About this topic
Swelling at the back of your throat is called pharyngitis. Swelling of your throat and tonsils is tonsillopharyngitis. Both of these may be caused by an infection or allergy. Both are commonly called a sore throat. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your throat by not talking or singing too much.
- Gargle with a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water 2 to 3 times a day.
- Suck on hard candy or cough drops.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to help you breathe easier.
- If you smoke, stop until you are told by your doctor to do so. Stay away from those who are smoking.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop when you feel better. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Help with pain
- Lower fever
- Help nasal congestion and runny nose
- Soothe the throat
- Steroids (for very serious cases)
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest at home for 1 to 2 days or until you are feeling well. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
If your throat feels too sore to eat solid foods you may drink juice, milk, milkshakes, or soups. Talk to your doctor about what diet is proper for your condition. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often. Be sure to wash after you blow your nose or take care of others with a sore throat.
- Do not share utensils and drinking glasses with someone who has a sore throat. Wash these objects with hot, soapy water.
- Do not share your foods or drinks with others while you are sick. You might infect them.
- Throw away used tissues right away and then wash your hands.
- Get a new toothbrush after signs are gone or you are done with your antibiotics.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Go to the ER or seek care right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- You are unable to swallow your spit (drooling)
- Very bad headache, stiff neck, chest pain, feel like you are going to throw up
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, mouth sores.
- Larger, painful lumps in your neck.
- Skin rash, cough, ear pain, or whitish to yellow blisters in the back of your throat.
- Coughing up or blowing yellow, green, or bloody mucus from your nose.
- Very bad pain in your throat that you cannot eat or drink anything.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or swallowing or have large painful lumps in my throat.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/URI/sore-throat.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚