Causes and risk factors
Sore throat is due to inflammation, swelling in the throat involving tonsils, pharynx, and larynx. Sore throat is commonly term used for pharyngitis. Most common cause is acute viral pharyngitis [influenza virus] other causes include bacterial pharyngitis [streptococcal] trauma, tumour, GORD. Exposure to cold, drinking of cold drinks, smoking, air pollution, alcohol are some of the predisposing factors.
Clinical presentation
Sore throat patient presents with throat pain as a cardinal symptom along with red swollen tonsils, painful swallowing, and fever. Associated symptoms like chills, headache, tiredness, body ache, cough, running nose, sneezing can be present. It is a self limiting condition usually resolves within a week. Sometimes it is associated with hoarseness of voice. Untreated it can lead to complications like pus, abscess in the throat.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor of the throat helps in diagnosis. Complete blood count may be advised in the suspected bacterial infection. Throat swabs are routinely done to isolate the organism.
Treatment
Analgesics like NSAIDS and antibiotics are used to treat sore throat. Rest is advised. Adequate fluid intake of warm liquids, throat lozenges help in soothing the throat pain. Benzoin and saline gargles are recommended.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating sore throat. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating sore throat.
