Express methods of treatment of pharyngitis at home: Complete guidance
Section 1: Understanding pharyngitis: what is it and how it arises
Pharyngitis, or inflammation of the pharynx, is a common disease that affects the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx and tonsils. It can vary by severity from mild discomfort to severe pain that impedes swallowing and speech. Understanding the causes, symptoms and risk factors of pharyngitis is the first step towards effective home treatment.
1.1. Causes of pharyngitis:
- Viral infections: The most common cause of pharyngitis are viral infections such as colds, influenza, adenovirus, Epstein-barr (mononucleosis) and measles. Viruses attack the cells of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, causing inflammation and swelling. Viral pharyngitis, as a rule, are accompanied by other symptoms of colds or influenza, such as a runny nose, cough and fever.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial pharyngitis, mainly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (streptococcus of group A), is a smaller part of cases, but requires special attention due to the risk of complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Streptococcal pharyngitis is often accompanied by high temperature, severe sore throat, headache and lack of a runny nose.
- Other infections: In rare cases, pharyngitis can be caused by other bacteria, such as Mycoplasma Pneumoniae or Chlamydia Pneumoniae. Fungal infections, such as candidiasis (thrush), can also cause pharyngitis, especially in people with weakened immunity.
- Non -infectious reasons: In addition to infections, pharyngitis can be caused by non -infectious factors, such as:
- Irritants: Air pollution, smoke, allergens (pollen, animal hair), chemicals and dry air can irritate the mucous membrane of the pharynx and cause inflammation.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause a runny nose and postnzal staging, which leads to irritation and inflammation of the pharynx.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): Acid from the stomach entering the esophagus and throat can irritate the mucous membrane and cause pharyngitis.
- Dry mouth: Insufficient salivation can lead to dryness and irritation of the pharynx, especially at night.
- Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, can cause chronic pharyngitis.
- Injuries: Popping injuries, for example, after medical procedures or in case of a foreign body, can cause inflammation.
- Tumors: In rare cases, the throats can cause pharyngitis.
1.2. Symptom Faringitis:
Symptoms of pharyngitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disease. The most common symptoms include:
- Sore throat: The main symptom of pharyngitis, which can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to swallow.
- Hoarse voice: Inflammation of the vocal cords can lead to hoarseness of the voice or even to complete loss of voice.
- Sore throat: A sense of scratching or sore throat, causing a desire to clench.
- Difficult swallowing (dysphagia): Pain when swallowing, making it difficult to eat and liquid.
- Increased and painful lymph nodes on the neck: Lymphatic nodes respond to infection, increasing in size and becoming painful on palpation.
- Redness and swelling of the throat and tonsils: Visually noticeable signs of inflammation. On the tonsils there may be purulent raids with a bacterial infection.
- Cough: Often accompanies viral pharyngitis.
- Runny nose: It is characteristic of viral infections.
- Fever: It can be moderate or high, especially with bacterial pharyngitis.
- Headache: Often accompanies infectious pharyngitis.
- General weakness (malaise): A feeling of fatigue and breakdown.
- Lack of appetite: The sore throat can complicate food intake and reduce appetite.
1.3. Risk factors:
Some factors can increase the risk of pharyngitis:
- Age: Children are more likely to suffer from pharyngitis, especially streptococcal.
- Weakened immunity: People with weakened immunity, for example, due to HIV infection, chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressants, are more susceptible to infections causing pharyngitis.
- Contact with patients: Close contact with people with pharyngitis increases the risk of infection.
- Smoking: Smoking irritates the mucous membrane of the pharynx and increases the risk of pharyngitis.
- The impact of irritants: The effect of contaminated air, smoke and allergens can increase the risk of pharyngitis.
- Dry air: Dry air can dry the mucous membrane of the pharynx and make it more susceptible to infections.
- GERB: Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause chronic pharyngitis.
Section 2: Home remedies to quickly relieve pharyngitis symptoms
Despite the fact that if you suspect a bacterial infection, a doctor’s consultation and antibiotics are needed, many home remedies can effectively relieve pharyngitis symptoms and accelerate recovery, especially with the viral nature of the disease.
2.1. Rinse of the throat:
Half up the throat with a warm saline solution is one of the most effective and simple ways to relieve pain and sore throat.
- The mechanism of action: Salt solution helps reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, lenses irritating substances and microorganisms, and also has a weak antiseptic effect.
- Recipe: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water (240 ml).
- Application: Rinse the throat with a warm saline solution 3-4 times a day for 30 seconds each time. It is important not to swallow the solution.
- Alternatives:
- Soda solution: Instead of salt, you can use food soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide solution: Dilute 3% of hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1: 2 ratio and use to rinse the throat (do not swallow!).
- Solution with iodine: Add 1-2 drops of iodine to a glass of warm water.
- Cautions: Do not use too concentrated a salt solution, as it can irritate the mucous membrane of the pharynx.
2.2. Air moisture:
Dry air can aggravate the symptoms of pharyngitis, drying the mucous membrane of the pharynx and irritating it. Moisturizing air helps maintain moisture in the mucous membrane and facilitates breathing.
- Using a humidifier of air: Use a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, to maintain air humidity at 40-60%.
- Hot shower: Inhalation of steam from a hot shower can help moisturize the mucous membrane of the pharynx and alleviate the congestion of the nose.
- Inhalations: Inhalations using steam or nebulizer can be very effective for moisturizing the mucous membrane of the pharynx and diluting sputum.
- Alternative methods: If you do not have an air humidifier, you can put a container with water next to the battery or hang wet towels in the room.
2.3. Abundant drink:
Enough fluid consumption helps maintain moisture in the mucous membrane of the pharynx, dilutes sputum and facilitates swallowing.
- Water: Drink a lot of water during the day.
- Herbal teas: Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger and lemon tea, have soothing and anti -inflammatory properties.
- Broth: Warm chicken broth has a calming effect and contains electrolytes that help restore fluid balance in the body.
- Honey with lemon: Adding honey and lemon to warm tea or water can help relieve sore throat and reduce cough.
- Avoid dehydration drinks: Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate the body.
2.4. Rest:
Rest helps the body fight infection and accelerates recovery.
- Sufficient sleep: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- Avoid physical exertion: Limit physical activity to give the body the opportunity to focus on recovery.
- Relaxation: Find the time to relax and reduce stress.
2.5. Lollows and pastops for the throat:
Lollows and pastilles for the throat can help relieve pain and discomfort in the throat, stimulating the production of saliva and moisturizing the mucous membrane.
- Composition: Look for candies and loafers containing menthol, eucalyptus, honey or other soothing ingredients.
- Application: Say the candies or pastilles as necessary during the day.
- Cautions: Be careful with candies containing sugar, as they can contribute to the development of caries.
2.6. Honey:
Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties and can help relieve sore throat and reduce the cough.
- Application: Take 1-2 tablespoons of honey per day yourself or add it to warm tea or water.
- Cautions: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
2.7. Ginger:
Ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help relieve sore throat and reduce the cough.
- Application: Prepare ginger tea by adding fresh or dried ginger to boiling water. You can also chew a small piece of fresh ginger.
- Cautions: Ginger can cause heartburn in some people.
2.8. Garlic:
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and can help fight infection.
- Application: Chew raw garlic or add it to food. You can also cook garlic tea, filling chopped garlic with boiling water.
- Cautions: Garlic can cause unpleasant odor from the mouth and disorder of the stomach in some people.
2.9. Lemon:
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties. It can also help relieve sore throat and reduce the cough.
- Application: Add lemon juice to warm tea or water. You can also rinse the throat with a solution of lemon juice.
- Cautions: Lemon juice can irritate the mucous membrane of the pharynx in some people.
2.10. SOUTINATEA:
Echinacea is a grass that is believed to stimulates the immune system and helps to fight infection.
- Application: Take echinacea in the form of tea, capsules or tinctures.
- Cautions: Echinacea can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Section 3: When you should see a doctor
In most cases, pharyngitis takes place independently within a few days or weeks. However, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- Strong sore throat: If the sore throat is so severe that it prevents you from swallowing, talking or breathing.
- High temperature (above 38.5 ° C): Especially if the temperature does not decrease after taking antipyretic drugs.
- Difficulties with breathing: Difficult breathing, whistling breathing or shortness of breath.
- Rash: The appearance of a rash on the skin.
- Purulent raids on the tonsils: White or yellow spots on the tonsils.
- Blood in saliva:
- Increased and painful lymph nodes on the neck: If the lymph nodes are greatly increased and painful.
- Unupility of symptoms within a few days: If the symptoms do not improve within 3-5 days or worsen.
- Related diseases: The presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or lungs.
- Weakened immunity: The presence of weakened immunity due to HIV infection, chemotherapy or intake of immunosuppressants.
- Suspicion of streptococcal pharyngitis: Streptococcal pharyngitis requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications. Symptoms indicating streptococcal pharyngitis include:
- The sudden onset of sore throat.
- Pain when swallowing.
- High temperature.
- Headache.
- Lack of cold.
- Purulent raids on the tonsils.
- Increased and painful lymph nodes on the neck.
The doctor can conduct an examination, take a smear from the throat to detect streptococcus and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Section 4: Pharyngitis Prevention
The prevention of pharyngitis includes measures aimed at strengthening immunity and reducing the risk of infection.
- Regular hand washing: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating and after visiting public places.
- Avoid contact with patients: Avoid close contact with people, sick with pharyngitis or other respiratory diseases.
- Do not touch your face: Do not touch your eyes, your nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with coughing and sneezing: Use a napkin or a bend of the elbow.
- Vaccination: Make a flu vaccine.
- Strengthening immunity:
- Balanced diet: use healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Sufficient sleep: sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- Regular physical exercises: engage in moderate physical exercises at least 30 minutes a day.
- Stress reduction: Find the time to relax and reduce stress.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking irritates the mucous membrane of the pharynx and increases the risk of pharyngitis.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid exposure to contaminated air, smoke and allergens.
- Air moisture: Support the humidity in the room at the level of 40-60%.
- Avoid hypothermia: Dress the weather and avoid hypothermia.
- GERB Treatment: If you have a GERB, treat it to prevent irritation of the throat from the stomach with acid.
Section 5: Special cases: pharyngitis in children, pregnant and nursing women
Treatment of pharyngitis in children, pregnant and nursing women requires a special approach.
5.1. Pharyngitis in children:
- Diagnosis: It is important to distinguish viral pharyngitis from streptococcal pharyngitis in children, since streptococcal pharyngitis requires antibiotic treatment.
- Treatment:
- Home remedies: throat rinsing (if the child knows how to rinse), humidification of air, abundant drink, lollipops for the throat (for older children).
- Antipyretic drugs: ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce temperature.
- Antibiotics: only with confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis, prescribed by a doctor.
- Cautions: Do not give aspirin to children due to the risk of developing Reye syndrome. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
5.2. Pharyngitis in pregnant women:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before starting any treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- Safe home remedies: Half up the throat with saline, humidification of air, plentiful drink, honey with lemon (in moderate quantities).
- Medicines: Many drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy. The doctor will select safe drugs to relieve symptoms.
- Antibiotics: With a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics safe for pregnant women.
5.3. Pharyngitis in nursing women:
- Safe home remedies: Half up the throat with saline, humidification of air, plentiful drink, honey with lemon (in moderate quantities).
- Medicines: Many medicines penetrate into breast milk. The doctor will select safe drugs to relieve symptoms.
- Antibiotics: With a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics safe for nursing mothers.
Section 6: Alternative methods for the treatment of pharyngitis
Some people prefer to use alternative methods for treating pharyngitis. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of these methods is not always proved scientifically, and before their use it is necessary to consult a doctor.
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus and lavender, have antiseptic and anti -inflammatory properties. They can be used for inhalations or added to a warm bath.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathic preparations can help alleviate the symptoms of pharyngitis.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help relieve sore throat and stimulate the immune system.
Section 7: Myths and errors about the treatment of pharyngitis
There are many myths and misconceptions about the treatment of pharyngitis. It is important to know what is true and what is not to avoid improper treatment and complications.
- Myth: Antibiotics help with any pharyngitis.
- Is it true: Antibiotics are effective only with bacterial pharyngitis caused by streptococcus. With viral pharyngitis, antibiotics do not help and can even harm.
- Myth: Rinsing the throat with vinegar kills bacteria.
- Is it true: Rinsing the throat with vinegar can irritate the mucous membrane and is not recommended.
- Myth: Cold drinks relieve sore throat.
- Is it true: Cold drinks can temporarily alleviate the sore throat, but do not treat pharyngitis.
- Myth: Pharyngitis is always contagious.
- Is it true: Only infectious pharyngitis caused by viruses or bacteria is contrast. Pharyngitis caused by allergies or irritants is not contagious.
Section 8: Psychological aspects of pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis can have a negative effect on the psychological state of a person. Constant pain and discomfort in the throat can lead to irritability, fatigue, decreased mood and even depression.
- The importance of psychological support: It is important for people with chronic pharyngitis to receive psychological support from a family, friends or specialists.
- Relaxation methods: Relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve mood.
- Positive thinking: It is important to maintain a positive attitude and believe in recovery.
Section 9: Forecast and possible complications of pharyngitis
In most cases, pharyngitis takes place independently within a few days or weeks without any complications. However, in some cases complications may occur, especially with bacterial pharyngitis.
- Complications of streptococcal pharyngitis:
- Rheumatic fever: a serious disease that can affect the heart, joints and brain.
- Glomerulonephritis: kidney disease.
- Perinshyllar abscess: purulent inflammation of tissues surrounding tonsils.
- Parafarinal abscess: purulent inflammation of tissues located next to the throat.
- Chronic pharyngitis: It can lead to constant discomfort in the throat, hoarse of voice and cough.
Timely seeking a doctor and proper treatment can help prevent pharyngitis complications.
Section 10: Research and new approaches in the treatment of pharyngitis
Studies are currently conducting on the development of new methods of treatment and prevention of pharyngitis.
- New antiviral drugs: New antiviral drugs are being developed that can be effective against viruses that cause pharyngitis.
- Streptococcus vaccines: Studies are underway to develop a vaccine against streptococcus of group A, which could prevent streptococcal pharyngitis and its complications.
- New diagnostic methods: New diagnostic methods are being developed, which allow you to quickly and accurately identify the cause of pharyngitis.
These studies can lead to the emergence of new and more effective methods of treatment and prevention of pharyngitis in the future.