Severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, cough, headache, and earache are some of the symptoms associated with pharyngitis and tonsillitis, two inflammations that originate in different areas of the throat and produce a characteristic discomfort.
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucosa that lines the pharynx, a cavity that extends from the back of the nose and mouth to the onset of the larynx and the esophagus. The pharynx serves the function of transporting air to the lower airways and thus facilitating the passage of food to the esophagus.
Pharyngitis can sometimes cause the palatine tonsils to become inflamed, causing tonsillitis, also known as tonsillitis. Tonsils help eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent infections in the body. If the tonsils are very large, they can cause breathing problems. Likewise, with tonsillitis, the tonsils are often red and sometimes have white spots.
Inflammation of the pharynx is quite often associated with tonsillitis. Thus, the term pharyngotonsillitis is used to refer to this condition in clinical medical practice. In practical terms, pharyngotonsillitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis are considered similar terms, although pharyngitis is considered a slightly more common and less serious condition.
Both conditions can appear from viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, or also by bacteria such as group A streptococcus, although certain substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, may trigger their onset.
Viral origin
When pharyngitis or tonsillitis is caused by a virus, the treatment is symptomatic; only certain measures and care that manage to relieve symptoms and ingest analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic medications may be applied.
Bacterial origin
On the other hand, if the inflammation is caused by a bacterium, antibiotics always prescribed by a specialist doctor should be used. Where physical assessment is not clear to diagnose the origin, an analysis is carried out.
Relief treatment for pharyngitis and tonsillitis
In general, it is not common to assist the doctor for suffering from any of the 2 inflammations, usually when discomfort is accompanied by high fever or difficulty breathing. Here are some tips left:
– Increases the consumption of liquids but avoids drinks made from citrus fruits, as acidity can be counterproductive and can cause more irritation
– Gargle with warm water and a little salt for about 40 seconds.
– Opt for edible lozenges or drops with analgesic and anesthetic properties, especially those containing natural ingredients such as honey, lemon, and eucalyptus; they will help relieve pain.
– Use a nasal decongestant if the inflammation is caused by the flu. These medicines will help you clean the nasal passages and allow you to expel mucus and thus improve breathing.
– Take advantage of the properties of the eucalyptus. This medicinal plant has numerous soothing benefits, as well as helping to eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection. An excellent therapy that you can benefit from is to boil a pot with water and eucalyptus leaves. Once it is boiling, put your face on the steam that emits from the water with the leaves of the plant, and cover your head with a towel.
– Strengthen your immune system with a good diet, and while the inflammation persists, try to have a soft diet
– Avoid spicy or fatty foods.
– Ventilate the room well.