Pain in the throat

introduction

Pain in the throat / pharynx can have various causes. The most common diseases that can cause pain in the throat are detailed below.

cold

The most common infections are colds, which children get sick about 13 times a year and adults 2-3 times a year. The colds are triggered by cold viruses, which are caused by speaking, sneezing and coughing (Droplet infection) be transmitted.

Typical symptoms of the flu-like infection are coughing, runny nose, elevated temperature (up to a slight fever, 38.5 degrees Celsius), as well as fatigue and of course a sore throat.

A lot of sleep and rest as well as hot tea with honey are helpful as home remedies.
A doctor's visit is only necessary if the fever rises sharply or the sore throat lasts for several days and does not decrease.

Read more on the topic: Symptoms of a cold

flu

In contrast to a slight viral infection, the disease begins with the "real“Flu virus all of a sudden one and those affected suddenly feel very bad.

Main symptoms are with the Influenza high fever over 39 degrees Celsius, chills, pronounced feeling of illness, a headache, Body aches, dry throat, severe sore throat, to cough.
Due to the general weakening of the body and its immune system it is possible for it to become a bacterial superinfection comes, so it is essential to consult a doctor.

It is a preventive one vaccination against the "real" flu available that too paid for by the statutory health insurance becomes.
Influenza viruses can change through permanent gene changes in such a way that they Bypass vaccination and still be able to provide the corresponding symptoms. The best vaccination appointment is once a year in autumn or the beginning of winter.

Acute sore throat (pharyngitis)

The acute sore throat is also known colloquially as a sore throat. Those affected suffer from a "Scratchy throat“, Difficulty swallowing, coughing and bad breath. Often it is a virus disease, but bacterial superinfection is also possible here, although this rarely occurs.

If the side cords of the posterior pharynx are also affected, it is called a side cord angina (Lateral angina).

The acute inflammation of the throat manifests itself in a strongly reddened pharynx and a mucous, often swollen throat.
If the side strands are also affected, they too are thickened and bright red.
The lymph nodes of the neck are swollen and home remedies and topical pain relieving throat tablets can be of great benefit. Antibiotics only make sense if a bacterial infection is proven! Otherwise, antibiotics will do more harm than good.

Read more on the topic:

• Inflammation of the throat
• Scratchy throat

Acute tonsillitis

Is there a acute tonsillitis (Tonsillitis angina, tonsillitis) before, this is usually done Viruses and an additional infection followed bacteria (often Streptococci) as Superinfection. Are the Almonds reddened, swollen and from a blotchy one whitish-yellow coating coated, these are typical features of tonsillitis.
Find out more about the topic here: Swollen tonsils

The symptoms of tonsillitis are severe sore throat, difficulties swallowing and pain radiating to the ear. Join in high fever and a pronounced Feeling sick.
Because it is dangerous in acute tonsillitis Complications the person concerned should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This must then decide whether to have treatment antibiotic makes sense.

Abscess formation

If there is a local inflammation in the throat into the surrounding connective tissue spreadsso it can become a Accumulation of pus come, which may encapsulate itself, so that a abscess forms. If this is in the connective tissue of the pharyngeal tonsils, it is referred to as Peritonsillar abscess.

However, if the abscess forms behind the tonsils, it becomes as Retrotonsilar abscess designated. If the abscess is in the throat, it will Parapharyngeal abscess (next to the throat region) or Retropharyngeal abscess (behind the throat) called.

If an acute tonsillitis has not been cured properly and it comes to one Almond abscess, a new one usually takes place Rise in fever.

Typical symptoms are one-sided difficulties swallowing, Stitches in the ear, as well as a "lumpy language". Often it is Restricted mouth openingas the abscess protrudes noticeably into the oral cavity or throat.
Using Antibiotics the abscess must be opened and the inpatient by an ear, nose and throat doctor remove the affected almond.
In an acute case, a Abscess tonsillectomy (Removal of tonsil and abscess) to be necessary.

Usually the Almond abscess mostly only in adults and the age peak is between 20 and 40 years.
In recent years, the frequency of almond abscesses has increased due to increased antibiotic resistance.

Inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords

A Inflammation of the larynx or one Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis) can also be replaced by a Viral infection arise.
Typical symptoms are then Sore throat, hoarseness, and partly more complete Loss of voice. Often is a dry one cough Concomitant symptoms. Usually this inflammation of the larynx is caused by Viruses or it leads to excessive Voice strain, dry air or Smoke to the larynx.

With this disease it is absolutely necessary that the Voice spared becomes! Whispering hurts extreme and must be avoided at all costs.

Glandular Pfeiffer fever

The so-called Epstein-Barr virus causes Pfeiffer glandular fever (Mononucleosis) caused. Despite being infected with the virus, symptoms do not necessarily have to break out.

The disease is also called kissing sickness because it is transmitted via droplet infection.
Children between the ages of 4 and 15 are most frequently affected, but adults can also develop glandular fever. Smaller children fall ill through kisses from their infected parents, while adolescents fall ill through their first sexual experiences.
Typical symptoms of the onset of glandular fever are very similar to those of acute tonsillitis: sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes.
As with the other diseases, infection with the EBV also carries the risk of a bacterial superinfection.This can lead to severe courses due to immune reactions, especially in adolescents and adults. Complications such as almond abscess or inflammation of the heart muscle rarely occur with Pfeiffer's glandular fever.

Read more on the topic: Glandular fever or swelling on the side of the neck

Scarlet fever

Especially in childhood it is Scarlet fever known disease. However, this infectious disease can also occur in adults.

Scarlet fever is triggered by a Bacterial poison the streptococcus. Typical symptoms are Sore throat, high fever, swollen and whitish coated almonds, deep red palate, shiny red tongue („Raspberry tongue“) And a characteristic skin rash (Rash).
In contrast to many other childhood diseases, scarlet fever can be diagnosed get sick several times, since there is no immunity to all subgroups of the possible scarlet pathogens (streptococci).
A patient affected by scarlet fever needs to see a doctor urgently antibiotic treated, as otherwise serious damage can occur.
Until now there is no vaccination protection against scarlet fever.

Other diseases

Other disorders that also sometimes include the symptom Sore throat respectively Throat pain can show are:

• mumps
• Pseudo croup
• diphtheria

External stimuli

Inflammation of the throat and pharynx can also be caused by a Voice overload or by a Respiratory tract irritation arise like this for example by Smoke, dry air, dust or Chemicals can be triggered.

Allergies

If there is no other trigger for a sore throat or sore throat, it is conceivable that one allergy and an allergy test by the ENT doctor can be informative and help prevent future symptoms.