Sore throat is painful, irritable, scratchy, and causes an itchy sensation while swallowing food. Commonly it is caused due to a viral infection like flu or cold and resolves on its own. However, sometimes it is due to a bacterial infection that needs the attention of a doctor and the administration of antibiotics. Read further to know more about throat infection – symptoms, and treatment.
Sore Throat Infection Symptoms:
The symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the infection, and the age group the person belongs to. Some common signs include:
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy sensation in the throat
- Swollen glands in the neck or jaw region
- Sore throat
- Tonsils
- Muffled/ hoarse voice
- Runny nose
- Fever
- The painful sensation during swallowing, or drinking
Children suffer from sore throats quite often due to an underdeveloped immune system. They are more prone to viral and bacterial infections. The throat infection symptoms in children are as follows:
10 Symptoms Sore Throat
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck area
- Swollen tonsils with pus
- Headache
- Viral fever
- Small red spots on the upper region of the mouth
- Crankiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
‘Strep throat’ which is quite common in children is caused due to bacterial infection from Streptococcus have the following throat infection symptoms:
- White patches on the throat
- Tender, swollen glands on the neck
- Fever more than 101°F
Epiglottitis, an inflammation-causing throat infection, common in children aged 5-15 has the following symptoms:
- Due to lack of oxygen skin turns blue
- High pitched sound while breathing
- Drooling
- Severe sore throat
- Pain while swallowing and breathing
Adults have the same throat infection – symptoms, and treatment as children, but the occurrence rate in adults is less as compared to kids.
Treatment:
The treatment procedure depends on the cause of the condition.
In the case of a bacterial infection, sore throat treatment requires the administration of an antibiotic to provide immediate relief. In a viral infection, mild pain relievers or acetaminophen might be administered. For serious conditions such as epiglottitis, the person must be kept under medical supervision for proper treatment.
