Throat Infection
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Throat Infection
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Tonsillar Cellulitis and Tonsillar Abscess
Last full review/revision May 2022| Content last modified Sep 2022
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Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Infections of the throat and/or tonsils are common, particularly among children.
Normal and Abnormal Tonsils and Throat
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Tonsillar Cellulitis and Tonsillar Abscess
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Throat infections are usually caused by a virus but may be caused by bacteria such as streptococcal bacteria.
Symptoms include severe pain with swallowing and swollen, red tonsils.
The diagnosis is based on an examination of the throat.
If untreated, tonsillopharyngitis that is caused by bacteria may become a tonsillar abscess.
Pain is relieved with analgesics, and a streptococcal infection is treated with antibiotics.
Sometimes the tonsils have to be surgically removed.
People who have had their tonsils removed can still get throat infections.
People with a throat infection have severe pain with swallowing and usually speaking. The pain is sometimes also felt in the ears. Some people have fever, headache, and an upset stomach. The tonsils are red and swollen and sometimes have white patches on them. Lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen and tender.
In people who have frequent tonsil infections, the normal small pits in the tonsils sometimes become filled with white, hardened secretions that resemble tiny stones. These stones can trap odor-causing bacteria, causing chronic bad breath, and can predispose people to subsequent bouts of tonsillitis.
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Sometimes tests to check for strep throat
Doctors recognize a throat infection by viewing the throat. However, because viral infections and bacterial infections often cause the same appearance in the throat, it is difficult for doctors to know whether the cause is a viral or bacterial infection just by looking at the throat. However, people with a runny nose and cough are more likely to have a viral infection.
Because it is often considered important to identify strep throat Streptococcal Infections Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus . These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) cause many... read more (which is generally treated with antibiotics), doctors sometimes swab the person's throat and do tests to identify streptococcus bacteria. Typically, doctors test most children but test adults only if they meet certain criteria, such as having white patches on the tonsils (tonsillar exudates), swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, fever, and an absence of cough. However, not all experts agree on when testing should be done or even when antibiotics should be given.
Sometimes surgical removal of the tonsils
Analgesics given by mouth, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often help reduce pain in people with a throat infection. Gargling with warm salt water has often been recommended but has not been shown to help. Some doctors also give a single dose of a corticosteroid, dexamethasone , particularly if symptoms are severe; dexamethasone may shorten the duration of symptoms. It may also help lessen airway blockage caused by mononucleosis.
People with a strep infection are given an antibiotic, usually penicillin or amoxicillin . People who are allergic to penicillin may be given clindamycin .
People who have repeated streptococcal infections of their tonsils may need to have their tonsils removed (tonsillectomy), according to suggested guidelines.
Typically, it is children who need tonsillectomy, including children who have had more than 6 infections in 1 year, more than 4 infections in each of 2 years, or more than 3 infections per year for 3 years. Doctors consider tonsillectomy if the child has an acute infection that is severe and persistent despite being treated with antibiotics, if the child has significant obstruction (including obstructive sleep disorder) or a recurrent peritonsillar abscess, or if they suspect cancer.
For adults, doctors do not use these specific criteria for when to do tonsillectomy. However, doctors may do tonsillectomy in adults who have severe bad breath due to tonsillar stones.
For both children and adults, doctors do allow for individual differences when deciding whether to recommend a tonsillectomy.
There are numerous effective techniques for tonsillectomy. Doctors can use a scalpel or an electrocautery device, or they can destroy the tonsils using radio waves.
Fewer than 2% of people, adults more than children, have bleeding complications resulting from a tonsillectomy. Bleeding typically occurs within 24 hours of surgery or after about 7 days. People who have bleeding after a tonsillectomy should go to a hospital.
Partial tonsillectomy is sometimes done in patients with tonsillitis that causes some blockage in the throat. Part of the enlarged tonsil can be removed by shaving the tonsil using special scissors, or using other devices such as laser, radiofrequency, or electrocautery. It works as well as total tonsillectomy to relieve airway obstruction that is causing snoring and interruption of sleep. Tonsils do not usually grow back.
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Sore throats. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/content/sore-throats. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Sore throat. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-nasal-and-pharyngeal-symptoms/sore-throat. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Seven tips to help you prevent a sore throat. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/seven-tips-to-help-you-prevent-a-sore-throat/. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Sore throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sore-throat.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2021.
Drutz, JE. Sore throat in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Stead W. Symptomatic treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Slippery Elm. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Feb. 22, 2019.
Taking care of your voice. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/takingcare.aspx. Accessed Feb. 18, 2019.
Chow AW, et al. Evaluation of acute pharyngitis in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 20, 2019.
Kellerman RD, et al. Pharyngitis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2019. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 21, 2019.
Common colds: Protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2021.
AskMayoExpert. Streptococcal pharyngitis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018.
Kahrilas, PJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 25, 2019.
Gonzalez MD, et al. New developments in rapid diagnostic testing for children. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2018;32:19.
AIDS and opportunistic infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/opportunisticinfections.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2019.
Shelov SP, et al. Ears, Nose and Throat. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2014.
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A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.
Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.
The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), tonsils and epiglottis.
Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:
Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:
Take your child to a doctor if your child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:
If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:
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Viruses that cause the common cold and the flu also cause most sore throats. Less often, bacterial infections cause sore throats.
Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.
Other causes of a sore throat include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids back up in the food pipe (esophagus).
Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents and the sensation of a lump in your throat.
HIV infection. A sore throat and other flu-like symptoms sometimes appear early after someone is infected with HIV.
Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems.
Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage "lid" that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency.
Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:
The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:
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Throat Infection: 6 Brilliant Home Remedies for Throat Infection
Home Health
Throat Infection: 6 Brilliant Home Remedies for Throat Infection
A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria
Gargle with salt-water. Salt has great antibacterial properties
Drinking turmeric milk can relieve swelling and pain
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A pesky throat infection is hard to handle and that is why we all look for quick fixes and home remedies for throat infection. The irritation and itchiness can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your daily chores. Not to forget, the terrible pain that may accompany in severe conditions. A lot of kitchen ingredients are known for their powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help fight infections. They can also help in boosting your immunity and making you stronger from within. What causes a throat infection? It could be tonsillitis, cold or a strep throat. It is usually one of the first effects of cold, flu or congestion. A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria. It may be an effect of some other ailment that you are suffering with or may be attacked by the pollutants or irritants in the air or some kind of allergies . Some of the common symptoms of a throat infection are.
1. Swelling of the tonsils 2. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck 3. Throat pain and inflammation 4. Pain in your ears These are the most common symptoms which may be accompanied by other side effects like fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache , watery eyes, runny nose or cough . Here are 6 brilliant home remedies for throat pain. Goes without saying, you must consult a doctor because throat infections may require an antibiotic course. But these tips can definitely help ease the symptoms and give some relief. You may have not known but your kitchen is a storehouse of natural cures.
1. Gargle with salt water This is one of the oldest and easiest home remedies for sore throat that even your grandmother would recommend. Salt is known to have amazing anti-bacterial properties. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle at least two-three times a day. It will rinse away the bacteria and neutralize the acids that may be causing the burning sensation.
Salt has great antibacterial properties 2. Turmeric milk Another wonderful home remedy for throat infection from granny’s treasure trove, drinking turmeric milk has been considered to be ancient tradition in our country. It known to treat a sore throat, cold and even persistent coughs. It can even relieve swelling and pain. In the world of Ayurveda, it is known as a natural antibiotic.(Also read: A Secret Ingredient that Turmeric Milk is Incomplete Without )
Turmeric is a natural antibiotic 3. Herbal tea In his book, ‘Ayurvedic Home Remedies ‘, Dr. Vasant Lad suggests making a herbal tea with 2 parts ginger, 2 parts cinnamon and 3 parts licorice. Steep this mixture in water for 5-10 minutes and drink at least three times a day.
Make a herbal tea with cinnamon, licorice and ginger 4. Honey You can make a decoction of ginger, honey and a squeeze of lime mixed with warm water or have a te
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