It depends. If we are talking about symptoms, the anti-inflammatories are quite effective. But these only improve inflammation by not acting directly on the cause. If the question refers to healing then there is no single answer. Sore throat can have several different causes, each of which has a specific treatment. There is no single remedy that will cure all sorts of sore throats.
2) What are the main causes of sore throat?
Bacterial infections, mainly of the streptococcus group; viral infections, such as mononucleosis, influenza, HIV and enterovirus; irritations of the mucosa of the pharynx of non-infectious origin, autoimmune diseases such as Kawasaki's disease or Behcet's syndrome, among others.
3) Do all sore throats need to be treated with antibiotics?
No, only those caused by bacteria.
4) Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are the same thing?
No. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx; Tonsillitis of the tonsils. As both are anatomically close and susceptible to the same inflammatory causes, it is common to ignite together in a frame called pharyngotonsillitis. The treatment is also the same, but pharyngitis and tonsillitis are not the same thing.
5) Does not treating pharyngitis properly, expecting it to improve on its own, or can treating it only with home remedies cause any complications?
Yes, especially if it is a bacterial infection. These should always be treated with antibiotics. When it comes to diseases, always avoid the easy way, which is self-medication and the use of home remedies without scientific evidence.
6) What are the most common complications of untreated bacterial pharyngitis/tonsillitis?
Scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis after strep throat and abscesses.
7) Why do some people take Benzetacil injection for throat infections?
To prevent rheumatic fever. This treatment is especially recommended for children as it consists of a single dose of antibiotic.
8) Can Benzetacil be replaced with oral antibiotics?
Yes, however, oral treatment can take up to 10 days, depending on the antibiotic. As clinical improvement usually comes in 72 hours, many patients give up treatment before the end, favoring the occurrence of resistant bacteria and at risk of developing rheumatic fever. Benzetacil is made in a single dose and remains in the body for several days, thus ensuring complete treatment.
9) If I remove the tonsils, will I be free of the sore throats forever?
Probably not. Many of the people who operate the tonsils no longer have tonsillitis and have bouts of pharyngitis. Infection only changes site. Currently the tonsil removal is indicated only in children and, even so, in selected cases.
10) Honey with propolis helps to heal pain in the throat?
The classic folk recipe lacks scientific support and works as much as a placebo. Honey does not help and the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis is much lower than any anti-inflammatory sold in pharmacies.
11) Can I drink ice liquids or eat ice cream can worsen my throat pain?
No, but some people get symptomatic relief from hot foods. Some patients do not tolerate frozen foods during crises, but this is individual.
12) Is it normal for lymph glands to appear in the neck during a pharyngitis/tonsillitis crisis?
Yes, perfectly normal and expected.
13) Is sore throat transmissible?
Yes, especially viral ones. In the case of bacterial tonsillitis, we suggest avoiding contact for up to 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment, a period in which the risk of transmission drops significantly.
14) How to reduce the risk of transmission of sore throat?
Frequent handwashing is the best way to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Also, avoid close contact with sick people, especially in the early days.
15) Is it necessary to perform a complementary examination before closing the diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis and initiating antibiotic treatment?
No, the diagnosis is clinical and does not require other tests. These can be ordered in special cases, such as in repetitive tonsillitis.
