6 Suggestions for Sore Throat

At Memorial Ankara Hospital ENT Department, Prof. Dr. Erdal Seren gave information about what can be good for sore throat. Stating that about 90 percent of sore throat, which can worsen with burning, dryness and swallowing, is viral infections. Dr. Erdal Seren, “Apart from this, factors such as tonsillitis, infectious mononucleosis (kissing disease) constitute more serious causes; Smoking, air pollution, and exposure to pets or allergens such as pollen are among the causes of sore throat.” said.

Speaking about other causes of sore throat, Prof. Dr. Erdal Seren said, “In some cases, the most obvious symptoms of sore throat, which can be confused with infections, allergic rhinitis, reflux, thyroid inflammation and jaw joint diseases, are feeling severe pain during speech and swallowing, hoarseness, cough, fever, throat swelling, white in the throat or tonsils. spots can be counted. First of all, throat culture should be taken from the patient, blood analysis should be done, and infection factors should be investigated in sore throat, which is diagnosed by a detailed examination by a specialist doctor. In addition, possibilities such as masses or glands can be examined with radiological imaging methods.

Saying that in sore throat, in which different treatment methods are applied for the underlying cause, if the cause is a viral infection, antiviral drug treatment is given by the specialist physician. Dr. Erdal Seren said, “There is no place for the use of antibiotics in sore throats caused by viral infections. Instead, plenty of fluid consumption, rest is recommended. However, antibiotics must be used for sore throats caused by bacteria. With the antibiotic treatment applied, the complaints of the patients begin to decrease within a few days. This relief should not lead to discontinuation of antibiotic use, that is, the given antibiotic treatment should be completed. Otherwise, the likelihood of the sore throat returning may increase.” he said.

Saying that paying attention to personal hygiene is the best way to prevent sore throat, Prof. Dr. Erdal Seren said, “Sore throat, which can be seen in everyone, is usually observed due to bacterial infection in people between the ages of 3-15, while this cause in adults can be listed as viral infections, smoking and reflux. Personal hygiene is the best way to prevent sore throat. Especially considering that viral infections are the cause of 90 percent of throat infections, washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with eyes and mouth, and closing the mouth while sneezing and coughing are among the precautions to be taken. he said.

prof. Dr. Erdal Seren listed some applications that can relieve your throat and help with sore throat, along with the medical treatment to be applied:

1. Irritants such as alcohol and tobacco should be avoided
2. Products such as pain relievers and throat lozenges can be used.
3. Gargle with warm salt water
4. Those with reflux-induced sore throat can sleep with a high pillow.
5. Air humidifiers can be used in sleeping places. This device can also be moved to other rooms
6. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent throat dryness.