Viral Throat Infections
If you have a sore throat, the most likely culprit of your symptoms is a virus. Unlike strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, most sore throats are contagious viral throat infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. The most common culprits of a viral throat infection include coxsackievirus, mononucleosis, and the flu. Mononucleosis (mono) is a virus that lasts for quite some time, causing symptoms that last for weeks or months. The flu can also take some time to get over, as its severe symptoms also tend to last at least a week or more. Viral throat infections are best treated with rest, liquids and other home remedies. If the sore throat causes you to have trouble breathing or a high fever, or results in spots in the back of your throat, call your doctor.
Recently Answered
- Q Can I develop tonsillitis as an adult?
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Yes, it's possible that you can develop tonsillitis as an adult, although it occurs infrequently. Tonsillitis is primarily a childhood issue. In youngsters, the tonsils act as part of the immune system, but that changes as you age. And tonsillectomies,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for tonsillitis?
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Tonsillitis that develops from the simple cold virus just needs to run its course and will usually clear up in a little over a week. Treatment options include ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which will help treat the sore throat pain and any fever, but check... Full Answer
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- Q Do children grow out of tonsillitis?
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Tonsillitis is an illness that primarily affects children. The tonsils, which act as part of a child's immune system, are lymph nodes that appear to go through some changes after puberty. So for the most part, children do grow out of tonsillitis. While... Full Answer
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- Q Can tonsillitis have any complications?
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Tonsillitis is not usually serious, but some complications can arise, particularly in older children and adults. A tonsillectomy may become necessary if your child has suffered with multiple bouts of tonsillitis. Complications from the surgery including... Full Answer
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- Q Is tonsillitis a throat disorder?
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Tonsillitis can be classified as a throat disorder. The tonsils are near the throat and can affect the throat when inflamed. Inflammation of the tonsils can also be caused by proper throat disorders such as strep throat. Full Answer
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- Q How is chronic tonsillitis treated?
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Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis may require a surgery called tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). While many physicians may recommend surgery as a way to prevent the infections, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of doing so. Full Answer
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- Q Could tonsillitis require surgery?
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While most cases of tonsillitis will clear up in about a week, surgery may be required in others. A tonsillectomy is an option when your child suffers from repeated bouts of tonsillitis. Repeated infections, such as strep throat, could weaken the... Full Answer
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- Q Does croup affect children differently than adults?
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Though it can occur at any age, croup is much more common in young children than in adults. Most cases of croup are caused by the same kind of virus (parainfluenza) that causes the common cold, and children under the age of six have less immunity to this... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my child's doctor about my child's croup symptoms?
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Most cases of croup are mild enough to be treated at home without a visit to the doctor. However, you should talk to your child's doctor right away just to be sure you are right about your suspicion that it is croup and to get the doctor's opinion about... Full Answer
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- Q How can I protect my children from croup?
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One of the best ways to protect children against croup is to make sure that they wash their hands frequently. This is because most cases of croup are caused by the same kind of contagious virus that causes the common cold, and frequent hand-washing can... Full Answer
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