Chronic tonsillitis is mostly caused by bacterial infection and lead to complications if not treated. Tonsillitis, more often than not, is marked by throat irritation, sore throat and fever. Tonsillitis is primarily an inflammation of the tonsils, either of two masses of lymphatic tissue one on each side of the pharynx. Tonsillitis causes include viral or bacterial infection. Regardless of the cause, tonsillitis is contagious and transmitted from one person to another by sneezing and coughing.

However, most cases of tonsillitis are due to a viral infection and do not require antibiotic treatment. Bacterial tonsillitis is caused by streptococcal bacteria that lead to a strep throat. While 30% of cases of tonsillitis in children are due to a strep throat, in adults, it results in tonsillitis only in 10% of the cases. Tonsillitis causes swelling, irritation in the throat and other symptoms but it is not clearly established whether these are due to the infective agents or a weak immune system of the infected individual.

Throat irritation is among the most common among tonsillitis symptoms. Other tonsillitis symptoms are also almost the same as laryngitis and sore throat. These include difficult in swallowing, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, cough and hoarseness. Presence of volatile sulfur compounds due to bacteria feeding on mucus in the pits formed in the tonsils results in bad breath. Clinical examination reveals white pus spots on tonsils, redness of throat and tonsils and tenderness of lymph nodes of the neck.

Initial tonsillitis treatment is focused on pain management and temporary measures such as throat lozenges for relief from irritation in the throat. Over-the counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are used for pain relief. Antibiotics are prescribed only in the case of bacterial infection because they are ineffective against viruses. If the patient is not allergic to penicillin, it is the preferred antibiotic therapy. Erythromycin and clarithromycin are prescribed for individuals allergic to penicillin.

In addition to medical treatment patients are also advised home care such as gargling with warm water mixed with salt and drinking plenty of fluids for management of fever and preventing dehydration, especially in kids. It is also important to complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor even if you see significant improvement in symptoms. If symptoms persist despite treatment, consult your doctor.

Timely tonsillitis treatment is of extreme importance because left untreated it may lead to complications that require surgical treatment. During an infection an abscess may develop by the side of the tonsil, typically in the early stages of infection. In rare cases the infection may also spread to the nearby internal jugular vein resulting in septicemia infection. Chronic tonsillitis may also result in swelling of tonsil to such an extent that swallowing is impaired, which requires tonsillectomy or surgical removal of tonsils.

Strep throat symptoms like throat irritation should not be ignored because they are an indication of bacterial infection and a contagious disease. Strep throat, basically a group A streptococcal infection particularly affects the pharynx and it’s known as pharyngitis. In some cases it may also affect the larynx and tonsils. The bacteria are present in the nose and throat and transmit from one person to another through sneezing, coughing and shaking hands. Transmission may also occur by touching objects or surfaces touched by an infected person. Children are at higher risk of contacting streptococcal infection especially during a school season. Strep throat may also be due to other causes as well.

It is important to note that the most common cause of throat irritation is viral infection and should not be confused with strep throat. Sore throat due to viral infection does not need treatment and the symptoms improve on its own. Signs and symptoms of strep throat and viral infection often mimic each other. While nasal discharge, productive cough with pale or greenish expectoration and red and irritated eyes also signify viral infection, there may also be a case of streptococcal infection as well. Laboratory tests read in association with prevalent symptoms often confirm a diagnosis.

Symptoms of strep throat such as a sore throat occur suddenly and the infected person may find it difficult to swallow. Clinical symptoms include white spots on tonsils and tender cervical lymph nodes or lymph nodes found in the neck. Pharyngitis is normally accompanied by fever, headache, general discomfort, bad breath, abdominal or back pain and pain in the ear. In certain cases strep throat causes hives, rash, chills, and appetite loss.

Strep throat treatment involves medical intervention as well as self care at home. It is very important to drink adequate fluids for managing fever. If swallowing is a problem then try sipping small quantities of high-quality liquids like soup broth and fruit juice mixed with sugar and warm water. Over-the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are used for relief from throat pain and reducing fever. These are also effective in alleviating back pain and improve sore throat. Throat lozenges are effective for relief from throat irritation but only in mild cases of strep throat.

Although the symptoms disappear on their own in a week, if streptococcal infection is confirmed antibiotic therapy is necessary for avoiding complications such as rheumatic fever. Penicillin is commonly prescribed for ten days and for those allergic to penicillin, erythromycin is preferred. Care should be taken to complete the prescribed dose of antibiotic even if you see signs of recovery. This is important for killing all the bacteria. The full course of antibiotic is also necessary for preventing recurrence of strep throat symptoms.

Post nasal drip symptoms start appearing when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal sinuses. Nasal sinuses are the bones of the face adjacent to the nasal cavity, lined with mucous membrane that is continuous with the inner lining of the nose. The excessive mucus produced by the sinuses accumulates in the back of the nose or the throat.

A healthy individual produces about two quarts of fluid (mucus). The microscopic hair in the nasal cavity help in brushing away the particles and the mucus is moved back to the throat and keeps the respiratory tract clean and moist. Excessive post nasal drip or nasal discharge manifests as numerous symptoms, including throat irritation. However, before we try to understand how, it is necessary to understand nasal discharge causes.

Post nasal drip is actually a general term for the sensation of thick phlegm in the throat. It is actually a part of the body’s defense mechanism and part of the mucous-nasal-cilia system for protection against disease.

There are two types of secretions or post nasal drips: thin and thick. Thin secretions can be caused by cold, flu, cold weather, certain foods and spices, allergies, pregnancy and hormonal changes. Thick secretions can result from nasal infections, sinusitis, allergies and rhinitis. Post nasal drip may also be due to laryngopharyngeal reflux or the backflow of stomach contents to the upper airways.

Rhinitis is the most common among nasal discharge causes. Rhinitis is a common condition that has numerous causes but basically it is the inflammation of the inner linings of the nasal cavities. Among others, the most common symptom of rhinitis is post nasal drip. Nasal discharge falling in the back of the throat may be infected, which is why post nasal drip sometimes results in throat irritation, sore throat and chronic cough.

Post nasal drip treatment is in the domain of an allergist, gastroenterologist or an ENT specialist but if the condition is mild you can consult a general practitioner or a pediatrician as the case may be. The first line of treatment is with steroid nasal sprays as steroids are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents. Long term use has adverse side effects and nasal sprays should be used under guidance of your doctor and tapered off rather than stopping abruptly. Other treatment options include oral steroids, decongestants and antihistamines. Antibiotics are prescribed only if an infection is identified. There may be a case of acid control medications if post nasal drip is due to laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Prevalence of post nasal drip does not always signify infection but the sore throat and throat irritation may result in swelling of tonsils and other tissues in the throat. Other post nasal drip symptoms can be quite frustrating leading to discomfort and a feeling of a lump in the throat too.

Viral pharyngitis is what most often causes a sore throat. This occurs when the pharynx becomes inflamed and it is irritated. This common cause of throat irritation does not often occur by itself. Actually, there is generally an infection elsewhere in the body as well.

There are a few different pharyngitis symptoms that people will most likely want to know about. Many people will most often have a difficult time swallowing and a fever may be present. Muscle aches, pains and flu like symptoms may also be present. This is not uncommon because the infectedc individual generally has an infection somewhere in the body other than in the pharynx, as previously mentioned. If someone is suffering from pharyngitis symptoms it is best to contact a local doctor.

Cases of throat irritation such means that pharyngitis treatment should be sought. Most often a local doctor will tell patients to take different anti-inflammatory medications that will help with the swelling of the pharynx. He or she may also recommend that patients take medication to help control the fever. However, a full prescription may not be needed because many of the symptoms that are experienced can be managed at home or with over the counter medications.

It may be very difficult to avoid various pharyngitis causes. This is because it is often caused by a bacteria and viruses that individuals come into contact with in the environment. People may not even be aware that the environment is infected until it is to late. What is important to remember is that hands need to be washed regularly. This is especially important when people have used the restroom, touched raw meat, or are preparing to eat. Childeren should also be taught to do the same in order to help decrease the likelihood of coming into contact with pharyngitis causes.

If someone is suffering from throat irritation and it does not seem to be going away, it may be importatnt to consider a simple pharyngitis treatment. This will entail taking the time to prepare some salt water. This is made by mixing a half of teaspoon of salt into warm water. Once the salt has dissolved it shoudl be gargled. This may help with throat irritation and make the patient feel better. People should be sure to pay attention to how many cough drops and such that are being used. Contrary to what many people believe, this may make things worse. Those suffering with this should contact a local doctor if the symptoms last longer than one week.

Please look at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001392.htm to learn more important information about issues related to viral pharyngitis.

If you experience throat irritation frequently it is better that you get it evaluated by a doctor because it could be a case of chronic laryngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx and marked by hoarseness and irritation in the throat.

Viral infection is the most common among laryngitis causes. It may also be caused by overuse of vocal cords. Bacterial and fungal infections are among less common laryngitis causes. Heavy smokers are at higher risk of developing laryngitis. Laryngitis may sometimes be a symptom of tuberculosis or syphilis infection. Chronic condition of laryngitis needs to be assessed by a doctor to rule out presence of a tumor, which may be cancerous, particularly in the case of smokers.

Laryngitis symptoms depend largely on the severity of the condition. Many times it develops after a few days of sore throat. Prominent laryngitis symptoms include hoarseness, coughing, difficulty in swallowing, tickling in the throat, a sensation of swelling in the throat and a constant urge to clear your throat. Cold or symptoms associated with flu may sometimes be a symptom as well as a causative factor for laryngitis and may be accompanied by fever. Young children normally have difficulty in breathing.

Usually laryngitis does not present serious symptoms. However, prevalence of high fever with sore throat, coughing with pale or green colored phlegm and inability to take liquids are indications that you should seek medical advice.

Since symptoms are closely associated with the cause, laryngitis treatment also depends upon the causative factor. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and are used only in the event of confirmed bacterial infection. If the cause is fungal infection, then the use of anti-fungal laryngitis treatment is recommended.

If laryngitis is due to overuse of voice there are no symptoms other than impairment of vocal chords. If the symptoms such as hoarseness last for more than two weeks it requires you to consult an ENT specialist trained in treating vocal disorders. If there is prevalence of vocal cord nodules it may involve a surgical procedure with or without speech therapy. Patients may be asked to lay less stress of vocal cords and avoid loud high pitched voicing.

Laryngitis may also be due to GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease, in which case treatment involved appropriate medication such as a histamine blocker and antacid. Smoking should be avoided regardless of the cause of laryngitis.

Since the most common cause of laryngitis is viral infection it is imperative to take preventive measures to avoid it. Wash your hands often and also avoid stressing your vocal cords. However, like common cold the risk of laryngitis is difficult to eliminate. Children should receive appropriate vaccines for protection against bacterial infections. Persistent throat irritation indicates chronic laryngitis and a cause of concern that should not be ignored.

Acute epiglottitis is a medical emergency since a problem with the epiglottis can interfere with breathing. Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing. It is located at the base of the tongue and prevents food from going into the trachea (windpipe). Infection of the epiglottis can potentially obstruct or completely close the windpipe.

There are few epiglottitis causes and limited to bacterial infection of the epiglottitis, mostly due to Haemophilus influenzae type B and in some cases due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes. Epiglottitis is typically more common in children and normally attacks suddenly but may range from a few hours to few days. However, epiglottitis is becoming more common in adults in western countries, including USA and UK, mainly due to the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae vaccination.

Throat irritation is common to many diseases including laryngitis, pharyngitis, strep throat and tonsillitis. It is usually discarded as a minor irritant since it normally appears to be harmless. Throat irritation though does not figure among prominent epiglottitis symptoms, it can sometimes be a harbinger of epiglottitis.

Early epiglottitis symptoms are beguiling but can progress very fast and from throat irritation and swelling can rapidly result in bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes and asphyxiation. In its initial stage, epiglottitis causes sore throat, muffling or changes in the voice, impaired speech, inability to swallow, abnormal heart beat, and respiratory distress. It is also marked by high fever but respiratory distress is by far the most prominent symptom. The patient appears in acute distress, anxious and leans forward, apparently struggling to breath and insists on sitting up in bed.

Diagnosis of epiglottis involves using a laryngoscope, a medical instrument for examining the larynx. The epiglottis and the two small cartilages at the back of the larynx to which the vocal folds are attached appear swollen and cherry-red in color. The doctor has to first rule out croup, abscesses in tonsils and in the tissues at the back of the throat.

Epiglottitis treatment involves antibiotic therapy but first attention is given to protect the airway for resumption of breathing. This requires endotracheal intubation, which is insertion of a cannula or tube into the trachea. It is a delicate procedure and should be performed by a certified professional specifically trained in anesthesiology. Infection is treated with third generation antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone or Chloramphenicol is used, either as a standalone epiglottitis treatment or in conjunction with penicillin or ampicillin.

Acute epiglottitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention but patients can recover and the disease has a good prognosis provided the condition is detected early and timely treatment is given.

Air pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the atmosphere. These can be anything that is harmful to the environment, humans and other living organisms, including chemicals, particulate matter and biological materials. When we think of pollution we normally think of smog, acid rain, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and other forms of outdoor pollution. However, indoor pollution is equally harmful and one of the major causes of increased incidence of disease. Throat irritation is one of the primary indications of poor outdoor and indoor air quality.

Hazardous air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from solids and liquids and some of these have short term and long term health effects. Concentrations of air pollutants are more than ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Moreover, paints, lacquers, paint removers, cleaning supplies, building materials, pesticides, furnishings also work to deteriorate indoor air quality. In offices, air quality is affected by equipment like copiers, printers, carbonless copy paper as well as glues and adhesives.

Studies reveal that the level of pollutants indoors is 2-5 times higher than outdoors. And may be a thousand times higher during and some hours after activities like painting and paint stripping.

The ability of organic chemicals to affect your health varies according to quality of indoor air as well toxicity of pollutants involved. Air pollution effects on your health also vary accordingly. Some of the adverse health effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, confusion, nausea and also results in liver and kidney impairment. Excessive pollution can also damage the central nervous system.

Immediate signs of air pollution effects are visible in eye, respiratory tract and throat irritation, which are reflected as symptoms like redness in eyes, difficulty in breathing, cough and excessive compulsion of frequently clearing your throat.

While environmental pollution control is a matter that has to be attended to globally, you can do your own bit to improve the indoor air quality. Products containing potentially hazardous air pollutants are legally bound to mention warnings aimed limiting exposure of the user. Try to meet the precautions mentioned on the label of the products that you are using and as much as possible use them according to instructions. Increase ventilation when using products that emit volatile organic compounds. Better still, go outdoors or use a room equipped with an exhaust fan. Avoid storing such products and buy only in quantities that you need for immediate use. Ensure that you dispose of unused materials safely.

You can aid in improving quality of air in your locality. Select areas in your house, for example the backyard or the front porch and plant trees wherever possible. Join community forums and discuss the need of protecting the environment. Your efforts at controlling air pollution will go a long way in protecting you and your children from its adverse effects.

Throat irritation is when an individual has a hard time swallowing. The person will notice that when they attempt to pass something through their throat, like food or water, it is very uncomfortable for them. They may even have heartburn that goes along with their throat irritation symptoms. However, the extent of the symptoms that they are experiencing will depend on what is causing the irritation in the first place.

There are numerous throat irritation causes that people will want to identify in order to work towards eliminating the pain and feeling better. Acid reflux may be one of the causes. This is when the stomach acid in your body begins to move up through your throat. This can cause a burning feeling. It can be very uncomfortable for someone. If people believe that this is what is causing their irritation, they will want to talk to a local doctor in order to find a solution to this problem. The person may consider taking an antacid or they may need a prescription medication.

Another cause of this irritation may be an infection of some sort. If the person has been fighting a cold or flu symptoms they may have this pain in their throat. Some people will want to contact a local doctor if they feel that they have an infection and they are not able to get rid of cold or flu symptoms with over the counter medications. You may need a prescription medication to help the throat feel better.

Some medications may also cause people to have pain in the throat. If they have recently started taking a new medication and they notice that their throat has started to become irritated they will want to review the side effects of any medications they are on. They may need to change medications.

There are a few home remedies that people can try in order to help get rid of a sore throat. A lot of people will gargle with salt water to try to get rid of the pain. Still others may use cough drops or other hard candies in order to help keep the throat moist so that it does not hurt as bad. Still other people may use a humidifier in order to help make the air moist and help decrease the irritation.

If a sore throat continues and the person is not able to get rid of it, the wise desicion to make is to call a local doctor. Be sure to tell them when it started and how long it has lasted. This may help them diagnose someone properly so proper treatment can be taken.

See Sore Throat for more on throat irritation.

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