Pharyngitis - Disturbing Of Swallowing

Sore throat when swallowing, known as Pharyngitis (sore throat), is the main complaint that patients most often complain about when consulting a doctor. Although common, there are various differential diagnoses that cause sore throat symptoms. Starting from those caused by infection or inflammation, allergies to traumatic or neoplastic processes, most of these symptoms come from viral or bacterial infections.

The most common cause of pharyngitis is caused by Group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) bacteria which cause acute pharyngitis in adults and children. For viral causes such as rhinovirus, influenza, adenovirus, coronavirus and parainfluenza.

Clinical manifestations of pharyngitis are fever, exudate/white spots on the tonsils, pain and swollen glands in the neck or jaw, hyperemic/reddish pharynx, painful swallowing, and pain in the ears. Pharyngitis caused by viruses and bacteria is quite difficult to differentiate clinically. Viral infections can be accompanied by symptoms of eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) and rashes on the skin.

Most cases of pharyngitis are mild and some can heal on their own, so supporting examinations such as laboratory tests are rarely carried out. Transmission to other people can occur through droplets of nasal secretions or saliva, and symptoms often appear after an incubation period ranging from 1 to 5 days.

GENERAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT

Pharyngitis treatment includes:

1. Improvement of symptoms, administration of medication according to the symptoms felt, analgesic/pain reliever medication to relieve swallowing pain, corticosteroid medication to relieve symptoms of inflammation in the throat
2. To prevent transmission, sufferers are usually educated to use masks to reduce the risk of transmission to people around them.
3. To prevent complications, sufferers must take the medication given regularly according to the dosage and recommendations. If the medicine has finished but the symptoms are still there, immediately consult a doctor.

Pharyngitis sufferers usually feel that they have no appetite because of the pain/sore throat that occurs, but they should still try to eat regularly according to their routine daily portions and drink enough water, at least 2-3 liters per day. Because if you follow the condition of not wanting to eat because you have no appetite, it has the potential to weaken your body's condition, make you weak and trigger digestive inflammation (ulcers) or other complications.

Tips for Preventing Sore Throats

The best way to prevent a sore throat is to avoid the germs that cause it and maintain cleanliness. Here are some tips that can be done:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing using soap or hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, or mouth).
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or eating utensils.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief/tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean frequently handled objects such as cell phones, doorknobs, light switches, remotes and computer keyboards regularly.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms.
• Adopt a healthy and nutritious diet.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
• Get enough rest, at least 6-8 hours per day.
• Exercise regularly.

If you experience a sore throat, immediately consult a doctor to get appropriate and fast treatment.