Have a sore throat?

WHAT we commonly call the throat is actually the oropharynx, which is visible at the back of the mouth, situated below the nasopharynx and above the larynx (voice box). The 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 simply as the “tonsils,” are visible between the arches that extend from the uvula (the bell-shaped structure at the centre of the opening) to the floor of the mouth. We can consider the tonsils as soldiers that protect the throat from infections.

Notwithstanding, at some point in our lives, we will all suffer from pharyngitis or a sore throat. A virus mostly causes this condition and is usually easy to treat. However, while this seems normal, the cause and evolution of the disease can vary significantly. Included in respiratory system disorders, the acute or chronic condition may arise from causes such as infections, allergies, tumours, and drug reactions.

A sore throat is usually a prominent symptom of a wide variety of diseases. Luckily, it is rarely the result of rheumatic, scarlet, or relapsing fevers (the latter being spread by a tick). Other conditions that may cause a sore throat include polio, tetanus, tonsillitis, and vitamin B deficiency.

There are three types of tonsils:
1. Palatine Tonsils: These are located between the arches at the back of the throat and are the most commonly affected by tonsillitis.
2. Pharyngeal Tonsils (Adenoids): These are located at the back of the throat. They generally shrink as a child grows but may need to be surgically removed if they become enlarged and inflamed.
3. Lingual Tonsils: These are found on the upper surface of each side of the back of the tongue.
Infection of the tonsils, known as tonsillitis, can 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 surrounding the throat represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens.

A sore throat that does not respond to conventional treatment may be due to gonorrhoea of the oropharynx contracted from oral sex. Another possible cause is diphtheria, which begins gradually with fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.

A thick white membrane may form on the tonsils, obstructing breathing and necessitating the surgical opening of the windpipe. Diphtheria can also affect the heart muscle and nerves, leading to heart failure, paralysis, and sometimes death.

The throat communicates with the middle ear, located behind the eardrums, through a passage called the Eustachian tube. This is why ear pain may sometimes accompany a cold or throat infection. With a sore throat, the typical complaint is a raw, dry, burning sensation and pain when swallowing, especially cold substances such as ice cream. If the infection spreads downwards to the larynx, hoarseness and temporary loss of voice may ensue.

The first line of treatment for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salt water. You can substitute the water with tea mixed with honey. If the symptoms do not subside after three days, consult your healthcare provider (physician or dentist), who may prescribe adequate doses of penicillin, lozenges, aspirin, and rest.

 

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