A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Throat Infections: A throat infection sometimes called pharyngitis can be either a bacterial or a viral infection leading to inflammation of the tissues of the throat that causes redness, pain and swelling of the walls or structures of the throat. Symptoms of throat infection most commonly include pain and a sensation of heat in the throat or pharynx. The infection may also affect other structures within the throat, in particular the tonsils (when it is referred to as tonsillitis).

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may or may not be accompanied by fever, cough, congestion, and other symptoms such as body ache. You may also experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Most throat infections, particularly those due to viruses clear up on their own.

•     are in severe pain
•     have difficulty breathing
•     are making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (stridor)
•     start drooling
•     have a muffled voice
•     have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or are not able to swallow enough fluids
•  

Make an appointment to see your doctor if: you have a persistent high temperature above 38C (100.4F), which does not go down after taking medication,  or your symptoms do not improve within a week. It's important to investigate the cause of your temperature because it may be the result of a more serious condition

STREP THROAT