Sore throat

Content Supervision

KOMAI TSUBASA

Physician / Board-Certified Internist (Japanese Society of Internal Medicine) / Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist (Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics) / ECG Certification Level 1

I have worked diligently as a young physician on the front lines of cardiovascular emergency medicine. While I feel an “immense sense of fulfillment” when patients brought in by ambulance successfully return to their normal lives, I have also witnessed many cases of “the ultimate consequences of lifestyle diseases” that could not be saved. I aspire to be a family doctor whom patients can consult as casually as they would a friend, with the goal of helping people before it’s too late. I am also involved in medical education to improve health literacy among the Japanese public.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

A sore throat can mean a variety of different conditions.

It hurts even when I’m not doing anything
Pain when swallowing saliva or other substances
My throat is sore
Throat discomfort
Dry throat

And so on.

The cause is often a virus, and it usually goes away within a week if left untreated. However, some sore throats can be life-threatening if left untreated, so caution is required.

Things to keep in mind when you have a sore throat

A dry throat can lead to pain. You can ease the pain by gargling, using commercially available throat sprays, drinking hot and cold drinks, or sucking on throat lozenges. Avoid foods and drinks that irritate the throat. It is best to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hot foods.

Possible causes of sore throat

Sore throats are a common symptom, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common causes include the common cold and tonsillitis. Sore throats can also occur when you swallow something that injures your throat, such as a fish bone. Generally, they will get better within a week without any treatment. However, if they don’t get better after a few days, or if they get worse, or if over-the-counter medications don’t help, you should see a doctor.

Cold

View Details

Urgent illnesses accompanied by a sore throat

The most frightening illness associated with a sore throat is “epiglottitis,” which blocks the airway when breathing, making it difficult to breathe and, in the worst case, even leading to death. Because epiglottitis progresses quickly, hesitating to call an ambulance or go to the hospital can be life-threatening.

There is also a condition called “peritonsillar abscess,” which is a condition in which pus accumulates in the tonsils at the back of the throat. In addition to medical treatment, an incision may be required to drain the pus.

If you notice any of the following abnormalities, it may be a sign of a dangerous illness. Call an ambulance immediately or go to the emergency room.

The most painful throat I’ve ever experienced
Difficulty breathing
Strange noises when breathing
Inability to swallow food, drinks, or saliva

summary

There are many different types of sore throats, but preventing dryness can often help relieve the pain.
The cause is often a cold caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it usually clears up within a week.
If the pain worsens or over-the-counter medications don’t work, see a doctor.
If, in addition to a sore throat, you experience breathing problems such as difficulty breathing or strange sounds when breathing, call an ambulance immediately as this may be a life-threatening illness.