UNDOUBTEDLY, at some time in our lives, we will all suffer from pharyngitis or sore throat. But while this seems normal, the cause and evolution of the disease may vary quite a lot. Included in respiratory system disorders, the acute or chronic condition arises from causes such as infection, allergies, tumours and drug reactions.

Sore throat is usually a prominent symptom of a wide variety of diseases, among which are rheumatic, scarlet and relapsing fevers (a tick spreads the latter). 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 nasopharynx and above the larynx (voice box). Tonsils are spongy tissues at the back of the throat, composed mainly of lymphatic cells. There are three types: the palatine tonsils, usually referred to as the ‘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.

Then there are the pharyngeal tonsils, often called the adenoids. These lie at the back of the throat. They 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 to protect the pharynx (common entrance of the gullet, nose and windpipe) and the rest of the body from infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses).

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 in the throat. In fact, the lymphocytic tissue circumscribing the throat actually represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens.

Lets look at how the tonsils relate to the dreaded disease AIDS. In reality, HIV is too frail to kill anyone. Most people who die from AIDS generally succumb as a result of either pneumocystis carini pneumonia or cancer. These situations develop because there is the depletion of special white blood cells known as Tee Four Lymphocytes, which are responsible for providing immunity against aggressive germs.

The AIDS virus may also invade and kill the Tee Four 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 gonorrhoea 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 the 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 heart failure, paralysis and sometimes death.

The throat communicates with the middle ear, located behind the eardrums, by means of a passage called the Eustachian tube. This is why the pain of the ear infection is occasionally experienced when the victim has a cold.

With a sore throat, the typical complaint is a raw, dry, burning sensation and pain in swallowing all cool substances, such as ice cream. If the infection spreads downwards to the larynx, hoarseness and temporary loss of voice may ensue.

Treatment for a sore throat usually consists of adequate penicillin, aspirin, rest and warm saline gargles.