What can you take for a sore throat? How to treat a sore throat at home - treatment at home: safe and effective remedies

Heat, constant pain in the throat, which worsen when swallowing, soreness and weakness... We will tell you about the treatment of sore throat at home, what it can be, as well as how and why to treat it, in this article. We also recommend reading about those used in the treatment of sore throat, and about the disease in children from our consultant pediatrician.

What is a sore throat?

Causal factor sore throat ( acute tonsillitis), as a rule, become streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus.

The entrance to the pharynx is surrounded by accumulations lymphoid tissue: two trumpets, two palatines, lingual and pharyngeal tonsils– the first bastion on the path of pathogens. But they themselves can become a source of infectious inflammation. This usually happens due to hypothermia, hypovitaminosis, or prolonged exposure to too dry, dusty and polluted air - that is, autumn and spring in a metropolis create all the conditions for the development of the disease. This is a sore throat, or more scientific name"spicy ".

What does it look like?

The tonsils most often affected are the palatine tonsils. On examination they:

increased in size and brightly hyperemic (catarrhal tonsillitis),
small, yellow-white nodules appear on them, visible through the mucous membrane (follicular tonsillitis),
Yellowish filmy deposits are formed, which can be located in the lacunae or cover the entire surface (lacunar tonsillitis).

Pathogens of sore throat

Sore throat can be secondary (with, diphtheria or, as well as with blood diseases: leukemia, agranulocytosis) and primary.

The causative agents of primary sore throat are often viruses; some cases are caused by bacterial agents, of which 80% are hemolytic streptococcus.

Complications of sore throat

Although acute tonsillitis most often goes away on its own within a week, those cases that are associated with bacterial infection, may be complicated by cervical lymphadenitis and peritonsillar abscess.

The most unpleasant is hemolytic streptococcus, which in addition to the above early complications can also provoke distant ones, developing 2–3 weeks after recovery has already occurred, - rheumatic fever And .

A course of antibiotics also reduces rheumatism; unfortunately, it is not a prevention of glomerulonephritis.

How to avoid sore throat?

The best way to avoid complications is not to get a sore throat. Take vitamins, harden yourself, dress for the weather, treat your teeth and deviated septum, don’t sit under air conditioning and don’t overeat on ice cream in the heat. It’s a good idea to gargle with a solution of sea salt, a decoction of calendula or chamomile in the evenings, especially during the cold season. And those who are sick should show humanity and stay at home. Sore throat is contagious!

When is a sore throat treated with antibiotics?

As you know, antibiotics do not act on viruses. And if 20 years ago, therapists were eager to prescribe penicillin for acute tonsillitis in order to avoid complications, then modern medicine acts more carefully.

By external signs It is almost impossible to distinguish between viral and bacterial sore throat. At viral infection More often there is a runny nose and, diphtheria plaques are grayish and difficult to remove, extending beyond the boundaries of the tonsils. However, in order to reliably identify the causative agent of infection, it is necessary to bacteriological examination throat swab.

Sowing a smear on nutrient media included in the diagnostic standard, and any clinic with a tank. laboratory, in principle, is obliged to do it. The problem is that you have to wait at least a day for results, and more often 3-5 days.

Therefore, criteria have been developed to assess the likelihood that this particular patient has streptococcal infection or not.

If body temperature is above 38 °C (+) 1 point.
No cough (+) 1 point.
Cervical lymph nodes are enlarged and painful (+) 1 point.
The tonsils are enlarged, brightly hyperemic, or have plaque on them (+) 1 point.
Age less than 15 years (+) 1 point.
Age over 45 years (–) 1 point.

If the score is 4, and even more so 5, antibiotics should be taken immediately; if it is 2–3, you should wait for the culture results.

The drugs of choice are still penicillin derivatives (Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav), and if they are intolerant, macrolides (Clarithromycin, Sumamed) or cephalosporins (Cefuroxime). If it is proven that the causative agent is hemolytic streptococcus, you need to continue taking the antibiotic for 10 days - only this option will destroy the microbe and insure against relapses and complications. And this despite the fact that with the right drug significant improvement comes within a day or two.

What else is used to treat sore throat?

A patient with acute tonsillitis should drink more warm liquid - this will relieve a sore throat and reduce the severity of symptoms of intoxication.

With this diagnosis, they are not sent to a hospital, but the patient also has nothing to do at work. The regime should be at home, and best of all – bed.
Drink plenty of fluids. Fruit drinks, compotes, juices, tea with lemon - everything will be beneficial. The food is not hot, not cold and not plentiful.
Rinse the throat frequently, if possible, every 1–2 hours. Suitable for rinsing: solutions of salt and soda; herbal infusions: yarrow, chamomile, eucalyptus, sage, calendula or ready-made pharmacy tinctures– Chlorophyllipt, Rotokan, Salvin; antiseptic solutions: Furacilin, Gramicidin, Chlorhexidine.
You can use lozenges with antiseptic and analgesic effects: Strepsils or Septolete (up to 8 tablets per day), Faringosept or Sebidin (1 tablet 4 times), Theraflu or Falimint (up to 10 tablets per day).
Antipyretics – at a temperature of 38.5 °C and above.

As a rule, if early complications have been avoided, the sore throat goes away after a week. But we can’t forget about her yet. Two weeks later, and then a month after recovery, you need to do blood and urine tests. If everything is in order, great. If a high ESR remains in the blood or red blood cells and protein appear in the urine, then a visit to a therapist is highly advisable.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you have a sore throat, consult a physician. When the disease becomes chronic ( chronic tonsillitis) it is necessary to be treated by an ENT doctor. The same specialist should be contacted when developing local complications tonsillitis, for example, paratonsillar abscess.
Video version of the article:

About angina, Dr. Komarovsky:

When certain symptoms occur, most people independently try to diagnose themselves and prescribe treatment, which often leads to complications. To eliminate misconceptions, you need to contact a specialist who will prescribe a series of tests and proper treatment.

In most cases, tonsillitis is caused by staphylococci and streptococci; much less frequently, the disease occurs as a result of viruses and fungi entering the body. Infection can occur in several ways: airborne and through household objects. There is no less risk of infection when contacting a person who has recently suffered from the disease, since the pathogen can persist in the body for 2-3 weeks.

The first thing encountered on the path of bacteria is the mucous membrane of the tonsils, on the surface of which bacteria settle, which leads to active work lymphoid tissue that secretes antibodies against bacteria. The main peak of incidence occurs in the spring-autumn period, since at this time the risk of hypothermia is high, immunity is reduced, and the body lacks vitamins. This leads to inability lymphatic system cope with the pathogen that provokes inflammatory process in the tonsils.

Signs of tonsillitis in adults

The diagnosis is made by a doctor not only on the basis of tests, but also on symptoms, which may vary depending on the form and severity of the disease. The main signs of angina include:

heat ( catarrhal form can pass without fever);
sore throat;
acute pain in the throat that increases with swallowing;
chills;
signs of intoxication: headache, nausea, weakness;
increased fatigue, poor health;
sometimes vomiting;
abdominal pain, diarrhea;
runny nose and nasal congestion (only with the addition of other infections or with);
smell from the mouth;
enlarged and painful lymph nodes.

In adults, the development of sore throat can occur with a decrease in immune defense body and poor nutrition.

You should immediately consult a specialist if the following dangerous symptoms develop:

the appearance of a skin rash;
difficulty breathing;
swelling of the neck and tongue;
increased tone of the muscles of the back of the head, difficulty opening the mouth;
inability to swallow saliva.

Depending on the form and severity of the disease, treatment is prescribed, which in some cases may not be required at all.

What should an adult drink with a sore throat?

If the first signs of the disease occur (sore throat, weakness, fever), you should consult a doctor for advice. In most cases, with timely initiation of treatment, the disease can be managed in short term, and this will also help avoid the development possible complications. After external examination oral cavity, throat and receiving test results, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, the form and severity of the sore throat. Only on the basis of the data obtained can treatment be prescribed, which can be carried out at home, taking into account the absence of complications.

Also during treatment, the patient must follow the following recommendations:

it is necessary to limit communication with others as much as possible to eliminate the risk of infection;
nutrition should be light and proper;
treatment should be carried out under bed rest;
carry out all procedures prescribed by the doctor;
use folk remedies for gargling;
take the necessary medications: antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic.

Treatment and dosage of drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor, based on the form of the disease and the characteristics of the patient’s body.

Bed rest

When a sore throat develops, the patient needs good sleep and rest, it is highly undesirable to carry out treatment on the legs, as this can worsen the course of the disease.

Under conditions home treatment the patient needs to drink enough fluids, which will help remove toxins and harmful substances from the body. To do this, you can prepare various berry and fruit drinks, compotes, use warm mineral water, tea with honey and lemon. The liquid should not be too cold or hot, this will increase the unpleasant and painful sensations in the throat.

The diet should consist of healthy products in the form of liquid and puree: curd mass, mashed potatoes, soups, broths, porridges. During treatment, it is necessary to exclude spicy, smoked and salty foods.

To strengthen the immune system, in addition to using pharmaceutical complex vitamins, you need to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Antibacterial therapy

To eliminate the risk of developing side effects, reception medicines should only be carried out taking into account the recommendations of a specialist (prescription of the drug and its dosage). Treatment involves primarily using antibacterial agents, which are aimed at combating pathogenic microorganisms.

What antibiotics should adults take for sore throat?

Sore throat refers to infectious disease, in which the inflammatory process is localized in the tonsils, so the disease requires a thorough approach and treatment. Antibacterial therapy is prescribed by the attending physician, based on the form, type of pathogen and severity of the disease. An antibiotic is prescribed on the following basis:

at purulent tonsillitis: penicillins;
for lacunar tonsillitis: cephalosporins;
streptococcal tonsillitis: cephalosporins, penicillins;
: penicillins;
catarrhal tonsillitis: macrolides;
lacunar tonsillitis: cephalosporins.

When diagnosing the disease, in most cases penicillin antibiotics are prescribed, but in view frequent occurrence allergic reactions, this group drugs can be replaced with macrolides and only if severe course illness, the doctor prescribes cephalosporins.

This drug is prescribed for acute angina. After entering the stomach, active ingredients drugs are quickly absorbed into the blood, reaching maximum concentration. The drug is available in the form of white or yellow color, dosage 125,250,500 and 1000 mg. The dosage and duration of use depends on the severity of the disease; for moderate and severe forms, take up to 2 g per day for 2 weeks.

When using Flemoxin, the following adverse reactions may occur:

diarrhea;
skin itching;
Quincke's edema;
allergic reactions;
colitis.

This drug can be prescribed for the treatment of sore throat in both adults and children. It is effective in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, in particular staphylococci and streptococci. After use, the drug is quickly absorbed into the blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spreads to soft tissues, skin and respiratory tract. The course of therapy is 5 days, during which you need to take 1 tablet per day. Azithromycin is a long-acting drug, so the destruction of bacteria continues for about a week after the end of administration.

During treatment with the drug, the following side effects may occur:

headache;
the appearance of a rash on the skin;
stomach ache;
nausea;
drowsiness;
sometimes vomiting.

Augmentin has a wide spectrum of action, helps fight various pathogens that provoke the development of sore throat. The drug is available in the form of suspensions, syrup tablets and injection formulations. For children over 12 years of age and adults, the drug is prescribed three times a day, 125 or 500 mg, depending on the severity of the disease. The course of treatment should last at least 7 days; if necessary, treatment can be extended to 2 weeks.

The following side effects may occur while taking the drug:

sleep disturbance;
exhaustion;
flatulence;
weakness;
diarrhea or constipation;
allergic rash;
edema.

Augmentin should not be taken during pregnancy, as well as if you are intolerant to penicillins, have jaundice or chronic kidney disease.

Prescribed for severe sore throat, including purulent one. The drug is administered intramuscularly, which provides a rapid antibacterial effect, including against microorganisms resistant to penicillin drugs. For adults, the drug is prescribed twice a day, 1 g, for at least one week.

The following side effects may occur during use:

bloating;
stomatitis;
nausea;
dizziness;
fever;
anaphylactic shock;
skin rash.

The development of these reactions must be reported to the doctor; in most cases, the drug is continued, and after completion of treatment the symptoms go away on their own.

This antibacterial drug has a wide spectrum of action and is taken only under the strict supervision of a physician. Sumamed is aimed at destroying bacteria, so treating acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections with this drug is impractical and dangerous. Should be used with caution in patients with high sensitivity to the components of the drug, a few days after the start of treatment the patient feels improvement. Sumamed is prescribed once a day, 500 mg for a course of 5 days.

Side effects may occur during use:

nausea, sometimes vomiting;
diarrhea;
weakness;
decreased hearing and vision;
loss of appetite.

Sumamed is contraindicated to take during breastfeeding, with kidney and liver diseases, or intolerance to the drug substances.

The drug is one of the effective in the fight against microorganisms resistant to penicillins. Macropen is used before meals, after penetrating into the blood through the stomach, the drug’s effect begins after 2 hours. The course of use of this therapy ranges from 5 to 10 days, depending on the form of the disease and the presence of complications. For adults, it is prescribed three times a day with a total dose of 1.6 g; changes in dosage and duration of treatment are carried out only by a doctor.

During use, some patients note the development of weakness, headache, nausea and intestinal disorders.

Duration of antibiotic use

Many people are concerned about the question: how many days do you need to take antibiotics? Duration antibacterial therapy depends on the form of the disease, severity, type of pathogen, as well as the prescribed drug. It is strictly prohibited to independently prescribe the duration and dosage of the drug. In addition, in most cases, a few days after treatment, the patient may feel relief, which is mistakenly perceived as the end of the disease. Therefore, it is important to complete the treatment, fully following all the doctor’s recommendations.

Antibiotic sprays for sore throat

The choice of remedy is based on the characteristics of the disease and the patient’s preferences. It is important to know that antibiotic sprays refer to local therapy and cannot be used as the main treatment, since their action is aimed at destroying bacteria in the tonsils, relieving inflammation and discomfort. In addition, irrigation products help cope with dry throat, burning and sore throat. The disinfectant effect is due to the presence of antiseptic and antifungal components in the composition of the preparations. One of the most effective and popular drugs for local use are:

Hexoral;
Hexaspray;
Stopangin;
Bioparox.

Bioparox Hexasprey Geksoral Stopangin

Only if the disease is mild, the doctor can prescribe a spray as the main treatment without the use of additional drugs.

Antimicrobials

Treatment of angina includes the use of antimicrobial sulfonamide drugs that have wide range action and are effective in combating microbes. Such means include:

Sulfalene;
Sulfadimethoxine;
Biseptol.

Duration of admission antimicrobials is at least one week.

Medicines to relieve general condition

IN in rare cases without symptoms and does not cause discomfort in the patient. To make you feel better, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:

anti-inflammatory and painkillers: Citramon, Amidopyrine;
painkillers and antipyretics: Paracetamol, Analgin, Aspirin.

Depending on the manifestations of symptoms, drugs can be prescribed for up to 5 days.

Besides high temperature the patient may experience allergic reactions while taking antibacterial drugs. In this case, the following antihistamines may be prescribed:

Suprastin.

Suprastin

These drugs are prescribed when there is a risk of allergies, as well as during exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.

Gargling

No less important in the treatment of sore throat is local therapy, which includes gargling. Regular procedure will not only improve the condition of the tonsils, but also allow you to recover faster. Rinsing helps to get out purulent plugs, relieve soreness and inflammation in the throat.

One of the popular compositions for. To prepare, you need to dilute 1 tbsp. l. drug in a glass of water. The procedure with this solution allows you to reduce the number of harmful bacteria not only in the mouth, but throughout the body.

Also no less effective for rinsing are the following compositions:

Furacilin, Dioxidin: dissolve 2 ampoules of one of the preparations in a glass of water and rinse;
decoction of calendula: brew 1 tsp of boiling water in a glass. herbs and let cool to room temperature;
chamomile decoction: brew 1 tsp with a glass of boiling water. herbs and let cool;
baking soda-saline solution: stir ½ tsp in a glass of water. soda and salt, if you are not allergic to iodine, add 10 drops to the solution.

These components of the solutions have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing effects.

In order to achieve maximum effect, it is necessary to carry out the procedure correctly:

For rinsing, you can use several solutions at once.
Take liquid into mouth, rinse and spit out.
Take another sip, tilt your head back and rinse, then spit out the solution.
Carry out the procedure until the solution in the glass runs out.

After the procedure, you can rinse your mouth with plain water. The products must be used until symptoms disappear completely, at least 5 times a day.

Antiseptic drugs

Comprehensive also includes the use of disinfectants:

Strepsils;
Antiangin;
Faringosept;
Hexalize.

These products must be used 15-20 minutes after rinsing.

Open your mouth. In the depths, on both sides of the uvula, are the so-called palatine tonsils What is tonsillitis?.

These are extremely useful things. They catch viruses and pathogenic bacteria at the entrance to the nasopharynx and in many cases prevent infection of the body. But sometimes this protective mechanism cannot withstand the onslaught of infection. It looks something like this:

Wikipedia.org

In international medical practice, inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis (from the Latin tonsillae - “tonsils”).

In Russia the name “angina” is often used. It comes from another Latin word - ango - “I squeeze, squeeze, soul.” This word quite accurately describes a threatening situation: sometimes inflamed tonsils swell, accumulate pus and increase in size so much that they almost overlap Airways. And there is a risk of suffocation.

When to call an ambulance

Here are signs that require immediate attention: Tonsillitis health care:

It became difficult to breathe.
Swelling of the tongue and/or neck has appeared.
The muscles of the neck and jaw are so tense that it is difficult to open the mouth.
It has become difficult, almost impossible to swallow saliva (it begins to flow out of the mouth).

These symptoms indicate that tonsillitis is getting out of control and becoming deadly. Fortunately, such situations are relatively rare.

What are the symptoms of sore throat?

Tonsillitis is in many ways similar to other acute respiratory infections: fever rises, chills, ... However, there are specific signs that help recognize a sore throat. Here they are:

Red, obviously swollen tonsils.
White coating on them.
Body temperature from 38.5 °C.
Enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes.
No cough.

If you observe at least two symptoms, most likely you have a sore throat.

An additional sign of sore throat may be age. Children under 15 years of age are most often affected.

The immune functions of the tonsils decline after puberty. This is why tonsillitis is rare in adults.

How to treat a sore throat

Most often, a sore throat does not require treatment other than symptomatic treatment (relieving the condition) and goes away on its own Tonsillitis in 7–10 days.

However, only a doctor can decide whether to treat tonsillitis or not, and if treated, how exactly. The fact is that sore throat can be caused for various reasons- relatively safe and dangerous.

Reason 1. Viruses

They are the culprits of most sore throats. The news is bad: how to fight viruses, medicine properly. The good news is that our body does a pretty good job of fighting off such infections on its own.

If a specialist comes to the conclusion that you have viral sore throat, you will be asked to simply relax: take sick leave and rest at home.

Reason 2. Bacteria

To be precise - group A streptococci. This subtype of tonsillitis requires full-fledged - not symptomatic! - treatment.

To detect bacteria, your doctor may do a quick strep test or a throat swab. And then, if the diagnosis of “bacterial tonsillitis” is confirmed, he will prescribe.

Most likely, your condition will improve after the first dose. It is important not to relax, but to take exactly as much tablets or suspension as the doctor prescribed.

Otherwise, the disease, which was responsive to medicine, may return with new strength. And this time he will learn to resist antibiotics, so he will have to change the drug.

Remember: bacterial sore throat is not a toy. This disease, if not treated, is fraught with extremely unpleasant complications, including:

Inflammation of the middle ear.
Formation of internal ulcers (which will have to be removed surgically).
Rheumatism, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart.
Glomerulonephritis, which impairs kidney function...

In general, nothing good. So if you are prescribed antibiotics, take them diligently.

How to relieve a sore throat

It's quite simple:

Get more rest.
To soothe a sore throat, drink warm drinks or whatever temperature is more comfortable for you.
Eat foods that do not require chewing and easily slip into the throat: the same ice cream or, for example, honey, jelly, jellied meat from rich broth. They will not cause pain when swallowing and at the same time provide the body with the energy it needs to fight infection.
Gargle with warm salt water.
If the pain is severe, you can take medications based on ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Suck on lozenges that contain benzocaine or other local anesthetics. Over-the-counter sprays can also be used to relieve a sore throat. However, as the study showed Management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy, they are no different in effectiveness from regular rinses or lozenges, but they are more expensive.
Monitor the air humidity in the room, if necessary.

When should you have your tonsils removed?

Tonsils are organs that are best not touched. They are an important part immune system and to one degree or another protect the body throughout life.

However, in some cases, if bacterial tonsillitis does not respond to antibiotics or tonsillitis recurs too often (more than seven times a year or more than three times a year in within three recent years), the doctor may recommend surgery.

This operation is called tonsillectomy Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. It is carried out under general anesthesia and lasts 35–40 minutes. After a few hours, the patient is allowed to go home, and after 7–10 days he fully recovers.

Sore throat (acute tonsillitis) is a disease of infectious etiology characterized by acute inflammation elements of lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring(Firstly, palatine tonsils). The causative agents of the disease are viruses (adenovirus, herpes virus, enterovirus Coxsackievirus), bacterial microflora (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci) or fungal infection(chlamydia, mycoplasma). Treatment of sore throat folk ways at home should be accompanied drug therapy and appropriate physiotherapy.

The most common causes of sore throat are hypothermia, chronic diseases of the paranasal sinuses, mouth, nose, weakened immunity, and disruption of work. nervous system(vegetative and central), traumatic injuries tonsils Absence timely treatment provokes the occurrence of complications: glomerulonephritis, abscess of the pharynx and peripharyngeal space, acute forms cervical lymphadenitis, otitis media, rheumatic fever.

Forms of sore throat with description and photo

Classification of this disease due to etiology, clinical history and pharyngoscopic signs characteristic of a particular type of disease. The picture of the disease depends on the pathogen that caused its occurrence.

Diagnosis and determination of the type of tonsillitis is carried out on the basis of examination data (visual and instrumental) and laboratory tests. The disease can be unilateral, local or bilateral.

Catarrhal sore throat

The most common and mildest form of the disease. Sources of infection are carious teeth, purulent diseases paranasal sinuses or pathogenic microflora introduced into the body from the outside by airborne droplets.

Characteristic symptoms are minor painful discomfort and sore throat, and a general deterioration in well-being. Body temperature does not exceed 37.5 degrees or remains within normal limits. The tonsils are characterized by swelling, moderate redness, and the presence of mucous discharge on their surface. In severe cases, pinpoint hemorrhages are observed. The duration of the disease is 2–4 days. In the absence of adequate treatment, it turns into lacunar or follicular form.

Follicular tonsillitis

Damage to the tonsils occurs as a result of bacterial infection with staphylococci, streptococci or pneumococci. A blood test indicates the development of leukocytosis, a high ESR is observed, traces of protein and red blood cells appear in the urine.

The course of the disease is characterized by chills, palpable pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, enlargement and soreness. lymph nodes. High temperature (up to 40 degrees) lasts up to 3 days. Intoxication symptoms occur: cephalalgia, weakness, pain in the muscles, heart, joints. In case of follicular tonsillitis, the tonsils and adjacent tissues are hypertrophied, and their swelling is observed. On days 2–3, white-yellow bubbles form on the surface of the tonsils. When they are opened, it forms white coating, not extending beyond the affected tonsils. Follicular tonsillitis is treated for up to 8 days.

Lacunar tonsillitis

The causes of lacunar tonsillitis are similar to the previous form. The main route of transmission of the disease is airborne. Laboratory research tests also record an increased level of leukocytes in the blood and a high ESR. Symptoms of the disease include hyperthermia, pronounced headaches radiating to the ears, and a significant increase in the submandibular lymph nodes.

On the mucous membrane of the inflamed tonsils, a filmy or loose coating is formed, which has irregular shape and white-yellow color. It covers the tonsils partially or completely and is easily removed with a laboratory spatula without traces of microbleeding. Manifestations lacunar tonsillitis With appropriate treatment, they disappear 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear.

Fibrinous tonsillitis

Fibrinous (false membranous, pseudodiphtheric) tonsillitis develops in a matter of hours. Symptomatically similar to the follicular and lacunar forms and is often their complication. Characterized by general intoxication of the body (cephalalgia, weakness), chills, hyperthermic syndrome, acute pain in the throat, in severe cases, temporary disturbance of consciousness.

On the affected tonsils and adjacent tissues, there is a dense plaque that has a yellowish or grayish color and resembles a diphtheria film. Its source is bursting suppurating follicles. The duration of the disease does not exceed 1 week.

Herpangina

This form of the disease occurs when the body is infected with the Coxsackie virus and is transmitted by the fecal-oral and airborne routes. The incubation stage lasts up to 2 weeks and is characterized by the absence of any symptoms. As the disease progresses, hyperthermia (up to 40 degrees), deterioration of general condition, and loss of appetite appear. Slight leukopenia and lymphocytosis are recorded in the blood.

In the phase of full development of herpetic sore throat, pain in the throat is noted, increased salivation, acute rhinitis is observed. Sometimes there are eating disorders (vomiting reflex, nausea, diarrhea). Mucous membrane of the pharynx, tonsils, uvula and soft sky covered with small blisters containing serous exudate, externally resembling a herpetic rash. Absence necessary treatment may provoke the development of encephalitis and meningitis.

Quinsy

This form is represented by an intratonsillar abscess that develops as a result of infection with other types of acute tonsillitis. The causative agents of the disease are streptococci that enter the cellular spaces of the neck. Incorrectly selected therapy for angina causes complications, which can result in death(general sepsis, meningitis, phlegmon, thrombosis or brain abscess).

Distinctive features of the disease: nasal voice, weakness, limited mouth opening, possible spasms of the masticatory muscles, tilt of the head to the side affected by the abscess, high body temperature, cephalgia, enlarged lymph nodes. The sore throat is acute and progressive, there is a sharp, pronounced odor from the mouth and symptoms of intoxication of the body.

Necrotizing tonsillitis

The causative agents of the disease are spirochetes and spindle-shaped rods, which belong to opportunistic microflora and actively reproduce in the presence of carious teeth or other foci of necrosis in the oral cavity against the background of decreased immunity. An important difference This form of sore throat differs from others in the absence of symptoms characteristic of acute tonsillitis (high temperature, manifestations of intoxication, difficulty swallowing, significant enlargement of lymph nodes). Blood tests show a significant increase ESR indicator, pronounced leukocytosis, the presence of neutrophilia.

The tonsils become covered with plaque, penetrating deep into the mucous membrane. It has an uneven, loose, dull surface and a greenish-yellow, gray color. The affected areas under the influence of fibrin gradually become denser and acquire a black-green color. Attempts to remove this plaque result in bleeding ulcers. The rejected necrotic tissue forms deep ulcerative defects. Necrosis can form not only on the surface of the tonsils, but also spread beyond them. The duration of this form of sore throat can last up to several months and provoke tooth loss and oral sepsis.

Symptoms and first signs of sore throat

Incubation period various types Tonsillitis can range from several hours (for the primary disease) to several months (for specific sore throats). The symptoms are similar to those of acute respiratory viral infections, so an in-person visit to a therapist or pediatrician is required to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. The main signs of angina are as follows:

An increase in the size of the mandibular or parotid lymph nodes, the appearance of painful sensations during palpation.
Formation of mucous discharge, plaque on the tonsils and adjacent tissues.
A sharp rise in body temperature (up to 39 - 40 degrees), accompanied by fever and chills.
Discomfort in the throat: difficulty swallowing, dryness, redness, severe pain, soreness, swelling.
Symptoms of intoxication of the body: drowsiness, pain in muscles, joints, cephalalgia, weakness.
Blood tests record a certain amount of protein and red blood cells.

The presence of sore throat in children is more active and pronounced. In severe cases, symptoms characteristic of acute tonsillitis may be accompanied by diarrhea, intestinal colic, severe nausea and cramps.

Home remedies for sore throat

Use of funds alternative medicine in case of sore throat in children and adults should be accompanied traditional treatment including taking antibiotics. Traditional recipes, widely used at home, must be agreed with the attending physician.

Carrying out complex therapy improves general health, facilitates the course of the disease, accelerates recovery and minimizes the risk of complications. The choice of treatment methods should be selected taking into account the form of sore throat, age and general condition of the patient.

Folk remedies for sore throat

The main condition for treatment with alternative medicine methods is the absence of allergic reactions to all components included in the formulations. The following folk remedies are considered highly effective:

Honey, butter and milk. In 200 ml of warm boiled milk, you need to dissolve butter and honey (1 tablespoon of each ingredient). Allowed to replace regular oil cocoa butter The frequency of reception is not limited.
Lemon and honey. The juice squeezed from 1 fruit is stirred in 350 ml of warm water. Salt (1/4 tsp) and honey (3 tsp) are added to the resulting drink. Take twice a day.
Cranberry tea. 2 tsp. berries ground with sugar are poured with a glass of boiling water. Use warm up to 3 times a day. This method can also reduce the temperature.
Lemon juice and... 1 tsp. Pour ginger crushed to a powder into boiling water (700 ml) and simmer over low heat for 10 - 12 minutes. Dissolve 4 tsp in the cooled broth. honey, add black ground pepper(1 pinch). The resulting volume of medication is divided into 3 doses and consumed throughout the day. Duration of treatment is up to 5 – 7 days.

These drugs make it possible to alleviate the course of the disease, since they have antiviral, antibacterial, and restorative effects. They help activate the immune system and speed up recovery. Treatment of any type of sore throat in children folk recipes requires consultation with the treating pediatrician.

Compresses on the throat for sore throat

Applying compresses in the presence of acute tonsillitis can reduce pain syndrome, improve overall well-being. It should be borne in mind that this procedure is prohibited in the case of purulent tonsillitis. The following types of compresses are widely used:

Alcohol. Carried out using vodka or 35 - 40% alcohol solution. The fabric is moistened in liquid and placed on the throat area, covered with a film on top, and the neck is wrapped in a warm scarf.
Saline. Heated in a frying pan table salt. Hot product poured into a cloth bag and applied to the sore spot, wrapped with an additional layer of fabric on top.
Honey. Prepare a mixture of honey (3 tablespoons) and chopped garlic (1 head). The composition is laid out on gauze and placed on the upper part of the neck.
Potato. Boil 2 - 3 potatoes in their jackets. Prepared vegetables needs to be crushed. Add 50 ml to the resulting mass vegetable oil, 3 – 5 drops of iodine. A compress is formed from the resulting mixture and applied to the throat.
Curd. 250 g of cottage cheese are combined with 2 tbsp. l. honey and 1 onion. The composition is spread in gauze and placed on the affected area.

The duration of the procedure is 1.5 hours. It cannot be performed in the presence of dermatological diseases localized in the neck area, tumor-like neoplasms, elevated temperature, ailments of the circulatory system, thyroid gland.

Gargling for a sore throat

Solutions containing products that have an antiseptic effect are used as therapeutic agents. Each rinsing session requires preparing a fresh portion of the drug. The following ingredients are used to create working solutions:

Iodine and soda. 1 tsp. baking soda dissolve in hot water. After cooling, add iodine to the liquid (no more than 5 drops). The permissible frequency of sessions is up to 4 times a day.
Edible salt and soda. Pour 15 g of soda-salt mixture (for adults) or 7 g (for children) into 200 ml of warm water and stir until they are completely dissolved. Apply up to 6 times a day.
Vinegar and beets. Beets (3 – 4 pieces) are crushed using a fine grater and squeezed out of the resulting mass vegetable juice. A 6% vinegar solution is diluted in 200 ml of beet juice. You can gargle with the resulting liquid for a sore throat up to 3 times a day.

An important condition is optimal temperature prepared solution: it should be within 35 - 40 degrees. It is not recommended to consume drinks or food after finishing treatment session. Their reception is allowed half an hour after the procedure.

Medicines for sore throat

Treatment of the disease can be effective only if the complex is prescribed therapeutic measures, including oral administration medicines (primarily antibiotics). For angina, medications may be recommended:

Antibiotics - Amoxicillin, erythromycin, cefadroxil, ampicillin, josamycin, azithromycin and drugs based on them. They have an antibacterial effect and are indicated for all forms of angina (including purulent ones). The prescription of medications of a particular group depends on the type of illness, the age of the patient and individual characteristics body. At the same time with therapeutic effect they produce a prophylactic effect aimed at preventing possible complications.
Antiviral– Arbidol, Relenza, Ingavirin, Anaferon, Tamiflu, Kagocel. Effective within the first 2 days from the moment the first symptoms of the disease appear. They have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, but do not guarantee protection against bacterial infection.
Antiseptics – Furacilin, Givalex, chlorophyllipt, Miramistin, chlorhexidine, furasol. They are medications that provide local impact. Used for rinsing, lubricating, and irrigating the throat. They have an antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect.
Antipyretics – Ibuprofen, Panadol, aspirin, Nurofen, paracetamol, Fervex, acetylsalicylic acid, coldrex. In addition to reducing temperature, they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Make it easier general state, however, do not affect the underlying cause of hyperthermia.
Antihistamines– Suprastin, loratadine, diazolin, Erius, cimetidine. The action of this group of drugs is aimed at eliminating swelling. In addition, these medications prevent the development of allergic reactions that may occur while taking antibiotics.
Sprays (Aerosols) – Hexasprey, Orasept, Yox, Stopangin, Bioparox, Hexoral, Tantum Verde. Create antiseptic, anesthetic and antifungal effects. Render local impact on the affected tonsils and adjacent tissues: minimize discomfort in the throat (pain, soreness, dryness, burning).
Antifungal– Nystatin, fluconazole, levorin, ketoconazole. Suppress the development of fungal microflora, the risk of which increases during antibacterial therapy.

All medications have contraindications, so their prescription should be carried out by the attending physician. Self-administration potent drugs can cause the development of resistance in pathogenic microorganisms and, as a result, complicate further treatment tonsillitis.

Video: How to quickly cure a sore throat in 1 day

This video describes a popular method of treating sore throat - gargling with apple cider vinegar. A method for preparing the working solution is proposed, the correct application technique is demonstrated, and the permissible frequency of the procedure is indicated.

The presence of any form of tonsillitis requires integrated approach, which provides for the reception medications in combination with methods and recipes of traditional medicine. If you have a sore throat, you must visit a doctor in person to prescribe adequate treatment.

Sore throat is an inflammation of the tonsils that has infectious nature. The virus can begin to progress due to the slightest hypothermia: cold drinks, ice cream, air and other reasons. The causative agents can be a variety of bacteria and viruses: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci. The disease develops both against the background of ARVI and independently, without other disorders in the body.

About the beginning pathological processes evidenced by a feeling of sore throat, which over time develops into severe pain. In addition, the patient’s body temperature rises, lymph nodes enlarge, weakness and nausea appear. If the disease is noticed at the first stage of development, you can do without medical care – ethnoscience offers many remedies to eliminate the disease.

What symptoms bother a person?

Aches in the joints, heaviness in the muscles.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Redness of the throat, tonsils, uvula and back wall are inflamed, the color is bright.
Body temperature, depending on the type of disease, can rise to 38-39 degrees.
Acute pain, much stronger with normal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, can be observed both when swallowing and in a relaxed state.
General deterioration in health due to infection, fatigue and malaise.
The appearance of plaque or ulcers on the tonsils, the formation of follicles, a dense coating on the root of the tongue.

All these symptoms signal the presence of inflammation caused by microorganisms, which progresses in the pharynx.

How to treat a sore throat at home

There is a proven treatment regimen that includes certain medications. If you follow all the instructions, you can get rid of the disease relatively quickly.

Remember that all medications have contraindications, so they should be prescribed by your doctor. Self-administration of potent medications can cause the development of resistance in pathogenic microorganisms and, as a result, complicate further treatment of sore throat.

To relieve symptoms, drugs such as Analgin, Aspirin, paracetamol, Citramon are used. From this list use one drug, but not more than 5 days.
Antibiotics. Although they can cause many side effects, taking them for sore throat is necessary. As a rule, they are prescribed by a specialist for lacunar and follicular tonsillitis. Common antibiotics are Ampiox, Tsifran, Axacillin, Macropen. If observed severe complications, apply injectable drugs- Penicillin, Cefazolin.
Bed rest. It must be observed not only at the time of high temperature, but also in the next few days. Remaining rest is mandatory, since sore throat often affects many organs negatively. This point must be supplemented with plenty of fluids. For this, fruit drinks, jelly, and juices are used. By drinking fluids, toxic products will be eliminated from the body much faster.
Compliance special diet. When a person has a sore throat, food should be such that it does not irritate the mucous membrane of the larynx. Cooked food should not be spicy, hot or overly salty. It should also be soft and liquid. At the same time, the products should contain many vitamins and minerals. Doctors often recommend eating soup at chicken broth, potato and vegetable purees, steamed cutlets and fish, porridge with water or milk.
Sulfonamide drugs. If we talk about how to quickly cure a sore throat, then it is simply impossible not to mention these drugs. Biseptol or Sulfalen are often prescribed. Medications They are used for catarrhal tonsillitis, independently, and are almost always only additions to antibiotics. The instructions describe the dosage of the drug, which is calculated based on the patient’s age.
Aerosol preparations. To quickly get rid of the disease, it is recommended to irrigate the throat several times a day with the following aerosols - Kameton, Ingalipt, Yox, Kolustan. Medicines have antimicrobial and analgesic effects.
It is recommended to take antihistamines - Diphenhydramine, Suprastin. They relieve throat swelling well.

Such measures, with any method of treatment, make it possible to eliminate a sore throat much faster and go through the recovery process. Therefore, doctors believe that it is better to take sick leave and rest at home for a week.

Folk remedies for sore throat

Lemon and honey. The juice squeezed from 1 fruit is stirred in 350 ml of warm water. Salt (1/4 tsp) and honey (3 tsp) are added to the resulting drink. Take twice a day.
Honey, butter and milk. In 200 ml of warm boiled milk, you need to dissolve butter and honey (1 tablespoon of each ingredient). It is allowed to replace regular butter with cocoa butter. The frequency of reception is not limited.
Lemon juice and ginger. 1 tsp. Pour ginger crushed to a powder into boiling water (700 ml) and simmer over low heat for 10 - 12 minutes. Dissolve 4 tsp in the cooled broth. honey, add ground black pepper (1 pinch). The resulting volume of medication is divided into 3 doses and consumed throughout the day. Duration of treatment is up to 5 - 7 days.
Cranberry tea. 2 tsp. berries ground with sugar are poured with a glass of boiling water. Use warm up to 3 times a day. This method can also reduce the temperature.

These drugs make it possible to alleviate the course of the disease, since they have antiviral, antibacterial, and restorative effects. They help activate the immune system and speed up recovery. Treatment of any type of sore throat in children with folk recipes requires consultation with the treating pediatrician.

Gargling for the treatment of sore throat in adults

Gargling - this method of treatment plays a major role in healing process. Thanks to daily rinsing, everything is washed out of the mouth and larynx. harmful bacteria and pus. Pain in the throat also decreases, resulting in an improvement in the overall condition of the body.

a mixture of natural beet juice and table vinegar counts unique means against germs and infections. This solution, when rinsed, has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves pain when swallowing.
Honey water (warm) is good for rinsing drinking water and a few spoons of honey), mix, use to gargle several times a day;
medicinal mixture: squeeze the juice out of carrots and add a few cloves of garlic, grated on a fine grater. Take the mixture before meals for two or three days;
handle sore tonsils a mixture of onions and honey. Grate a small onion onions grate, squeeze out the juice, add a teaspoon to it natural honey. mix everything thoroughly. The healing composition is ready!
medicinal mixture: a teaspoon of honey and the same amount of aloe juice, mix. Take several times a day before meals;
Beetroot, which is rich in vitamins and microelements, has a beneficial effect on the body and on the source of inflammation. Squeeze Fresh Juice beets or boil them in a small amount of water, natural juice or gargle with beetroot broth. Beets perfectly eliminate swelling on the mucous membranes of the throat, pain and are effective against purulent phenomena in the tonsils;
Warm honey-milk composition is a well-known way to get rid of sore throat, inflammation in the larynx, colds and coughs. In glass warm milk dissolve a little honey, add butter for a more softening effect.

An important condition is the optimal temperature of the prepared solution: it should be within 35 - 40 degrees. It is not recommended to consume drinks or food after the end of the treatment session. Their reception is allowed half an hour after the procedure.

Compresses

Moist compresses for warming the chest and neck are very effective in treating sore throat. They help stop the development of the inflammatory process, reduce sore throat and increase blood circulation. Important condition for applying compresses - normal temperature body (36.6?). At a late stage of disease progression, when ulcers appear on the tonsils, warm compresses cannot be used.

The compress can be applied to the throat, excluding the thyroid gland area. A cloth soaked in a specially prepared solution is applied to the skin. Then it is covered with plastic film. For insulation, everything is covered with a layer of flannel, and then tied with a warm scarf.

There are many recipes for medicinal and warming compresses that can be used to treat sore throat.

Cabbage leaf with honey also warms well and stops the inflammatory process. In order to cabbage leaf has become a little softer, you need to pour boiling water over it and leave for a couple of minutes. after this, the warm sheet should be blotted with water, greased with honey and applied to the neck with this side. Cover the top with film and tie it with a scarf.
A compress from boiled potatoes is prepared as follows: wash the potatoes and boil them with their skins on, then knead them, add a few drops of an alcohol solution of iodine and a spoonful of any vegetable oil. The resulting mass is placed in a gauze bag. When the temperature of the potato becomes tolerable for the skin, it is applied to the throat and wrapped around the neck. This compress can be left on even overnight.
An alcohol compress is easy to prepare. To do this you need to take 70% medical alcohol and dilute it with cold boiled water in a 1:1 ratio. To achieve a greater effect, take not simple alcohol, but alcohol tincture on herbs. You can drop a few drops of some essential oil there, for example, eucalyptus or lavender. This compress should be used with caution by those with sensitive skin so as not to get burned.
Compress from raw potatoes with vinegar is prepared as follows: you need to grate 2-3 medium tubers on a fine grater, add 1 tablespoon of 6% vinegar, place in a bag made of thick fabric and apply it to your throat. This remedy perfectly relieves inflammation.

Children can apply compresses 1-2 times a day, and it is better to do this before bed. At the same time, it is desirable that your feet are also warm. Adults can apply warm compresses to a sore throat for 3-4 hours, taking two-hour breaks in between.

Inhalations

For sore throat effective method treatments for a sore throat are inhalations - during inhalations the tissues are warmed up, medicinal extracts go directly to the site of the disease. Home inhalations are often carried out based on herbal decoctions, below are several sample recipes preparations.

Prepare a decoction of dry St. John's wort and chamomile - pour 3 tablespoons of herbs into a liter of water, bring to a boil, cool - you can get a burn from the steam. To enhance the effect, add a few drops of any coniferous essential oils. Inhalation is carried out as in the previous recipe - for 20 minutes.
Take 2 tablespoons of crushed dry chamomile, mint, sage, pour in a liter of warm boiled water. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. The patient bends over a vessel with a decoction, his head is covered with a towel. You need to breathe through your mouth - this is how steam with healing extracts reaches the affected areas.

It is important to know that inhalations are contraindicated at elevated temperatures - they are usually carried out at last stage treatment as an additional procedure to restore the mucous membrane of the throat.