It is the inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of the pharynx.
One’s sore throat is likely to get better within 3 to 7 days (and a maximum of 2 weeks) without the need for treatment by a health professional.
Most sore throats last for an average of eight days.
Why do we get these symptoms:
Fever, body aches, pain and fever and generally feeling grotty – Result of your immune system responding to the infection. It has recognised the virus as a hostile invader and signals to the rest of the body something is wrong by releasing chemicals called cytokines.
During this time the virus invades the cell lining in ones throat, airways and lungs and turns them into “virus factories” that spew out huge numbers of new viruses that go on to infect yet more cells.
Dry cough (you’re not bringing stuff up) – probably down to irritation of cells as they become infected by the virus.
Coughing up sputum – a thick mucus containing dead lung cells killed by the virus.
If one has persistent of symptoms beyond 10 days or progressive worsening symptoms after the first 5 – 7 days suggests a bacterial illness (group A streptococci infection) especially if one has sore and/or scratchy throat, loss of taste and smell and/or difficulty swallowing and/or feel there is a lump in the throat or at any time one develops spots at the back of their throat.
Cough, runny nose , and conjunctivitis (eye infection) are common in viral cold and flu infection.
A red sore throat is most common by adenoviruses.
If antibiotics have not helped , then a fungal infection should be considered, a swab test should be preformed.
Diagnostic Tests
One can check if they have a streptococcal throat infection by using the following tools:
Is phlegm at the back of the throat (travelling from the nose) causing catarrh, sore throat and/or cough (one may have some of these symptoms) longer than a week?
Blood in mouth or sputum?
Rash on neck?
Sore throat symptoms getting worse dramatically?
Pain in ear?
Breathing difficulties?
A sore throat which is persistent in a person over 55 years old?
Difficulty to open their mouth and unable to talk?
Peeling in the mouth and swollen gums and tongue?
Sore throat has no improvement after two weeks?
Over the counter medication tried and had no effect?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Throat Infection in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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