Epiglottitis happens when the epiglottis — a small cartilage "lid" that covers the windpipe — swells. The swelling blocks the flow of air into the lungs. Epiglottitis can be deadly.
The most dangerous throat infection is epiglottitis, which infects a portion of the larynx (voice box) and causes swelling that closes the airway. Epiglottitis is an emergency condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Epiglottitis can be fatal if the throat becomes completely blocked. But most people make a full recovery with appropriate treatment.
A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week. Difficulty swallowing. Difficulty breathing. Difficulty opening your mouth.
laryngitis. tonsillitis. strep throat (a bacterial throat infection) glandular fever.
“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.”
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.
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.
Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.
Most sore throats are not serious, but severe symptoms can make breathing difficult. How a person deals with a sore throat depends on the severity and the cause. Usually, home remedies can soothe the discomfort until it goes away. However, sometimes it needs medical treatment.
Seek ER treatment if the cough or sore throat is accompanied by: Difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath. High fever.
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.
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.
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.
When to seek medical attention for a sore throat: If the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days. If the sore throat is accompanied by swollen glands that cause difficulty breathing or prevent the person from swallowing fluids.
Don't ignore it
If left untreated, strep throat can spread through your body and potentially cause other health issues, including: Rheumatic fever (affects the heart, joints, brain, and skin) Post-Streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease) Sinus and ear infections.
Causes of Chronic Sore Throat
Bacterial infections can also lead to sore throats. Some of the more common ones include strep throat, tonsillitis, whooping cough and diphtheria. A sore throat is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three months.
Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you don't take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.
In most cases, a sore throat is due to a common viruses and will resolve itself within about 3 to 10 days. If the sore throat is from a bacterial infection or allergies, it may last longer.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, you should see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated conditions: A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week. Difficulty swallowing. Difficulty breathing.
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.
Severe pain: Tonsillitis can be painful, but if the pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it may require emergency medical attention. High fever: A high fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit) can be a sign of a bacterial infection, which can lead to complications such as sepsis.
If someone keeps getting a sore throat after taking the right antibiotics, they may be a strep carrier and have a viral throat infection. Talk to a doctor if you think you or your child may be a strep carrier.