Disease Conditions of the Throat

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Pharyngitis

Description

Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx, often leading to a sore throat. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment

Supportive

  • Warm saline gargles
  • Hydration
  • Rest

Pharmacological

Pain Management:

  • Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
    • Adults: 500 mg to 1 g every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 4 g per day).
    • Children 6-12 years: 250-500 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 2 g per day).
    • Children 1-5 years: 120-250 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1 g per day).
  • Ibuprofen:
    • Adults: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1.2 g per day).
    • Children 4-7 years: 150 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).
    • Children 7-12 years: 200 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).

Antibiotics: For bacterial pharyngitis (e.g., streptococcal infection).

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V):
    • Adults and children over 12 years: 500 mg every 6 hours for 10 days.
    • Children 6-12 years: 250 mg every 6 hours for 10 days.
  • Amoxicillin:
    • Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours or 1 g every 12 hours for 10 days.
    • Children: 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for 10 days (not to exceed 1 g per dose).
  • Clarithromycin (if penicillin-allergic):
    • Adults: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 5-7 days.
    • Children: 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 5-7 days (maximum 500 mg per dose).
  • Cefuroxime:
    • Adult: 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for 7 days.
    • Children: 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day divided into two doses, taken for 7 days.

 

Tonsillitis

Description

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped lymph nodes located at the back of your throat. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • White or yellow patches on the tonsils
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Bad breath
  • Headache
  • Ear pain

Treatment

Supportive

  • Rest and hydration
  • Warm saltwater gargles
  • Lozenges for throat pain
  • Humidifying the air
  • Avoiding irritants like smoke and harsh cleaning products

Pharmacological

Pain Management:

  • Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
  • Adults: 500 mg to 1 g every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 4 g per day).
  • Children 6-12 years: 250-500 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 2 g per day).
  • Children 1-5 years: 120-250 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1 g per day).
    • Ibuprofen:
  • Adults: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1.2 g per day).
  • Children 4-7 years: 150 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).
  • Children 7-12 years: 200 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).

Antibiotics: For bacterial tonsillitis (e.g., streptococcal infection).

  • Amoxicillin:
  • Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours or 1 g every 12 hours for 10
  • Children: 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for 10 days (not to exceed 1 g per dose).
  • Clarithromycin (if penicillin-allergic):
  • Adults: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 5-7
  • Children: 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 5-7 days (maximum 500 mg per dose).
  • Cefuroxime:
  • Adult:250 to 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for 7
  • Children: 20 to 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day divided into two doses, taken for 7 days

Laryngitis

Description

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), often leading to hoarseness or loss of voice. It can be acute (lasting less than three weeks) or chronic (lasting more than three weeks).

Causes

  • Acute Laryngitis:
  • Viral infections (most common)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Fungal infections (e.g., Candida)
  • Vocal strain (yelling, singing, or speaking loudly for long periods)
  • Chronic Laryngitis:
  • Persistent overuse of the voice
  • GERD (chronic acid reflux)
  • Smoking
  • Allergies (e.g., hay fever, allergic rhinitis)
  • Exposure to irritants (e.g., cigarette smoke, alcohol)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Hoarseness
  • Loss of voice
  • Sore throat
  • Tickling or rawness in the throat
  • Dry cough
  • Dry throat

Treatment

Supportive

  • Resting the voice as much as possible
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Using a humidifier to keep the air moist
  • Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a hot shower
  • Avoiding whispering, which strains the voice more than normal speech
  • Avoiding irritants such as smoke, alcohol, and caffeine
  • Sucking on lozenges, gargling with salt water, or chewing gum to moisten the throat
  • Self-Care Tips
    • Avoid decongestants as they can dry out the throat.
    • Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
    • Avoid clearing the throat, which can irritate the vocal cords.
    • Eat a well-balanced diet to support overall health.

Pharmacological

Pain Management:

  • Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
    • Adults: 500 mg to 1 g every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 4 g per day).
    • Children 6-12 years: 250-500 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 2 g per day).
    • Children 1-5 years: 120-250 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1 g per day).
  • Ibuprofen:
    • Adults: 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed (maximum 1.2 g per day).
    • Children 4-7 years: 150 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).
    • Children 7-12 years: 200 mg every 8 hours (maximum 5-10 mg/kg daily).

  • Antibiotics: Only if bacterial infection is confirmed.

    • Penicillin V:
      • Adults and children over 12 years: 500 mg every 6-8 hours for 10 days.
    • Erythromycin:
      • Adults: 250-500 mg every 6-8 hours for 10 days.
      • Children: 5 mg/kg every 6-8 hours for 10 days.

Corticosteroids: Sometimes used to reduce vocal cord inflammation, particularly in urgent cases.

  • Prednisolone:
    • Adults: 30 mg daily for 5-7 days.
    • Children: Dose based on weight, typically 1-2 mg/kg/day.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Description

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the throat (pharynx) andmlarynx (voice box), causing irritation and inflammation.

The causes include:

  • Dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allowing acid to escape from the stomach
  • Dietary factors (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol)
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

Signs and Symptoms

  • Hoarseness
  • Chronic cough
  • Throat clearing
  • Sensation of a lump in the throat
  • Sore throat
  • Postnasal drip
  • Difficulty swallowing

Treatment

Supportive

  • Avoid foods and beverages that trigger reflux (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol)
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating
  • Elevate the head of the bed
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stop smoking
    • Self-Care Tips
    • Avoid eating late at night
    • Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on the stomach
    • Stay upright for at least 3 hours after meals
    • Use at least 2 pillows when lying in bed

Pharmacological

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production.

  • Omeprazole: Adults: 20-40 mg once daily before a meal for 4-8