What is a serious throat infection?
People with a throat infection have severe pain with swallowing and usually speaking. The pain is sometimes also felt in the ears. Some people have fever, headache, and an upset stomach. The tonsils are red and swollen and sometimes have white patches on them.
What are the symptoms of severe throat infection?
Common symptoms of throat infection
- Body aches.
- Cough; possibly coughing up clear, yellow, light brown, or green mucus.
- Difficulty breathing (ranging from mild to severe)
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Dry throat or congestion.
- Enlarged lymph nodes or tonsils.
- Fever and chills.
- Hoarseness.
What are the different types of throat infections?
Sore throats are divided into types, based on the part of the throat they affect:
- Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
- Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
- Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.
When should I be concerned about a throat infection?
“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”
How serious is acute throat infection?
Is it likely to get worse? In otherwise healthy people, a sore throat infection is usually a self-limiting illness and rarely produces serious after-effects. A general practice study of acute tonsillitis in 17 countries found that in by far most cases, acute sore throat resolved within 1 week.
What kills infection in the throat?
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It’s also known to help kill bacteria in the throat. Make a saltwater solution with a half-teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Gargle it to help reduce swelling and keep the throat clean.
How do you cure a throat infection?
Honey may be added to hot water or tea and lemon juice to help sooth a sore throat. Honey has some antibacterial properties and may help ease sore throat due to infection. There are also studies that show it may help ease a cough, which can contribute to sore throat pain.
How many days is too many for a sore throat?
However, a sore throat despite its cause should last between 7 to 10 days . Any sore throat symptoms lasting for more than ten days necessitate immediate doctor’s attention for diagnosis and further treatment. This is because such sore throats can be underlying symptoms of serious illnesses such as throat cancer or even AIDS.
What causes frequent throat infections?
Viral infections, including the common cold, influenza (the flu), mumps, measles, chickenpox , and croup. Common causes of Bacterial Throat Infections. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, may also cause throat infections.
What is the best treatment for a sore throat?
Gargling with warm saline water is the best cure for a sore throat. Salt water is a natural disinfectant and has anti-microbial properties. It relieves you from pain and reduces the swelling of the glands.