Throat Pain
It is also known as Sore throat or Pharyngitis.
- Tobacco, alcohol and spices which can be proved as irritants
- Strain in the throat muscles while yelling for long time
- Dryness in the throat
Causes of Throat Pain
There can be many possibilities for causes of throat pain. Some include bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies, sinus infections, acid reflux, laryngitis, medical procedures, throat cancer and exposure to irritants such as alcohol or tobacco.
Viral Infections
Examples could be flu, COVID-19, cold viruses, croup, and mononucleosis.
Sometimes, chickenpox and measles may cause throat pain too.
Bacterial Infections
Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection in the throat. It can result in painful swallowing and severe throat pain. The tonsils may also become very swollen. Bacterial causes of throat pain need to be treated with antibiotics. If the disease is left untreated, strep throat complications can include kidney damage or heart damage.
Sinus Infections
The sinuses are a set of hollow cavities in the skull. Viruses and bacterias and even fungus can severely affect the sinuses. This occurs when the mucus runs down the back of the throat. The infected mucus can cause throat pain.
Allergies
Things like dust or dander allergies can cause post-nasal drip that does contribute to a sore throat.
Acid Reflux
Stomach acid can affect the aesophagus, in the back of the throat and the mouth while a person is asleep. That’s the reason why any sore throat caused by the acid reflux is usually worse during the morning time. Acid reflux occurring during the night can also wear away the protective enamel on teeth.
Diagnosis
There are many different ways to diagnose throat pain. A doctor may examine you, look at your medical history, or order tests and/or imaging.
Throat Culture
It is a type of test in the back of the throat. That part is brushed with a cotton swab. Then the swab is usually sent to a laboratory to be analysed for bacteria. If it is a rapid strep test, you will get immediate results.
Allergy Testing
Blood tests or some allergy skin tests can prove to the doctor if the throat pain is caused by allergies.
During a skin test, a doctor exposes the person to an allergen (something you may be allergic to)—through a tiny scratch in your skin. If you are allergic, you will have a reaction. The blood tests can also help in looking for antibodies (immune system proteins) to some specific allergens.
Medication Trials
An acid reflux medication trial can help the doctor to find the cause of the throat pain. If the person responds to the medication, the doctor may diagnose that person with acid reflux.
Treatment of throat pain
There are a few options for treatment of the throat pain. Many of these treatments can be started right away.
Lifestyle options:
Some simple steps can help ease your sore throat:
Drinking plenty of fluids
Avoid smoking and taking alcohol
Can use a device that adds moisture to the air-humidifier
Treatments of a sore throat/throat pain
Medications
A variety of medications are available for treating the condition of throat pain or a sore throat. Some other medications can treat the cases of sore throat symptoms.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are widely used by people for almost every condition. In this case, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections for example, strep throat. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. This treatment can include a one-time injection or some oral antibiotics can be taken over a period of time.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines do help people’s allergy symptoms. It usually occurs when people come in contact with an allergen like a mold, a pollen or dander, the body of the individual then releases histamine. Histamine is responsible for playing a role in the sensation of pain, so taking an antihistamine can help with an allergy-related throat pain.
Acid Reflux Medication
A fruitful treatment of this medication can take some time. The sooner a person gets diagnosed and starts with the treatment, the sooner symptoms will go away.
Pain Medication
Pain medication can help control the pain from any type of sore throat. Over-the-counter options include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Tylenol or acetaminophen
Conclusion
To conclude, we can say that sore throat or throat pain can be caused through different modes. Though this condition is not very crucial or aggressive, it should not be neglected for a long time. There are different types of treatments available for curing this condition.
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