SORE THROATS- ENT SPECIALIST CARE & CURE
Sore Throat Causes & Cures - Dr.Chris De Souza
Tumors of the throat, tongue and larynx Ivoice box) are usually (but not always) associated with long time use of tobacco and alcohol. Sore throat and difficult swallowing sometimes with pain radiating to the ear-may be symptoms of such a tumor. More often the sore ore throat is so mild or so chronic that it is hardly noticed. Other important symptoms include hoarseness, a lump in the neck, unexplained weight loss and/or spitting up blood in the saliva or phlegm
The diagnosis will require examination by a physician with special training in diseases of the ears. nose, throat, head and neck. Special mirrors or telescopic instruments will be used to see the suspicious areas of the throat.
How Can I Treat My Own Sore Throat?
A mild sore throat associated with cold" or "flư symptoms can be made more comfortable with the following remedies:- Increase your liquid intake. Warm tea with honey is a favorite home remedy.
- Use a steamer or humidifier in your bedroom..
- Gargle with warm salt water several times daily with ½ tsp salt to cup water
- Take mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Datril, Tempra, ibuprofen (Advil etc.
- Take non-prescription throat lozenges.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Whenever a sore throat is severe, persists longer than the usual five to seven day duration of a "cold" or "flu" and is not associated with an avoidable allergy or irritation, you should seek medical attention. The following signs and symptoms should alert you to see your physician:
- Severe and prolonged sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Joint pains
- Earache
- Rash
- Fever (Over 101")
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Frequently recurring sore throat.
- Lump in the neck
- Hoarseness lasting over 2 weeks
When Should I Take Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are drugs that kill or impair bacteria. Penicillin or erythromycin (well-known antibiotics are prescribed when the physician suspects streptococcal or other bacterial infection that will respond to them. However, a number of bacterial throat infections do not respond to penicillin, but require other categories of antibiotics instead. Antibiotics do not cure viral infections, but viruses do lower the patient's resistance to bacterial infections. When such a combined infection occurs, antibiotics may become necessary.
When an antibiotic is prescribed, it should be. taken as the physician directs for the full course usually 10 days). Otherwise the infection will probably be suppressed rather than eliminated, and It can return.
What If My Throat Culture Is Negative?
A "strep" culture tests only for the presence of streptococcal infections. Many other infections, both bacterial and viral, will yield negative cultures and sometimes so does a streptococcal infection. Therefore, when your culture is negative, your physician will base his decision for treatment on the severity of your symptoms and the appearance of your throat on examination. Do not discontinue your medications unless your physician instructs you to do so.
Should Other Family Members Be Treated? or Cultured?
When "strep throat is proven by test or culture. many experts recommend treatment of other family members, because streptococcal infections are so highly contagious. Others recommend treating only the family members with sore throats and culturing the others. So be sure you tell your physician how other family members are feeling. Practice good sanitary habits; avoid close physical contact and sharing of napkins, towels and utensils with the infected person. Hand washing makes good sense.
The advice in this pamphlet is for general Information. But remember, the best advice for your specific case is what you get from your physician who hears your symptoms and examines your throat.