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A Slice of range Ka
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Throat woes
Not every sore throat is the same. Find out about the conditions that cause this pesky symptom and how to deal with it.
W
hen was the last time you used ‘throat’ in a sentence without using any negative words in the same breath? We’re very much aware of our throat when it’s sore or itchy or when we can’t swallow a bite of food without shedding a tear. What is the throat anyway, and why is it prone to so many maladies? The throat is a muscular passageway or tube that carries food to the esophagus and air to the windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx) The throat is also called the pharynx. Because of its role in breathing and digestion, the throat is prone to many problems, such as infection. Sore throat is one of the most common pharyngeal afflictions, and will be discussed here.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes Orange de Guzman, MD
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What’s in your throat? Your throat or pharynx is a small area behind your mouth, below your nasal cavity and above your esophagus (which leads to the stomach) and trachea (which leads to the lungs). The throat includes the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Hard palate Soft palate Tonsil Tongue Epiglottis Larynx Esophagus Trachea
• Esophagus tube that connects the mouth to the stomach • Trachea windpipe; connects larynx to the bronchi (air tubes that stem from the trachea) and lungs • Larynx voice box; contains the vocal cords and produces the sound of voice • Tonsils consist of lymphoid tissue; help protect against infection • Epiglottis stiff tissue flap above and in front of larynx; prevents food or fluid from entering the trachea (and lungs) during swallowing
Did you know that … there are actually three kinds of tonsils?
Palate Uvula Back wall of pharynx Tonsil
Tongue
The adenoids are tonsils found on the roof of the throat (pharyngeal tonsils). What everyone commonly refers to as “tonsils” are the palatine tonsils seen in the back of the throat. Lingual tonsils are found on the back of the tongue. All three kinds of tonsils work as part of the immune system to protect the body against throat and respiratory infections.
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Sorting out sore throats
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What’s the simplest, most effective way to prevent sore throat caused by infection?
Sore throat is not a true-blue diagnosis – it is a symptom of a variety of conditions. When you have a sore throat, it usually feels uncomfortable, painful or itchy, and it’s usually a challenge to swallow. What causes sore throat? • Viral infection – Like most respiratory infections, most sore throats are due to a viral infection. The throat itself can be infected or, if the nose or sinuses get a viral infection (such as the common cold), secretions from these organs can run down the back of the throat and irritate it. People with the flu, measles, chickenpox or mononucleosis can also experience sore throat. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections and should NOT be taken at the first sign of a painful throat. • Bacterial infection – A much smaller number of sore throats are due to bacterial infections. Strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat. It is seen most frequently in children aged 5 to 15 but can affect anyone. Symptoms include throat pain, fever and painful, swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics, so your doctor may have to perform lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. It’s difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections by just looking at the throat. Strep throat has to be treated immediately because it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever (inflamed joints, rash and possible damage to heart valves) and kidney inflammation. Tonsillitis, or infection of the tonsils, can also have a bacterial cause. • Allergies – Sore throat can accompany allergic rhinitis and other allergies.
• Throat dryness – Breathing through the mouth, like when your nose is congested, can irritate the throat. People living in cold climate have to deal with this more often than people in warmer places. • Other irritants – Air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and spicy foods are some culprits. • Gastroesophageal reflux disease – When stomach content backs up into the esophagus and throat, it can cause sore throat. • Strained throat muscles – If you shout at the top of your lungs, you’re in danger of straining your throat muscles, and this can lead to sore throat. • Tumors – Tumors in or near the throat can be associated with difficulty swallowing and sore throat.
Soothing the soreness
There are simple ways to ease the pain of a sore throat. Here are a few suggestions: • Gargle with warm salt water. About half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water is enough. • Increase your fluid intake to thin any mucus for easy clearance. • Try a honey-lemon mixture. Stir honey and lemon into a glass of warm water for a soothing concoction.
Hand washing. Wash your hands thoroughly for about 15 seconds with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, after being in a crowded place, after doing chores or after touching animals. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can do the job, too. • If it’s difficult to swallow, sip your fluids or clear soup through a straw. • Suck on a lozenge or hard candy to stimulate saliva production, which reduces throat dryness. • Use a vaporizer or humidifier. • If your sore throat is due to voice overuse, rest your voice. • Avoid smoke and other pollutants. • Sometimes, cold drinks, popsicles or ice chips help ease soreness. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you further.
A slice of trivia What intimate phrase (K_____ D_____) is another name for infectious mononucleosis or mono? This infection, which can cause sore throat, has this nickname because it’s transmitted through saliva. Freshen up on your researching skills, e-mail us the answer at orange@activelink-consult.com and win a prize!
We’ll include the answer in the next issue of A Slice of Orange.
pain that occurs after eating or drinking a frozen treat?
Answer to last issue’s question:
From those with the correct answer, 20 people will be randomly chosen to win Kamillosan® M Spray Solution.
What cold phrase (B_____ F_____) is another term for ‘ice cream headache’, or the intense but short-lived head
Brain freeze is the sharp, stabbing pain in the forehead caused by ingestion or inhalation of a cold stimulus. This kind of headache rarely lasts longer than a minute and does not require treatment.
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2008 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 104 VA Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, 1229 Philippines T: +632 817 4606 / 817 7900 www.activelink-consult.com
The exact cause of the pain has not been identified; it’s possible that cold food or drink changes blood flow in your brain, leading to a brief headache.
The Orange wants to he ar from you! Dying to ask us your health related questio ns? Itching to share your pe rsonal health tips? Want to sugg est topics for future issues? Feel free to contac t us. You can e-m ail our team at orange@activ elink-consult.c om.