Doctor Regina Akhunjanova: improper treatment of a sore throat is fraught with the development of dangerous complications.
Doctor Akhunjanova named two mistakes often made in the treatment of a sore throat. Mistake one: people begin to treat a sore throat with antibiotics on their own. The doctor urged Russians not to do this, UfaTime reports.
“It is important to remember that antibiotics will not help if the disease is caused by viruses. In addition, improper treatment can lead to the development of complications,” the doctor stated.
The second mistake is that people often delay going to the doctor, even if the sore throat becomes persistent and lasts for several days. According to Akhunyanova, such tactics can be dangerous. A sore throat is not always caused by a temporary seasonal infection, so if it occurs, you need to contact a specialist who can determine its cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
“A sore throat is often associated with throat infections such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis or laryngitis. Cold viruses are mainly responsible for their occurrence, which lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx with redness, swelling and pain. But in addition to inflammation of an infectious nature, other causes are possible,” therapist Irina Andreeva told the MedikForum portal.
Doctor Andreeva specified the most dangerous cases of sore throat that require mandatory medical attention.
- A sore throat is accompanied by a temperature of over 38 degrees. This may be a sign of viral flu.
- A sore throat is accompanied by swollen tonsils with the release of yellowish pus – this is a symptom of a serious inflammatory process.
- A sharp sore throat is associated with shortness of breath. If a sweetish unpleasant odor comes from the mouth, diphtheria can be suspected.
- Sore throat, pus and rash. If a rash with a raspberry or strawberry tongue is added to a sore throat and pus in the throat, this is most likely scarlet fever, the triggers of which are streptococci. Scarlet fever is a childhood disease, but it can also affect adults.
- Pain, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes. This condition can be provoked by the Epstein-Barr virus. This infectious disease is usually successfully treated, but it can also last for months and cause complications. Therefore, examination is very important.
- Sore throat that lasts an unusually long time. If it does not change in intensity, despite the use of drugs, a tumor can be suspected. This is how cancer of the pharynx, larynx or esophagus sometimes express themselves.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about what condition can arise as a harbinger of a stroke.
Important! The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of the disease, consult a doctor.