ESPECIALLY at this time, many of us have experienced a sore throat. In fact, I know of no adult who has said to me that they never suffered from a sore throat. But while this seems normal, the cause and evolution of the disease may vary quite a lot. Included in the respiratory system disorders, the acute or chronic condition generally arises from causes such as infection, allergies, tumors and drug reactions. Sore throat is usually a prominent symptom of a wide variety of diseases, among which are rheumatic, scarlet and relapsing fevers (the latter is spread by a tick). Others include polio, tetanus, tonsillitis and vitamin B deficiency. What we commonly call the throat is really the oropharynx, which is visible at the back of the mouth, situated below the nasopharnyx and above the larynx (voice box).
Tonsils are spongy tissues at the back of the throat, composed mainly of lymphocytic cells. There are three types. The palatine tonsils, usually referred to as ‘tonsils’, are visible between the arches that extend from the uvula (bell-shaped structure at the centre of the opening) to the floor of the mouth.
The pharyngeal tonsils, often called adenoids, lie at the back of the throat. These generally shrink as a child grows, but may have to be surgically removed if they become enlarged and inflamed. The lingual tonsils are on the upper surface of each side of the back of the tongue. The tonsils’ function is to protect the pharynx (common entrance of the gullet, nose and windpipe) and the rest of the body from infectious organisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi).
Infection of the tonsils, called tonsillitis, may serve as a source of infection elsewhere in the body. The tonsils form lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that produce antibodies to combat harmful organisms trapped in the mucous membrane lining of the throat. In fact, the lymphocytic tissue circumscribing the throat actually represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens (germs that cause disease). In reality, the HIV is too frail to kill anyone. Most people who die from AIDS succumb generally as a result of either pneumocystic carinii pneumonia or cancer. These situations develop because there is a depletion of special white blood cells, known as T 4 Lymphocytes, which have the responsibility of providing immunity against the aggressive germs. In fact, the count of these cells often indicates if the person is infected with HIV.
The AIDS virus also invades and kills the T 4 Lymphocytes, leaving the body vulnerable. These protective cells are manufactured in the tonsils, bone marrow and spleen. A sore throat that is not responding to conventional treatment may be gonorrhea of the oropharynx contracted from oral sex. Also occurring sometimes is diphtheria, which begins gradually with fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes (glands) in neck.
A thick white membrane forms on the tonsils, and may obstruct breathing to necessitate the surgical opening of the windpipe. Heart muscle and nerves may be affected, causing paralysis and sometimes death. The throat communicates with the middle ear, located behind the ear drums, by means of a passage called the Eustachian Tube. This is why the pain of an ear infection is occasionally expected when the victim has a cold. Ear specialists usually send first-visit patients to the dentist so as to eliminate the possibility of an earache being caused by a decayed tooth.
With a sore throat, the typical complaint is a raw, dry or burning sensation and pain on swallowing all but cool substances, such as ice cream. If the infection spreads downwards to the larynx, a hoarseness and temporary loss of voice may ensue. Treatment for sore throat usually consists of adequate doses of penicillin, aspirin, rest and warm saline gargles and the treatment of dental and gum infections.