If a person suffers from sore throat, perspiration, discomfort and cough, then such symptoms are considered quite familiar. As a rule, many believe that in this case we are talking about a standard viral disease. However, often this is a sign of pharyngitis. Complications after this disease are dangerous to health, and sometimes to human life.
This pathology is an inflammatory process that occurs in the mucous membranes of the pharynx. Pharyngitis can be chronic or acute. A similar disease is divided into several types, based on where the inflammatory processes are localized. Pharyngitis can be in the nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx. However, such a separation in most cases is considered only conditional, since with the appearance of an acute form of pathology, diffuse damage to the mucous membranes is fixed. In addition, bacteria and viral infections migrate very often. Therefore, the symptoms are usually characterized as descending. Only with the development of the chronic stage of the disease, inflammation is localized in only one zone.
Types of Pharyngitis
When diagnosing this disease, doctors take into account the etiology of the lesion. Based on this, pharyngitis is also viral, fungal, bacterial, allergic or traumatic. Sometimes pathology manifests itself against a background of irritating factors.
Also, varieties of this ailment are classified depending on the changes occurring in the mucous membrane. Based on this, pharyngitis can be catarrhal (simple), atrophic or hypertrophic.
Often in medical practice there are situations when several types of pharyngitis begin to develop simultaneously. Complications after this form of the disease are much more serious. As a rule, this type of disease is called mixed.
Most often, adults and children suffer from a catarrhal form of pathology that occurs against a background of severe SARS. According to statistics, more than 70% of recorded cases of pharyngitis were caused by influenza viruses, parainfluenza and other seasonal ailments. However, it should be borne in mind that initially the infection can lead only to the primary disease. If a person starts his condition, does not contact a specialist, then the situation will worsen. In this case, complications of pharyngitis in adults and children will be even more serious.
Symptomatology
If we talk about the symptoms of pharyngitis, then, as a rule, they are pronounced. First of all, a person begins a rather strong sore throat. Patients constantly complain of dry mouth and a general state of discomfort. In addition, there are unpleasant pain during swallowing. As a rule, the so-called empty throats cause the greatest discomfort. In some situations, a person rises fever.
If we are talking about acute pharyngitis, complications can occur not only in the form of serious inflammatory processes, but also in the form of pain in the ears. If palpation of the cervical lymph nodes is carried out, the patient will notice their painful condition, as well as a clear increase in this zone.
In some situations, there is a development of hyperemia of the posterior pharyngeal walls. However, pharyngitis is often confused with angina. Distinguishing these two pathologies is very simple. With pharyngitis, tonsillitis is not characteristic of tonsillitis.
In some situations, this ailment is a harbinger of pathologies such as scarlet fever, measles or rubella. It is also worth noting that in case of chronic pharyngitis, complications are not so acute. As a rule, most patients do not complain of fever. Many do not even notice a deterioration in well-being. However, patients complain of dryness in the mouth, perspiration, a sensation appears, as if a lump is constantly in the throat. A person wants to constantly cough. Also, mucus may appear in the throat.
Due to the general discomfort, a person has a desire to make swallowing movements. This occurs against the background of accumulation of mucus on the posterior pharyngeal wall. All this leads to general irritability, insomnia and frustrated attention.
If we talk about hypertrophic pharyngitis, then in this case foci of lymphoid tissues appear on the posterior pharyngeal walls. They can gradually increase. If the disease is started, is in the acute stage or it is acute pharyngitis, the consequences will be in the form of hyperemia and edema of the mucous membranes. If we are talking about the chronic stage of pathology in young children, then in this case there is a dry cough, as well as whistling and wheezing sounds during the baby’s breathing. Very often, such conditions are confused with bronchial asthma, therefore it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and make diagnostic measures.
Is pathology contagious?
Speaking about the symptoms and complications of pharyngitis, many are interested in how likely it is to get this disease in contact with sick people. To answer this question, it is necessary to clarify the type of pathology. If we are talking about viral pharyngitis, which appeared in a person against the background of flu, parainfluenza, or other viral pathologies, then in this case, of course, this ailment can be transmitted from one person to another.
In this case, the infection will spread like any other virus - by airborne droplets. If the patient sneezes or coughs next to a healthy person, then the latter has every chance of getting this pathology.
Pathogens can be on the hands, clothes of the patient and any other objects with which he was in contact. If a healthy person touches them, then he may well become infected. That is why experts recommend that sick people exclude contacts with healthy family members. Separate utensils and personal care products are also recommended. You need to wash your hands with soap as often as possible. This will help stop the spread of pharyngitis and complications after an illness.
If the pathology has developed against a background of allergies, trauma, or due to the influence of certain irritants (for example, chemicals), then it is impossible to transmit this disease to a healthy person. However, if we are talking about those whose immunity is too weak, or pregnant women, then in this case viruses and bacteria can join, so you should always be on the lookout.
Diagnostics
In order to establish that an adult or child is really sick with pharyngitis, you must consult a doctor. First, experts conduct a survey. In this case, it is necessary to clearly tell the doctor all the symptoms and what the patient complains about.
After this, an examination of the human oral cavity is carried out. The next step is pharyngoscopy. For this, a special laryngeal mirror and a frontal reflector are used, which is mounted on the forehead by a doctor. The procedure is quite simple. The patient's tongue must be pressed with a special medical spatula and a mirror placed in the oral cavity. In the process of how the product will turn slightly in different directions, the doctor will be able to see all parts of the pharynx. To reduce discomfort during the procedure, the patient's tongue is treated with a solution of lidocaine.
Based on this examination, it is not difficult for a doctor to make the necessary diagnosis. However, he will also have to find out why the development of pharyngitis and complications occurred. To do this, you need to pass a general blood test and a smear of the mucous membrane.
If the doctor suspects chronic pharyngitis, then he can refer the patient for examination to a gastroenterologist or neurologist. In rather rare situations, pharyngitis appears against a background of problems with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract or nervous system.
Adult treatment
Therapy is necessary not only in order to get rid of unpleasant symptoms, but also to eliminate the causes of pathology. As a rule, in this case, complex treatment is used. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. Most often these are lozenges or special sprays that are used for the throat.
If we are talking about chronic pharyngitis and complications after it, then in this case, lubrication, special rinsing and inhalation with the help of drugs will help. In order to relieve pain, not only sprays and tablets will help, but also warming compresses and foot baths. A person should consume as much warm drink as possible.
If, against the background of pharyngitis and complications, the patient suffers from severe pain, then analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are allowed. Most often, patients take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. However, these drugs are not always able to cope with the disease.
If we are talking about the difficult stage of the development of pathology and the consequences of chronic pharyngitis, then in this case we can not do without antibiotics. They help get rid of the bacteria that caused the pathology. However, you should be extremely careful and do not use this type of drug without the need. Antibiotics have a lot of side effects. In addition, they disrupt the intestinal microflora. If the patient has severe coughing attacks, the doctor may prescribe mucolytic drugs. They help to quickly remove sputum from the body.
In order not to bring about complications after pharyngitis in adults and children, it is additionally necessary to think about strengthening the patient's immunity. Most often, for this, experts prescribe vitamin A. Additionally, you can resort to physiotherapy methods, as well as take antiviral drugs. However, in addition to taking medications, a person must adhere to a certain diet. He should refuse spicy and hot food, as well as exclude the use of alcohol. It is necessary to lie in bed as much as possible. The room should be ventilated periodically.
Surgical intervention
In some situations, the doctor may prescribe surgery. Most often, such surgical intervention is necessary with the hypertrophic form of pharyngitis. In this case, laser coagulation can be performed. This method is considered the most reliable, painless and safe. Laser coagulation is performed daily for 10 days.
Cauterization using silver nitrate or cryodestruction can also be prescribed. The last way to get rid of pharyngitis means that affected areas on the mucous membrane will be affected by liquid nitrogen. Viruses and bacteria quickly die in a cold environment, due to which wounds heal faster and irritation is removed.
Medications
If we talk about lollipops, which can be purchased at any pharmacy or some grocery stores, they help to quickly distribute medicines in the affected area. The most popular remedy of this type is Faringosept. These candies help to quickly get rid of staphylococci, pneumococci and streptococci. However, this tool is not considered very strong.
If a person suffers from the consequences of pharyngitis or a more serious stage of the disease, then “Lizobact” or “Strepsils” can help. The latter remedy is considered the most popular. It can be purchased at almost any store. Strepsils sweets can be used for complications of pharyngitis in children. They have different tastes and quickly ease the patient's condition.
If a person suffers from a strong sputum production and cannot fall asleep at night from coughing attacks, then mukaltic drugs will be required.
Children's pharyngitis
If you look at the photo of the throat, pharyngitis can be detected independently. However, if we are talking about a child, then diagnosing at home is not worth it.
If we are talking about similar diseases in children, then, as a rule, they occur much stronger. It is also worth noting that the complications after pharyngitis in adults and babies are very different. In the latter case, there is much more danger.
Children complain of severe sore throat, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and drowsiness. The younger the child, the more pronounced symptoms he will have. If a baby under the age of one year suffers from pharyngitis, then there is a high probability that against the background of this disease, swelling of the mucous membrane can develop, which can lead to a throat spasm. When an asthma attack occurs, it is fraught with very terrible consequences.
In children, pharyngitis can develop, just as in adults. This means that the child may suffer from acute, chronic and other forms of pathology. The most difficult to treat children under the age of 1 year. In this case, it is impossible to use rinses, resorption of candies and many other methods, since the kids just do not know how to perform such actions.
If the child does not suffer from heat and the parents consulted with a specialist, then it is allowed to install mustard with honey on the baby's throat. It is also necessary to give him as much drink as possible. It is necessary to ensure that the child does not suffer from dryness in the throat. To do this, you can moisten the oral cavity with antiseptic agents, without the content of alcohol or mint. If we are talking about older children, then you can give the child warm water with the addition of a small amount of alkali.
Do not give spicy, sour, sweet or salty foods that can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat. It is necessary to include in the diet of the baby as much as possible natural fruits and vegetables. If the child suffers from an advanced stage of pathology, then in this case antibiotics will have to be used. Some experts allow him to use a remedy of this type of local action.
What are the complications of pharyngitis?
In this case, we are talking about local and general problems. The most common complication is that a person develops purulent tonsillitis, pharyngeal abscess, acute otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear, swelling of the larynx, laryngitis and other pathologies. In some situations, even autoimmune diseases may develop. As a rule, this happens against the background of an allergic reaction of the human body.
Often, against the background of pharyngitis, patients develop rheumatism. This is a very dangerous disease in which damage to the heart valve occurs. Thus, his vice develops.
Patients suffer from heart failure and kidney disease. Thus, we can say that this pathology can lead to very serious complications and even death.
Pharyngitis during pregnancy: consequences
With the disease of a woman carrying a child, there is a danger not only to her, but also to the fetus. If the pathology develops in the first trimester of pregnancy, then this can even provoke a natural abortion. Also, in rare situations, this pathology leads to fetal hypoxia, premature birth, the effect of toxins on the body of an unborn baby.
If we talk about pharyngitis of the appendages and a complication of this type, then theoretically this is possible. However, this pathology develops in the nasopharynx. Inflammation cannot reach organs located so far. Therefore, for pain in the appendages, it is worth considering other causes of unpleasant symptoms.
Prevention
In order to exclude the possibility of a disease with this ailment, it is necessary to adhere to several recommendations. It is important to strengthen the immune system. In this case, we are talking about a healthy and nutritious diet. Also, it will not be superfluous to begin hardening procedures. A person should get enough sleep. It is recommended to quit smoking and frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages. It is also necessary to prevent hypothermia.
It is not recommended to contact people suffering from pharyngitis. It is also worthwhile to visit a doctor in a timely manner and undergo examinations.