Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in the form of a sore throat, discomfort when swallowing. In addition, there is fever and dry cough. Often the disease is combined with tonsillitis.
Sometimes a complete cure is possible, but there is a possibility of an acute process becoming chronic. Rarely, quite dangerous complications can occur, in particular, such as damage to the joints and heart.
Features of the disease
A disease of the pharynx, manifested in the form of discomfort, itching and pain in the throat, is called pharyngitis. The pathological process is often diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly people. Men get sick much more often than women.
This can be an independent disease or one of the symptoms of respiratory diseases. Pathological processes occurring in the pharynx are divided depending on their localization. During the course of acute viral or bacterial inflammation, the mucous membrane of all parts of the pharynx is affected.
Acute pharyngitis is characterized by the fact that the disease proceeds sufficientlyswiftly. It is provoked by infectious processes, and smoking, irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa, prolonged exposure to cold, and alcohol consumption are also considered predisposing factors. Often there is a viral etiology of an acute inflammatory process, in some cases the disease is of a bacterial nature. It is important to treat acute pharyngitis in a timely manner in order to prevent the occurrence of a complication, which is expressed in inflammation of the ear canal.
Swelling of the follicles of the pharynx and their fusion can provoke the development of granulosa pharyngitis. As a result of injury to the mucosa in any of its departments, the development of a traumatic type of disease is possible. Inflammation occurs as a response to prolonged and intense mechanical damage to the upper layer of epithelial cells. This can occur during surgery or when a foreign object enters the throat.
Causes of occurrence
Acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa can develop for a variety of reasons, and often this happens when pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens enter the body. Among the main predisposing factors for the development of the disease are the following:
- lack of vitamins;
- hypercooling of the body;
- unbalanced diet;
- presence of chronic infections;
- tonsillitis;
- passive smoking;
- inhalation of throat irritants.
However, the main cause of acutepharyngitis are various kinds of infectious diseases that occur in a chronic form, such as tuberculosis.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of acute pharyngitis largely depend on what is the main cause of inflammation, but often the patient complains about:
- sore throat;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- voice change;
- temperature increase;
- feeling of a foreign body in the throat;
- general weakness.
If symptoms of acute pharyngitis occur in children and adults (the photo shows the location of the pathological process), you should immediately consult a doctor, since the onset of the disease is very similar to the course of tonsillitis or tonsillitis, the treatment of which varies significantly.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of acute pharyngitis implies an instrumental examination, in particular:
- pharyngoscopy;
- microbiological research;
- immunodiagnostics;
- determination of streptococcal antibodies in the blood.
When the first signs of inflammation occur, it is imperative to inspect the pharynx. This is a fairly simple procedure, so you can do it yourself and it does not require special skills.
The patient's throat is red, and the mucous membrane is very swollen. If the disease is accompanied by fever, then you should immediately consult a doctor, soas in this case, the signs are similar to the course of a sore throat. Acute inflammation of the tonsils often leads to very dangerous complications.
Treatment of disease
Treatment of acute pharyngitis must be comprehensive, as this will prevent the occurrence of complications. That is why during the period of therapy it is required:
- special diet;
- taking medication;
- carrying out physiotherapy procedures.
When acute pharyngitis occurs, only warm, semi-liquid foods should be consumed exclusively so as not to irritate the damaged mucous membrane once again. The doctor selects medications individually for each patient.
Medicated treatment
Treatment of acute pharyngitis is carried out through the use of medications. Medicines are selected strictly individually, it all depends on the causative agent of the infection, the general well-being of the patient, as well as the characteristics of the course of the disease. Among the main drugs used for therapy, we can distinguish:
- antibacterials;
- antiviral;
- antiseptics.
Antibacterial drugs are prescribed by the attending physician if pathogens are the cause of inflammation. Usually, the doctor selects the means of the cephalosporin or penicillin group, in particular, such as Cefazolin, Amoxil, Cefix, Ampicillin.
Antibiotics are strictly forbidden to be taken without a doctor's recommendation, asonly he can prescribe a course of therapy and calculate the dosage, taking into account possible side effects and complications.
If the disease was provoked by the penetration of a virus into the body, then the treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults is carried out by using antiviral agents, in particular such as Groprinosin, Nazoferon, Arbidol, Laferobion.
Topical antiseptics are prescribed in the form of aerosols intended for irrigation of the pharynx, or solutions for rinsing. They can be purchased ready-made or you can make your own. For example, you can make a solution from Furacilin tablets. The most effective aerosols for the treatment of an inflamed pharynx are Ingalipt, Oracept, Givalex, Proposol.
When spraying the drug, you need to direct the tip of the bottle to the inside of the cheek, and not into the throat, as this will prevent the occurrence of bronchospasm.
Local antiseptics can also be used in tablet form. In this case, Septefril, Faringosept, Strepsils, Lizobakt are considered the best tablets. These drugs not only help to quickly eliminate the discomfort that occurs when swallowing, but also have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Use of folk remedies
Symptoms and treatment of acute pharyngitis can be very different, it all depends on the he alth of the patient and the complexity of the course of the disease. Folk therapies are widely used. They are required forgargling a sore throat or inhaling.
Sea water is considered a universal and effective remedy for washing the nose and gargling. In addition, it is recommended to take baths with the addition of essential oils. To do this, add 3-4 drops of fir or eucalyptus oil to hot water.
Rinse with s alt water to eliminate bacteria. To do this, dissolve 1 tsp in 0.5 liters of warm water. s alt and gargle every hour. To reduce pain and inflammation, chamomile compresses can be used. To prepare them, you need to moisten napkins in warm chamomile infusion and wrap them around your neck.
Inhalations help soften the throat and reduce discomfort. The duration of the procedure is 5, and the course of therapy is 10 procedures. For this, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs are used.
Dieting
With strep throat, a special diet must be followed to prevent further damage to the throat. From the usual diet, you need to exclude dishes that increase blood flow to the inflamed areas. In particular, it is not recommended to consume spices, spices, spicy foods, coffee, acidic foods.
In the first days of inflammation, if the patient refuses to eat, then there is no need to insist. Plentiful drinking is recommended, in particular, you can consume decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, compotes, fruit drinks, tea with lemon and honey. Dishes should be served warm, grated or semi-liquid.condition.
Features of the flow in children
Pharyngitis very often occurs in childhood, can occur in a variety of forms and is often a manifestation of other diseases, in particular, such as scarlet fever, adenoiditis, tonsillitis. The risk group includes mainly children who very rarely walk outside and sleep in a room with warm and dry air.
To avoid very serious complications and prevent the transition of the disease to the chronic stage, you must know how to treat acute pharyngitis in childhood. If the first signs of illness occur, it is forbidden to go outside in wet weather for a week. When the chronic form of the disease occurs, it is not recommended to gargle with a soda solution, as soda dries the mucous membrane, which threatens to cause more serious complications.
It is quite difficult to determine the course of the pathological process in young children. This is due to insufficiently well-defined clinical manifestations. After listening to complaints, the doctor examines the throat of a small patient. The pharynx is reddened, swollen, with the presence of purulent or mucous discharge. The back wall becomes granular with dotted inclusions or vesicles filled with blood. Among the main signs of the course of the disease can be identified:
- sore throat;
- small cough;
- tickle;
- itchy ears;
- conjunctivitis;
- runny nose.
Local features persist for severaldays and then gradually disappear. The temperature may rise slightly or remain normal. It is very painful for children to swallow, so they often refuse to eat.
When a secondary infection is attached and complications occur, symptoms begin to increase with severe intoxication of the body. It is very difficult to recognize the course of the disease in infants, as they cannot express their complaints. The child's temperature rises, appetite and sleep are disturbed, he becomes restless. These symptoms are nonspecific and may indicate other diseases. If these symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Often, a dry painful cough, wheezing and a runny nose join the signs of inflammation.
When treating a child under 2 years old, it is important to take into account the characteristics of his body. These children are not allowed to irrigate the throat with a spray, as this can lead to bronchospasm, which sometimes causes respiratory arrest.
Treatment of pharyngitis in children is carried out at home. To do this, you need to gargle with solutions with medicinal herbs or an antiseptic effect. In particular, "Rotokan", "Chlorophyllipt", "Miramistin", infusion of chamomile or eucalyptus helps well. It is recommended to drink linden or chamomile tea at night.
Children over 3 years of age are prescribed lozenges and tablets for resorption, which help eliminate pain and soften the throat, for example, Strepsils, Faringosept. Among local immunostimulating drugs, Lyzobact and Imudon should be singled out.
Antimicrobial agents are often prescribed, such as Arbidol, Viferon, Orvirem, Grippferon, Arbidol. Antibiotics should be taken strictly according to the doctor's prescription, after determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs. The only treatment for babies will be drinking plenty of fluids, as well as medicines that the doctor will prescribe.
Disease in pregnant women
Symptoms and treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults largely depend on the characteristics of the human body. This disease is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman and creates a lot of inconvenience, since there is no way to use traditional methods of treatment. Pharyngitis during pregnancy manifests itself in the form of fever, hoarseness, lymphadenitis, and dry cough. Often, this disease significantly complicates the course of pregnancy and, if not properly treated, can lead to miscarriage, and at a later date, premature birth. It is important to know how to treat strep throat in adults during pregnancy so as not to harm the fetus. Therapeutic measures are:
- following a sparing diet;
- gargling with decoctions of herbs;
- inhalation with essential oils.
In addition, you can use throat sprays, lozenges. Antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the possible harm to the child.
Probable Complications
Acute pharyngitis in adults without proper treatment can become chronic. In addition, there may be the followingcomplications:
- tracheitis;
- acute articular rheumatism;
- chronic bronchitis;
- laryngitis;
- cervical lymphadenitis;
- inflammation of the inner ear.
In addition, against the background of the flow of pharyngitis, abscesses can occur, which can only be cured by surgery.
Prophylaxis
In order to carry out prevention, you must definitely take care of your immune system. You should regularly take vitamins, consume fruits and vegetables, bee products, propolis preparations. Hardening is also useful.
