What are some bad throat infections?

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are throat infections that cause inflammation. Pharyngitis and tonsillitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and cigarette smoking. Most infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics don't cure a viral infection, and should not be used.

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What are serious throat infections?

(Pharyngitis; Tonsillitis; Tonsillopharyngitis)

Throat infections are usually caused by a virus but may be caused by bacteria such as streptococcal bacteria. Symptoms include severe pain with swallowing and swollen, red tonsils. The diagnosis is based on an examination of the throat.

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What is the most painful throat infection?

Strep throat, which is an infection due to streptococcus bacteria, is another cause of sore throats and tonsillitis. With strep throat, the sore throat is often more severe and persists.

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How do I know if my throat infection is serious?

“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”

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Can you be hospitalized for a throat infection?

In rare cases, a sore throat can be considered an emergency. If you or someone in your care experiences difficulty breathing, drooling, and significant difficulty swallowing, visit a hospital ER immediately.

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Is Your Sore Throat Caused by Bacterial Infection or Viral?

38 related questions found

What does strep throat look like?

Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae.

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What STD causes sore throat?

A Sore Throat might mean that a person is suffering from Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Herpes, or Chlamydia. Almost all of these infections lead to developing throat infections after engaging in Oral sex. Most people take sore throats very lightly, which is exactly the opposite of what you should do.

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What do I do if my sore throat is unbearable?

Wise Choices
  1. Try hot tea with lemon or some hot soup.
  2. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candies.
  3. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips.
  4. Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. ...
  5. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially when sleeping, to keep air from getting too dry.

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Why do I have an unbearable sore throat?

Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat. Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly or talking for long periods without rest.

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Can a throat infection be life threatening?

“But if they're sick from a virus or catch strep from someone, the bacteria can invade their body through the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. This can cause the type of severe disease we describe as invasive group A strep infection, which can be deadly especially for children.”

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How long does a bad throat infection last?

Viral pharyngitis often goes away in five to seven days. If you have bacterial pharyngitis, you will feel better after you have taken antibiotics for two to three days. You must take your antibiotic even when you are feeling better. If you don't take all of it, your sore throat could come back.

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Why wont my worst sore throat go away?

If your sore throat persists for more than a week, you should contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. There may be an underlying condition that requires medication.

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Why is sore throat worse at night?

Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.

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When should I go to the hospital for tonsillitis?

symptoms last longer than four days and don't show any signs of improvement. symptoms are severe – for example, if you're unable to eat or drink due to the pain, or you have difficulty breathing.

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Can you be hospitalized for strep throat?

Though strep throat (streptococcus) is often very painful and highly contagious, it doesn't often require a trip to the emergency room. However, in some rare cases, patients with extreme symptoms should seek emergency medical attention for proper care.

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Should I go to the hospital for a sore throat?

Some sore throat causes, such as strep, tonsillitis and abscesses, are tied to a bacterial infection. These infections must be treated with antibiotics. When to seek medical attention for a sore throat: If the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days.

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How long should a very sore throat last?

Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as cold or flu and can be treated at home.

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Is it OK to give oral with a sore throat?

Although there are many things that can be transmitted directly through unprotected oral sex, your sore throat is probably not one of them. Most sore throats are caused by viruses like the common cold or flu.

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What kills a sore throat fast?

If you really want to get rid of a sore throat, reach for these best OTC cures next time you're feeling achy.
  • Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. ...
  • Drink extra-cold liquids. ...
  • Suck on an ice pop. ...
  • Fight dry air with a humidifier. ...
  • Skip acidic foods. ...
  • Swallow antacids. ...
  • Sip herbal teas.

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Can a BJ cause a sore throat?

While having a sore throat after oral sex could very well denote the presence of an STD –– you may also simply have a cold.

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What are 4 symptoms of strep throat?

Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
  • Throat pain that usually comes on quickly.
  • Painful swallowing.
  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
  • Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck.
  • Fever.

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How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

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When should I go to the doctor for a sore throat?

Viral sore throats typically show signs of improvement within five days. But if your symptoms don't improve or you have a fever of 101 or higher that lasts for a few days, it may be time to see your primary care physician.

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Is it bad to lay in bed all day when sick?

Getting extra sleep when you're sick doesn't just give you a few hours of respite from unpleasant symptoms: Sleep is like medicine for the immune system, ultimately helping you make a full recovery from an illness. “Sleep is the only time of anyone's day or night where we have restoration processes happening.

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Why does my sore throat last 3 weeks?

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.

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