Throat Infection Symptoms

Throat infection, also known as throat pain, strep throat, sore throat or pharyngitis, is an infection or an inflammation of the pharynx, throat or tonsils. It is one of the most common medical conditions found all over the world. It can occur at any time of the year, but, is commonly found during winter. Although a person of any age group can suffer from throat infection; children and older people are found to be more susceptible to it.

Throat infection can be divided into two types: viral throat infection and bacterial throat infection. As the name suggests, viral infection is caused by a variety of viruses, like the flu virus or the mononucleosis virus. The infection caused due to virus is known as sore throat. Sore throat is often accompanied by common cold and influenza (flu). On the other hand, bacterial throat infection, known as strep throat, is caused by Streptococcus bacteria. You should also keep in mind that strep throat is contagious as it is caused due to bacterial infection. Let us now take a look at the symptoms of throat infection in detail.

Throat Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of throat infection can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the condition. Most of the symptoms observed in case of adults are similar to those observed in children. The following are the signs of throat infection in adults and children:

• Discomfort in throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Cough
• Sneezing

Signs of Throat Infection in Babies
If babies come in contact with children or adults having strep throat, they too get infected by the disease. The symptoms of throat infection in babies include:

• Swollen throat
• Low-grade fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Irritability
• Frequent crying

Signs of Viral Throat Infection
The symptoms of sore throat and strep throat differ from each other. The following are the symptoms of throat infection caused due to virus.

• Dryness of throat
• Voice becomes deeper
• Congestion
• Sinus pain

Signs of Bacterial Throat Infection
There is only a slight difference between the symptoms of viral and bacterial infection. Bacterial throat infection symptoms include:

• Inflamed throat
• Slight fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Tiredness

Throat Infection Treatment

Throat infections (bacterial and viral) can last for 3-7 days. However, bacterial infection is not contagious after 24 hours on taking antibiotics. It is wise to consult the doctor for an accurate diagnosis of throat infection. Bacterial throat infection can be treated effectively by antibiotics, as antibiotics help in killing bacteria in the body. On the contrary, antibiotics are ineffective in the case of viral infections, as the viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics. Viral throat infection subsides on its own after a couple of days. You should also remember to the consult the doctor immediately if other symptoms like nausea and dizziness are followed by the above mentioned symptoms, as it can be sign of other complication like ear infections.

Several sore throat home remedies are helpful in treating bacterial or viral throat infection in adults as well as children. Gargling with salt in lukewarm water is one such age-old but effective home remedy for throat infection. Similarly, drinking plenty of water helps in keeping the body hydrated. Along with water, vegetable or chicken soups can also be consumed to relieve the symptoms of throat infection. Having hot tea (black or white) with ginger is another useful remedy to treat throat infection. It is not recommended to use home remedies in case of throat infection in babies.

Prevention of Throat Infection

Throat infection can be prevented by having a strong immune system. Therefore, a person must strive to build a powerful immune system. Having a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise and a good intake of vitamin C helps in increasing the immunity of the body. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are rich sources of vitamin C. On the other hand, one should stay away from people suffering from common cold or flu, as these diseases are contagious. Children and babies, especially, should be protected against these contagious diseases.

It is beneficial to know and identify the signs and symptoms of throat infection in order to get the condition treated as soon as possible. In case you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms, consult the doctor immediately. Take care!