Many patients have a sore throat with coronavirus due to inflammation in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. It is considered one of the most common complaints. A sore throat, pain and other unpleasant sensations occur with coronavirus infection in the early stages. Later the symptom may disappear. Rarely does irritation in the throat occur with coronavirus without fever. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis. To eliminate the unpleasant symptom, symptomatic treatment is used.
Soreness in the upper respiratory tract during coronavirus does not differ from a similar symptom of other types of acute respiratory viral infections. It is impossible to subjectively understand the difference, so it is recommended to consult a doctor. You should also not take any medications for coronavirus infection. After the examination, the specialist will prescribe safe treatment.
Does your throat hurt with coronavirus?
Many patients ask doctors this question, but there is no clear answer. There are no specific symptoms of coronavirus infection or occur very rarely. Pain, sore throat and irritation in the throat with COVID19 occur, but are practically no different from the same manifestations of the flu or a cold. The cause is considered to be the penetration of the virus into the epithelium of the upper respiratory system. An inflammatory process occurs, accompanied by redness and swelling of the mucous membrane. The pain intensifies when swallowing saliva and eating food. Closer to recovery, the symptom completely disappears. Often, coronavirus infection is limited to this symptom and other general manifestations of ARVI, while there are no complications.
The clear answer is yes, some patients have a sore throat with coronavirus. But this manifestation may be completely absent or occur with other viral infections of the respiratory tract. To diagnose a disease, you need to focus not on your own feelings, but on the results of a medical examination.
How often does a sore throat occur during coronavirus infection?
Statistics provided by the World Health Organization in May help answer this question. The results show that this symptom occurs in 10-15% of people with coronavirus. We can conclude that this is not the most common symptom of the disease, although such a complaint is quite common. If only such a manifestation of the disease has occurred, conclusions should not be drawn prematurely. In the absence of other symptoms, soreness in the nasopharynx rarely indicates COVID19.
Complex diagnostic methods are often needed
Comparative characteristics of diseases
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. The identification of the disease is carried out by a therapist or infectious disease specialist. The following comparative characteristics indicated in the table are used.
Sign | Colds, ARVI | Coronavirus |
Body temperature | Low-grade fever | High values |
Body aches | Present | Present |
Asymptomatic carriage | Maybe | Maybe |
A sore throat | Always | In a small percentage of patients |
Cough | Appears due to secretions in the nasopharynx | Appears due to inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and alveoli of the lungs |
Type of cough | Wet | Most often dry, but with complications and active sputum production it becomes moist |
Sputum | No | Appears with inflammation of the lower respiratory tract |
Bacterial complications | Yes | Yes |
Loss of smell | No | Yes |
Runny nose | Yes | Rarely |
Complications of pneumonia | No | Often |
Rash on the body | No | In children |
Based on the criteria obtained, it becomes clear that redness and sore throat are more likely to occur with a common cold. Symptoms that may indicate coronavirus are a deep cough, chest pain, loss of smell. But these factors appear only in severe cases.
Other causes of symptoms
- Colds. The mucous membrane of the throat acts as a gateway to infection in various forms of ARVI. When infected by airborne droplets, the virus first enters this area, from where it gradually spreads to other parts of the respiratory system. Soreness in the throat occurs with influenza, parainfluenza, measles and other diseases. Subjective sensations are no different.
- Bacterial infections. Streptococcal infection and other pathologies of the upper respiratory tract caused by bacterial cells are accompanied by this symptom. The sore throat in this case may be more severe. Sometimes there is a discharge of pus with sputum. Based on patient complaints, it is impossible to distinguish a bacterial infection of the respiratory system from a viral one.
- Allergy. Hay fever and other diseases of an immunopathological nature are associated with an incorrect reaction of the patient’s body’s defense system to certain objects, such as dust, pollen and food. Due to the release of histamine, an inflammatory process occurs. The epithelium of the organ swells. The patient complains of a sore throat. Often accompanied by cough, runny nose and sneezing. It goes away after the allergen disappears or while taking antihistamines.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The pathology is associated with a malfunction of the esophageal valve. Periodically, there is a backflow of food and hydrochloric acid into the esophagus and upper parts of the digestive tract. The liquid may reach the throat and mouth. The acid irritates and damages the epithelium. Unpleasant sensations in the throat with GERD are often accompanied by heartburn. More often occurs after meals or in the morning.
There are plenty of other examples where a sore throat is not related to coronavirus. Any of the conditions listed above cause such a symptom more often than coronavirus infection. It is impossible to draw conclusions only based on subjective feelings.
Archive number No. 37 (727) dated September 16, 2008 - Zdoroviechko
SEASONAL
So the red summer sang: the round-the-clock heat was replaced by cool nights and windy days - the count of time began to move towards winter. Following this, the first sniffling, sneezing and coughing people immediately appeared among their acquaintances. We asked doctors what was causing this.
It turns out that two main dangers await us in the fall. “At this time, the immune system is being tested for strength: it no longer needs to work in a relaxed summer mode, but enters a high alert mode,” says immunologist Oleg Nazar. “To maintain the body’s tone, its metabolism in cold weather and to fight back against the “examiners” - viruses and bacteria that are already waking up both outside and inside us.”
The second reason is associated with the end of the vacation period - it is at this time that favorable conditions arise for the development of epidemics. “At this time, people are returning en masse from vacations from different parts of the country and the planet,” epidemiologist Arkady Frolov explains the trend. “They probably come into contact with local infections there and bring them home, where they pass them on to each other.”
Medical practitioners confirmed that they actually had more “clients” in September. “A lot of patients come in with fever and abdominal pain,” says doctor Polina Zagorodnyaya. “And such patients appear every day, mostly children.”
The increase in incidence indirectly confirms the sale of drugs in pharmacies. “They ask what to eat for a runny nose and cough,” says Oksana Chepiga, head of one of the pharmacies, “they actively take antipyretics and put drops in the nose.”
So, it looks like cold season has begun. What kind of uninvited guests should your body expect and how can you quickly send them away?
WHAT VIRUSES ARE GOING NOW?
Adenovirus infection
Caused by an adenovirus. It affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, and lymph nodes.
How does it manifest? The first symptoms begin 4-5 days after contact with the patient. It can begin either acutely or gradually. Fever and headache are of little concern. The thermometer readings rarely exceed 37.80C. More worrying is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes (conjunctivitis), and they are accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, redness and swelling of the eyelids, in the morning they cannot be opened due to a “film”, as well as a sore throat, abdominal pain and diarrhea (due to lesions of the intestinal lymph nodes). The disease lasts 10-14 days.
How to treat? To alleviate the condition, antiallergic drugs are used - although there is no allergy, they help reduce sensitivity to the virus, and multivitamin preparations. Antipyretics are rarely needed, because high fever is rare. A 0.5% solution of deoxyribonuclease should be instilled into the eyes, 3-4 drops every 2-3 hours - it inhibits the development of adenovirus. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a local therapist.
How to protect yourself? It is transmitted by airborne droplets - through the breath of a sick person. Therefore, in order not to become infected, before each time you go outside you need to lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment or balms like Vietnamese star, and when you come indoors or home, you need to rinse your nose with warm water, and your eyes with drops like artificial tears. A recovered person may still remain contagious, so he can appear in a group no earlier than 2 weeks from the onset of the disease.
Rhinovirus infection
Caused by rhinovirus. Most of all it affects the nasal mucosa.
How does it manifest? The disease begins 2-3 days after contact with the patient, suddenly with severe nasal congestion, accompanied by copious discharge. A runny nose is so severe that the skin of the nose becomes irritated to the point of crusting. The temperature rarely rises. The duration of the disease is 3-5 days.
How to treat? The main thing in the treatment of rhinovirus infection is the fight against a runny nose. If you instill your nose with vasoconstrictor drops (based on naphazoline, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline) 2-3 times a day, then in most cases this will be enough. But if the child is allergic, the runny nose will be more severe and antiallergic nasal drops (based on hormones, for example beclomethasone, fluticasone) must be added to the vasoconstrictor drops.
How to protect yourself? The same as for adenovirus infection.
Parainfluenza
Caused by the parainfluenza virus. It affects the respiratory tract - from the nose to the bronchi.
How does it manifest? The first symptoms begin 3-4 days after contact with the patient. The temperature gradually rises - up to 37.5-380C, a runny nose, a slight sore throat and a dry cough appear. In severe cases, the cough becomes “barking”; a spasm of the respiratory tract, especially the larynx, may occur (this condition is called false croup; true croup develops with diphtheria); due to the weakening of the immune system by the virus, purulent complications may occur - sore throat, sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia. The duration of the disease is 7-10 days.
How to treat? Traditional antipyretic drugs, nasal drops, and antitussives are used. In most cases, treatment takes place at home, under the supervision of a local therapist (family doctor). If a barking cough occurs, you need to urgently call an ambulance: croup is a life-threatening condition. If there are no doctors nearby, you will have to act on your own: for croup, inhalations with aminophylline solution, antiallergic drugs (they soothe and relax the bronchi), aerosols similar to those used for asthma (based on salbutamol) will help. At the same time, you need to apply distraction therapy to them - put your feet in a bowl of hot water. Reflexively, the larynx and bronchi can relax.
How to protect yourself? The same as for adenovirus infection.
Respiratory syncytial virus
Causes ARVI, which mainly affects the bronchi.
How does it manifest? The disease begins gradually, 3-7 days after contact with the patient. The temperature rises to a maximum of 37.2 or remains normal. Nasal breathing becomes difficult (although there is little discharge from the nose). The throat is red upon examination. A distinctive sign of this infection is a wheezing cough accompanied by shortness of breath (as during an attack of bronchial asthma). Wheezing is heard in the lungs. 3-7 days after the onset, these symptoms quickly disappear.
How to treat? The main focus of treatment is on combating bronchospasm: they are the same as during the development of croup with parainfluenza. If necessary, antipyretics.
How to protect yourself? The same as for adenovirus infection.
WHAT VIRUSES MAY APPEAR SOON
Enterovirus infection
Caused by a group of enteroviruses (Coxsackie, ECHO, etc.). They affect the central nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory systems, muscles and kidneys.
How does it manifest? The disease begins 2-7 days after contact with the patient - always suddenly, acutely, with a rise in temperature to 39-400C, chills, and headache. The cheeks and lips become bright scarlet, and the nasolabial triangle (between the nose and upper lip) becomes pale white. In addition to these general symptoms, there are different forms of this infection: some have a more pronounced sore throat (viral sore throat), others have paroxysmal pain in the muscles of the abdomen, chest, back, arms and legs (this condition is called epidemic myalgia) , and for some, severe headaches, convulsions, nausea and vomiting predominate - in this case, enteroviral meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain) can be suspected. Enteroviral inflammation of the heart - myocarditis - also occurs. Depending on the form and severity, enterovirus infection can last from a week to a month.
How to treat? Antipyretic and painkillers help. If you have a severe headache or heart pain, you need to call an ambulance and go to the hospital - the patient may have meningitis or myocarditis.
How to protect yourself? Since the virus is transmitted in two ways - through dirty hands (fecal-oral route) and through the patient’s breath (airborne route), the main preventive procedures are hand washing with soap, plus all the same methods that are used to prevent adenovirus infection.
Rotavirus infection
Caused by rotavirus. The intestines are primarily affected.
How does it manifest? The disease begins 1-7 days after contact with the patient - abruptly, with fever, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Abdominal cramps are not typical. In addition, the patient has a sore throat and a moderate runny nose.
How to treat? Antidiarrheal drugs (for example, based on loperamide, saccharomycetes, smectite), diet (the first two days - sweet tea and crackers, then rice water, porridge) plus digestive enzyme preparations (taken with meals) help. Often due to severe diarrhea, rotavirus infection is accompanied by dehydration. In this case, it is imperative to replenish the supply of electrolytes (sodium salts, potassium salts, etc.), otherwise the cardiovascular system may begin to “fail.”
How to protect yourself? The same as for enteroviruses.
Measles
Caused by paramyxovirus. It affects the upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin.
How does it manifest? Deterioration in health begins 8-17 days after the onset of the disease. First, the temperature rises to 38-39C, the eyes turn red, the voice becomes hoarse, and a “barking” cough appears. A few days after the onset, when examining the palate, rashes are visible on the palate - pinkish-white spots several millimeters in size. On the 4th-5th day of illness, a rash appears on the skin behind the ears, on the neck, and scalp. The eyelids become swollen. Simultaneously with the rash, general health deteriorates. Treatment is under the supervision of a local doctor. Measles lasts 2-3 weeks.
How to treat? Antipyretics and antitussives help. Severely ill patients are hospitalized, and anti-measles gamma globulin is administered in the hospital.
How to protect yourself? The same as for adenovirus infection. Considering that measles is highly contagious, doctors isolate everyone who has been in contact with the patient at home or in the hospital.
EXPERT ADVICE
Oleg Nazar, immunologist: “To prepare for a worthy meeting of viruses, you need to help your immune system. If you feel normal and there are no sick people around, then it’s enough to eat more fresh fruits, don’t overwork, move more - this will be enough for your immune system to fight off any infection.
But if you are weakened or have been in contact with a sick person, then you should play it safe with the help of immunomodulatory drugs - they increase the body’s production of the antiviral protein interferon. These can be drugs based on inosine, arbidol, amizon, amiksin.
It is useful to put drops containing interferon into the nose. An immunologist or pharmacist will recommend specific medications. How to take them is described in the annotations to the drug. If you start taking them as soon as you feel unwell, you can prevent the development of the disease, even if the virus has already entered the body; in extreme cases, you can suffer a mild form of the disease. This applies to any viral infection, because there is no specific treatment for each individual virus.”
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Diagnosis of sore throat due to coronavirus
First you need to decide on your general health and pay attention to other complaints. You should definitely consult a doctor if you have a fever for two days or longer, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and bluish skin in the facial area. In case of severe shortness of breath, cyanosis or persistent high temperature, it is advisable to call an ambulance, as the patient will require emergency treatment. In other cases, it is recommended to call the reception desk of your clinic and call a doctor. You should not go to the hospital on your own just for a sore throat, since the risk of contracting coronavirus in such conditions is high.
At home, the doctor will check your medical history. The specialist will pay attention to age, past illnesses, chronic pathologies, bad habits and other factors. An assessment of complaints is carried out to clarify the primary diagnosis. Auscultation of the lungs and heart helps to assess the condition of these organs and exclude obvious signs of pneumonia, heart failure and other serious pathologies. An approximate assessment of the level of oxygen saturation in the blood is carried out using a pulse oximeter. The doctor does not forget to examine the throat to detect redness, swelling and other signs. Only this manipulation may be enough to detect the characteristic signs of a sore throat.
Home treatment must be approved by a doctor
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will not be able to determine whether the patient has a coronavirus infection. The examination is aimed at excluding a serious condition. The specialist may refer the patient for hospitalization and prescribe additional tests or medications. Sometimes a patient is asked to take a coronavirus test using antibody detection or PCR. An additional examination for suspicious symptoms is a computed tomography scan of the lungs.
Treatment methods
Regardless of what cause led to the pain and sore throat, the treatment for these conditions is the same. These are symptomatic methods that lead to an improvement in the condition of the body during illness. The following simple methods are used to neutralize pain and stop the inflammatory reaction:
- rinsing with herbal decoctions (chamomile, string, calendula);
- rinsing with antiseptic solutions (Furacilin, Chlorhexidine, to which you can add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide);
- resorption of tablets with an antiseptic anti-inflammatory effect (Grammidin, Strepsils);
- the use of a spray whose action is aimed at relieving irritation, eliminating inflammation, bacterial infection and discomfort (Tantum Verde, Panavir, Miramistin).
It is recommended to initially gargle with any chosen remedy. Then the lollipops are dissolved or sprayed with an antiseptic. This method will eliminate mucus secretion and at the same time relieve inflammation and bacterial infection.
Symptomatic treatment is used until the symptoms end; taking antibacterial or antiseptic drugs lasts no more than 7 days.
In addition to medications, other medications must be used to eliminate pain in the nasopharynx. For example, antiviral, antipyretic, painkillers. Follow doctor's orders.
Other symptoms
- Increased body temperature. The exact scope of changes in this indicator during coronavirus is unknown. The temperature may rise slightly or reach fever. Often patients develop a temperature above 39 degrees Celsius and do not subside for a long time when using antipyretic medications. Symptoms that persist for two days or longer indicate the need to see a doctor.
- Dry cough. Along with fever, it is one of the most common symptoms of coronavirus infection. The intensity of the disease varies from patient to patient. Some patients complain of a continuous hacking cough, accompanied by pain and sore throat. Other patients say that this symptom occurs only periodically.
- Shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest. A serious symptom that rarely occurs with other types of acute respiratory viral infections. Severe respiratory distress causes tachycardia, cyanosis and other complications. If you have such a complaint, you should immediately be examined by a doctor and assess the level of oxygen saturation in your blood. It is also recommended to perform a CT scan of the lungs to rule out pneumonia.
- Rash on the body. This nonspecific symptom is reported in 5-10% of patients with coronavirus. Redness of the toes often occurs, resembling frostbite or a reaction to an insect bite. There may be other types of rashes, including a hives-like rash.
- Loss of smell or taste. Refers to common manifestations of COVID19. First of all, olfactory sensitivity disappears. Sometimes a mild coronavirus infection is generally limited to such a symptom. Patients pay attention to sensory disturbances when eating food. Scientists associate this complaint with swelling of the nasal mucosa or temporary damage to nerve fibers.
- Less common symptoms: runny nose, headache, loose stools, dizziness, sneezing. There is no evidence that coronavirus infection causes these disorders.
If a sore throat is accompanied by a dry cough and fever, then coronavirus is considered a more obvious preliminary diagnosis in an epidemic, but other causes should not be excluded either.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of the disease are nonspecific. It is characterized by the same symptoms that develop in other diseases. Each day is characterized by symptoms that the patient pays attention to. Data for adults and children are shown in the table.
Sick days | Clinical signs |
1 | The patient feels fine, there is no discomfort |
2 | Dyspeptic disorders appear. They are characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and impaired stool formation. Diarrhea and vomiting occur, leading to dehydration |
3 | Body temperature rises to subfebrile levels, that is, 37-37.5 degrees. There is body aches, pain in joints and muscles. A slight cough may begin. This is typical for intoxication from the effects of viral metabolic products. |
4 | The cough gets worse. Copious sputum production begins, pain behind the sternum. Body temperature rises to 38 degrees or more |
5-7 | The patient develops severe weakness. He has difficulty getting out of bed and moving around. The temperature continues until active treatment begins. If severe hypoxia occurs due to pneumonia, connection to a ventilator is required, without which there is a high risk of death |
After undergoing therapy, recovery occurs. Symptoms gradually disappear and health improves. But this is typical only for those people whose body has coped with the infection that has arisen.
Treatment for sore throat due to coronavirus
The correct therapy is prescribed only by a doctor after examination. Medicines are selected to fight the virus and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. These are antiviral, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants and other medications. The selection of medications is carried out taking into account the medical history and severity of the patient’s condition. Symptomatic treatment of sore throat during coronavirus infection is almost no different from similar measures for ARVI. The therapist can prescribe the patient a spray with analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components. You can buy rinsing solutions and lozenges.
It is permissible to use home methods for treating sore throat after consultation with your doctor. Such methods should not interfere with the selected treatment methods or worsen the patient’s well-being. Typically, doctors approve of drinking milk with honey, herbal tea and propolis-based products. It is not advisable to take drugs from the NSAID group without prior consultation with a specialist. Taking more serious medications on your own during coronavirus is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms of colds and ARVI
Colds and acute respiratory viral infections are caused by viruses. They can be adenovirus, rhinovirus and other pathogenic microorganisms. The immune system of most patients gets used to the penetration of such an infection. Therefore, no severe clinical symptoms are observed. Only the following symptoms may occur:
- nasal congestion, mucous discharge;
- if the condition is complicated by a bacterial infection, purulent discharge forms from the nose;
- most patients develop a slight low-grade fever, only some of them increase the value above 38 degrees;
- a slight cough caused by the flow of mucous secretions from the nose into the throat;
- feeling of a lump in the throat due to the accumulation of phlegm, which you want to cough up;
- redness of the throat, which often leads to pharyngitis or a complication of sore throat;
- body aches, joint pain.
The disease can often be complicated by additional symptoms if untreated pathology causes complications. Purulent rhinitis, sore throat, and tracheitis often form. Therefore, even with a common cold, it is necessary to start taking medications in a timely manner, especially if the patient is at risk for additional infection.
How did you get sick with coronavirus in 2014-2016?
I found a very interesting article here on how they were sick and what type of ARVI they were in 2014-2016! This study attempted to understand the structure of the viruses encoded in the word SARS. The article completely turns everything on its head, or rather from its head to its feet)) And so, the study was carried out in the North-Western (cities of Arkhangelsk, Kaliningrad, Petrozavodsk, St. Petersburg), Central (cities of Belgorod, Smolensk, Tula, Yaroslavl), Southern (cities of Astrakhan, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don), Volga (cities of Izhevsk, Kazan, Kirov, Orenburg, Perm), Ural (Ekaterinburg), Siberian (cities of Irkutsk, Omsk, Tomsk, Chita) and Far Eastern (cities Birobidzhan, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Khabarovsk). The total observed population is about 20 million people . The study included 103,849 hospitalized and outpatient patients with ARVI symptoms: children aged 0–2, 3–6, 7–14 years and adults (15 years and older). During 2014-2016, we had 51,043 coronavirus cases in Russia!
The age structure looks like this:
ARVI of non-influenza etiology was more often detected in young children (0–2 years). They accounted for 72.5 and 62.8% of all cases of bocavirus and RS infections, respectively, less - parainfluenza (45.5%), adenovirus (42.4%), metapneumovirus (42.2%), rhinovirus ( 39.9%) and coronavirus infections (37.7%). The proportion of the adult population of coronavirus (33.3%) , rhinovirus (25.7%) and parainfluenza (21.8%) infections was greater .0% respectively.
Those. Every third ARVI in children and adults is a coronavirus!
And the most interesting thing in the article is the description of the seasonal factor of infections!
A comparison of the dynamics of identifying cases of ARVI of non-influenza etiology demonstrates differences in their seasonality (Fig. 2). The distribution of cases of identified infections by season of the year over a 3-year period confirmed the pronounced seasonality of influenza infection: influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 - winter (80.0% of cases), influenza A(H3N2) - winter-spring (60.8% in winter , 38.1% - in spring) and influenza B - winter-spring (31.8% - in winter and 66.0% - in spring) (Fig. 3). In the fall and summer, influenza was detected in isolated cases (from 0.01 to 2.0%). For ARVI of non-influenza etiology, the seasonality was winter-spring with RS-viral (40.9% in winter and 46.9% in spring), coronavirus infection (36.7% in winter and 38.5% in spring) and metapneumovirus infection (39.4% in winter and 30.6% in spring).
Those. Coronavirus reaches its peak epidemic during winter and spring. In a month they will be reporting on super effective quarantine measures)) and receiving awards!
Conclusion - you can start buying a sagging market from mid-April!
PS If anyone is scared by patients with COVID-19 who are on artificial ventilation, then try to ignore them, just as you previously ignored patients with flu who are on artificial ventilation: https://tass.ru/proisshestviya/6074481https://pln -pskov.ru/society/70428.htmlhttps://www.rosminzdrav.ru/en/special/regional_news/4104-sverdlovskaya-oblast-uroven-zabolevaemosti-grippom-i-orvi-na-srednem-urale-snizilsya-na -40
Link to article: doi.org/10.31631/2073-3046-2018-17-35-47
What if treatment doesn't help?
With coronavirus infection and ARVI, there are cases when the prescribed treatment does not help. This can be judged after 4-5 days. It is not recommended to change the method of therapy on your own. Contact a doctor who conducts the following tests:
- general examination;
- virological test using PCR or ELISA;
- bacteriological culture of sputum.
Often therapy does not help due to an incorrect diagnosis. For example, a doctor thinks it’s a common cold, but the patient’s coronavirus is progressing. Therefore, laboratory tests are needed, without which it is impossible to identify the exact microorganism.
In another case, the doctor believes that the cause of the red throat is a fluttering virus. But the condition is provoked by a bacterial infection. Therefore, areas of pus gradually form, which intensifies the pain even more.
In both cases, it is necessary to change treatment tactics. If a patient has coronavirus, antiviral drugs are prescribed according to the protocol. If there is a bacterial infection, use an antibiotic to which the pathogenic microorganism is sensitive. Typically, broad-spectrum drugs are used.
Causes
Herpes localized in the throat is most often caused by the herpes simplex virus. It penetrates inside through the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, eyes and genitals. The virus then moves to the spinal cord, where it remains until favorable conditions occur. When immunity declines, the virus is activated and causes disease.
The herpes virus is persistent in the external environment, so it can be transmitted through contact and household contact. It is transmitted through shared bedding, towels, dishes, toothbrushes, and food. Therefore, it is important to maintain good hygiene and use only your own shower accessories, and not drink from someone else’s dishes.
Herpes is a direct indicator of low immunity. The initial stage of infection is stomatitis, caused by two types of virus:
- Type 1 – the most common, initiates labial herpes, localized on the face. Sometimes rashes from the lip area move into the oral cavity, spreading to the throat. Sometimes infection occurs directly through the oral mucosa. This is possible if there are microtraumas on it and contact with the patient or use of his things. This variant of the disease is typical for young children who learn about the world through their mouths;
- Type 2 – causes a genital infection that develops into herpes in the throat in adults during oral sex. The patient is contagious even in the absence of external manifestations, since the process often occurs in a latent form.
In an inactive state, the virus can remain inside the body for up to several years. But with a decrease in immunity, the virus initiates the development of the disease, emerging from the nerve fibers of the spinal cord.
A decrease in the body's reactivity occurs for several reasons:
- presence of bad habits (alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking);
- prolonged exposure to low temperatures;
- presence of HIV, AIDS;
- prolonged emotional stress;
- avitaminosis;
- unbalanced diet;
- extensive injuries;
- surgical intervention;
- prolonged heavy physical activity;
- overwork due to improper daily routine and lack of proper rest;
- burns of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat;
- acute viral and bacterial infections (ARVI, pneumonia, influenza, sore throat, intestinal infections);
- treatment with immunosuppressants.
The high virulence and persistence of the virus in the external environment allows it to successfully spread between people, causing damage to various parts of the body, including the throat. To better understand the process of the onset of the disease, it is necessary to know the processes that occur in the presence of a herpes infection.
Viral throat: mechanism of disease development
Viral throat - this disease primarily manifests itself as a result of exposure of the human body to low temperature. For example, in the off-season, when wet feet are added to the cold. The cause may also be a viral infection received from another sick person, or overheating.
Microorganisms enter the human circulatory system. Viruses completely block all processes occurring in healthy cells, parasitizing them and spreading further. When it comes to respiratory infections, only the cells of the respiratory tract are susceptible to them.
The virus, settling on the mucous membranes, triggers the immune system in adults and children. As a protective reaction, a large amount of sputum is produced. Despite the fact that in a normal state the body copes with the virus within a week, the disease can degenerate into a sore throat, since mucus is an excellent breeding ground for streptococcal bacteria. In this case, treatment will be delayed.
About antiviral drugs
Influencing the course of a viral infection is not as easy as it might seem. For many viruses, drugs whose effectiveness would be confirmed by research have not yet been developed.
For example, the Epstein-Barr virus and the Coxsackie virus are practically unaffected by any antiviral agents. The best medicine against these viruses is antibodies produced by the sick person’s own immune system.
Thus, treatment of mononucleosis and herpangina is mainly symptomatic (rest, antiseptic treatment of the throat, drinking plenty of fluids, etc.).
However, there are drugs that are effective against some viruses, such as the influenza virus. Since influenza poses a serious threat to human life, its treatment should begin with taking an antiviral drug.
Drugs actively used in the treatment of influenza can be divided into 3 groups:
- Substances that disrupt the reproduction of the virus by blocking the neuramidase enzyme (drugs such as Zanamivir, Oseltamivir).
- Drugs that affect the metabolism of the M2 protein necessary for virus division (Amantadine, Rimantadine).
- Agents that stimulate the production of its own antiviral substance - interferon (drugs Arbidol, Amiksin, Groprinosin, Cycloferon).
Antiviral drugs, like any other medicines, may have contraindications and side effects, so before using them you should carefully read the instructions and consult a specialist.
The throat with coronavirus usually hurts in the first days of illness, along with fever and severe weakness, possibly soreness and dryness. Further irritation is associated with a persistent cough. Upon examination, it is red, there are no blisters, ulcers, pustules, or plaque, which helps to distinguish coronavirus from other diseases. Most patients have symptoms similar to the flu or a common cold, so testing is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Gargling for a sore throat is of auxiliary value; it helps to soften and moisturize the mucous membranes. Use a decoction of chamomile, calendula, and soda. In case of possible contact, you can disinfect the nasopharynx with Chlorhexidine or Miramistin (the throat is irrigated or gargled), but they do not provide a 100% guarantee of the prevention of coronavirus infection.