, infection with mononucleosis, often enlarged spleen can cause splenic rupture (should avoid playing sports for about 6 weeks), hepatitis.
3. When to see a doctor?
Sore throat worsens or persists for more than 1 week Symptoms of shortness of breath Increased difficulty swallowing Unusual drooling, often associated with the patient's inability to swallow Difficulty opening the mouth Joint pain Ear pain Skin rash High fever Yes blood in saliva or phlegm Swollen lymph nodes in the neck Hoarseness of voice that lasts more than 2 weeks Swelling of the neck and face.
4. How to prevent sore throat?
Avoid contact with people who are infected Regularly wash your hands with soap, antiseptic solution, alcohol solution Should limit touching your face, nose, mouth Avoid sharing dishes, personal items such as washcloths and towels. Drink lots of water Regularly clean the phone, TV remote, keyboard. When traveling, you should clean your phone, TV remote and air conditioner with antiseptic water. Vinmec International General Hospital examines and treats common nasopharyngeal diseases, head and neck tumors, congenital malformations of the ear, nose and throat area with the most optimal internal and surgical methods for the disease. individuals, both children and adults. Coming to Vinmec International General Hospital, patients will receive a direct, dedicated and professional examination from a team of qualified and experienced medical staff.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE