5 Symptoms of Dangerous Sore Throat
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is inflammation of the pharynx (throat). This condition can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Pharyngitis is a contagious infection that is spread through direct contact with sufferers.
Contact can occur through activities that involve mucus or saliva. For example, through kissing or using a contaminated toothbrush.
A sore throat can cause discomfort or dangerous symptoms. Sore throat is an inflammation of the throat due to infection.
Sore Throat Causes
The cause of sore throat is a viral and bacterial infection. However, a bacterial infection can cause more severe symptoms of strep throat. This is when compared to a viral infection.
In addition to bacteria and viruses, causes of strep throat include:
- fungal infection
Pharyngitis due to fungal infections is found in people who are immunocompromised or on long-term use of steroids or antibiotics. - Allergy
Dry indoor air and breathing patterns through the mouth can cause recurrent sore throats. - Irritation in the throat due to GERD
The rise of stomach acid into the esophagus (esophagus) in people with GERD can cause sore throat.
Sore Throat Symptoms
There are some annoying signs of strep throat, such as:
- sore throat
- swallowing pain
- fever
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, usually complained of as a bulge around the neck
- dry throat
- red patches on the roof of the mouth
- enlarged tonsils or white patches or pus
- hoarse or muffled voice
In addition, severe strep throat also causes a number of specific symptoms. This condition can also be a sign of certain diseases, you know. Below are the characteristics of a severe sore throat that you need to know.
Dangerous Sore Throat Symptoms
Difficulty Breathing
The first sign of chronic strep throat is difficulty breathing. This condition indicates a disturbance in the respiratory tract. This can be caused by swelling of the airways. When experiencing this condition, you can also make breath sounds when you inhale.
If this happens, make sure you seek help immediately to the hospital. You see, shortness of breath accompanied by breath sounds is a sign of a blockage in the airways. Therefore, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Pain When Swallowing
A sore throat that triggers inflammation of the airways can cause airflow to become blocked. Well, this swelling can interfere with the process of swallowing food and drink. You see, inflammation narrows the pharyngeal cavity which plays a role in the swallowing process.
Swallowing disorders can increase the risk of choking which causes food to enter the lung cavity. If this happens, you are at increased risk of developing a lung infection.
Swollen Tonsils
If you have a sore throat, it could be due to swollen tonsils. The tonsils are two oval-shaped pieces of tissue located on the left and right sides of your mouth. Swollen tonsils can cause you to feel pain when swallowing. In severe cases, this condition can make it difficult for you to swallow and breathe.
If you experience sore throat due to swollen tonsils, immediately consult an ENT doctor. If the swelling of the tonsils lasts for a long time, your doctor may also recommend surgical removal of the tonsils.
Enlargement of Neck Lymph Nodes
Sore throat accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes can indicate an infection in the neck area. In certain cases, this condition can be a sign of cancer. If you feel the cervical lymph nodes are enlarged and never shrink, consult a doctor immediately to determine the cause of the enlarged glands.
Blood appears in phlegm
Sore throat and cough are symptoms that often appear when experiencing sore throat. However, if you are coughing up phlegm with blood, you should immediately consult a doctor.
If you experience symptoms of dangerous sore throat, consult a doctor immediately. This is so that the doctor can perform a physical and thorough examination to determine the cause of an inflamed throat.
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