Acute pharyngitis during seasonal changes, prevention and treatment

Sore throat often occurs when the weather changes or the cold season. Sore throat can be acute or chronic with different causes, symptoms and treatments.

Acute pharyngitis often occurs during the changing seasons or cold weather. (Source: Shutterstock)

Sore throat is a condition of swelling, pain, and irritation in the throat. Most sore throats are caused by viral and bacterial infections.

Causes of acute pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a condition in which the throat lining is inflamed due to viral or bacterial agents. The disease is very common in both adults and children, especially when the weather is cold or changes.

Pharyngitis can appear separately or simultaneously with the following conditions: Adenoiditis; Tonsillitis; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Upper respiratory tract diseases: flu, cold, measles...

Acute pharyngitis is caused by viruses or bacteria. Usually, the virus is first infected, then it is infected with other bacteria, usually commensal bacteria that are already present in the throat such as streptococcus and pneumococcus. The disease can be transmitted from person to person through saliva and nasal discharge.

Viruses are the most common cause of acute pharyngitis , accounting for about 60-80% of cases of acute pharyngitis. The disease is benign and usually heals after 5-7 days if there is no additional bacterial infection. Viral pharyngitis does not require antibiotics but only requires symptomatic treatment. The use of antibiotics has a certain rate of causing antibiotic allergic reactions or unwanted effects such as digestive disorders.

Acute pharyngitis can also be caused by bacteria , of which group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus accounts for 20% of these bacteria but causes serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease, acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.

Acute pharyngitis caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus can occur at any age but is most common in the 5-15 age group. The disease has more dramatic symptoms than other bacteria: high fever of 39-40 degrees. White, dirty pseudomembranes in the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall. Painful swelling of the mandibular lymph nodes on both sides.

In addition to systemic complications, streptococcal pharyngitis can also cause local complications and complications to adjacent organs such as otitis media, cellulitis or peritonsillar abscess, sinusitis, meningitis, bacteremia, and necrotizing fasciitis.

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis often occurs suddenly, causing symptoms: Sore throat, especially when swallowing; sharp pain in the ear when talking, swallowing, coughing; coughing in bouts, dry cough or cough with phlegm; moderate or high fever; chills; headache; body aches; fatigue; loss of appetite; lymph nodes in the jaw angle, mobile when pressed, slightly painful.

Chronic pharyngitis often recurs when having a cold, flu... with symptoms of fever, fatigue, sore throat. Other symptoms are: Dry throat; sore, itchy eyes; symptoms worse in the morning; feeling stuck and painful when swallowing; persistent coughing to loosen phlegm; voice may be slightly hoarse; burning in the chest (in case of gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Gargle daily to prevent acute pharyngitis. (Source: SKDS)

What to do when acute pharyngitis?

Most cases of viral pharyngitis are mild, with symptoms gradually improving after 3-5 days. However, they are not always benign and can be quite dangerous. Severe cases of pharyngitis are often caused by bacterial superinfection, especially hemolytic streptococcus, which prolongs the disease and requires appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, pharyngitis can cause complications:

- Local complications: Inflammation or abscess around the tonsils, throat area, and posterior pharyngeal wall. Rare but dangerous is necrotizing inflammation of the neck area.

- Nearby complications: Laryngotracheobronchitis, pneumonia, acute otitis media, acute rhinitis and sinusitis.

- Distant complications: Nephritis, arthritis, myocarditis, streptococcal toxic shock, even sepsis.

Therefore, when you see symptoms of acute pharyngitis such as sore throat, fever, fatigue, cough, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck, jaw angle, etc., you should immediately go to a reputable medical facility to be examined and fully evaluated by a doctor, thereby providing appropriate diagnosis and treatment, helping to treat the disease effectively as well as prevent unnecessary complications.

In addition to strictly following the doctor's treatment regimen, you can do the following to relieve the symptoms of acute pharyngitis: Rest; Drink plenty of warm water; Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, beer, cigarettes, sour, spicy, raw foods, etc. Eat soft foods.

Prevention of acute pharyngitis

For prevention, wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap, especially after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating.

Always keep your teeth and mouth clean. Gargle with antiseptic mouthwash daily. Keep your neck and throat warm.

Don't eat/drink too much cold food like ice cream or ice water. Quit smoking or stay away from cigarette smoke.

Wear a mask when going out.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viem-hong-cap-luc-chuyen-mua-cach-phong-tranh-va-dieu-tri-242458.html