What is Sore Throat

The sudden change in weather from a bright, warm sunny day to a cold, chilly day can leave many of us afflicted with a cold and sore throat as our bodies are caught unaware by the quick change in weather.
A sore throat is a symptom, not a disease. A sore throat is one of the most common conditions seen by an ENT specialist. Viral infections cause the majority of sore throats. These viruses are highly contagious and spread quickly. The first indication of the infection is usually scratchiness or tickling in the throat. Other people can catch the infection even before you experience symptoms, which is one reason why sore throats are hard to prevent.
The same pollens and molds that irritate the nose when they are inhaled also may irritate the throat. Cat and dog dander’s and house dust are common causes of sore throats for people with allergies to them.
During the cold winter months, dry heat may create a recurring, mild sore throat with a parched feeling, especially in the mornings. Patients with a chronic stuffy nose, causing mouth breathing, also suffer with a dry throat. Pollutants and chemicals in the air can irritate the nose and throat, but the most common air pollutant is tobacco smoke.
A person who strains his or her voice (yelling at a sports event, for example) gets a sore throat. Sore throats may also be the result of irritation caused by secretions from the nose draining down the throat in association with a cold or allergy. An occasional cause of morning sore throat is regurgitation of stomach acids up into the back of the throat. Growths of the throat, tongue, and voice box are usually (but not always) associated with long-time use of tobacco and alcohol. Sore throat and difficulty swallowing—sometimes with pain radiating to the ear—may be symptoms of such a growth.

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Sore Throat

When should I see a doctor for my sore throat?
Whenever a sore throat is severe, persists longer than the usual five- to seven- day duration and is not associated with an avoidable allergy or irritation, you should seek medical attention. The following signs and symptoms should alert you to see your physician:
• Severe and prolonged sore throat that persists longer than seven days
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain with swallowing is to be expected with a sore throat but if you have difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth you should see a doctor
• Fever of 101º F lasting three or more days or fever greater than 103º F
• Sore throat with a rash
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throat
• Enlarged tonsils with fever or one tonsil much larger than the other
• Headache with stiff neck, fever, confusion, vomiting and/or rash
• If you have been in contact with someone with bacterial sore throat and you have a sore throat.
• If your sore throat is not associated with cold symptoms or is associated with a swollen "glands" (lymph nodes), or white patches on the back of your throat.

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Cold Remedies

If you catch a cold, don't sweat. As long as you do not fall in the criteria for seeing a doctor you can try these remedies.
1. Take an antihistamine: These are drugs which can dry you up, it will make you uneasy since even throat secretions will be dried up.
2. Apply saline nasal drops to both nostrils every 4 hours or as often as possible.
3. Do salt water gargling.
4. Do steam inhalation.

Remember irrespective of whether you are taking these remedies and measures or not your cold will LAST FOR FEW DAYS.

My next blog will be on the very common phenomenon of sore throat.

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Antibiotics for Cold!

I get lot of patients who say they have cold and find that they have been prescribed antibiotics. I am herewith attaching a few points as to when you should see a doctor and when antibiotics are needed. My next blog will be on remedies for common cold.
Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. If antibiotics are taken when not needed, you may develop secondary infections or experience side effects such as diarrhea, yeast infections, nausea, or more severe reactions. Remember: Viral infections do not improve with treatment antibiotics. To demand antibiotics for a cold or allergy displaying cold-like symptoms is to waste time and to risk a possible drug reaction, which can occur with any medication.

When should I seek professional advice?
You should see a doctor if you have:
• Enlarged tonsils with fever or one tonsil much larger than the other
• Sore throat that persists longer than seven days
• Fever lasting three or more days
• Fever greater than 103º F
• Cough lasting more than two weeks
• Cough occurring frequently at night, coming in uncontrollable clusters and possibly causing vomiting
• Chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Earache or sinus pain
• Rash, any type, anywhere on body, not previously diagnosed
• Headache with stiff neck, fever, confusion, vomiting and/or rash
• Sore throat with a rash.

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Cold Facts

With the weather changing there are lots of people out there with "Common Cold". Here is a brief about it.
The common cold, are indeed common. The symptoms of most common colds are: sore throat, stuffy nose, clear nasal drainage, hoarseness, dry hacking cough, headache, fever, body aches, and fatigue.
What can you do for the cold?
• Rest - Rest and sleep more than usual during this time. This is especially important in the first 72 hours. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night gives your body a better opportunity to combat the cold viruses. Exercise should be withheld for the first 48-72 hours to allow your body to fight off the virus.
• Fluids - Drink plenty of liquids. Fluids help to keep the mucus more liquid and easier to clear out, and help to prevent complications.
• Avoid - Alcohol and drinks containing caffeine in large quantities are not the best fluid replacement since they can mask dehydration.
• Stop Smoking - Smoke irritates the bronchial passages, prolonging the cold symptoms. Refrain from smoking if at all possible.
• Steam - Take hot, steamy bath to relieve congestion in the chest and nasal passages.
• Gargle - Gargle with warm salt water to reduce the sore throat pain. Put ½ teaspoon table salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water and gargle every 2-4 hours as needed.
• Diet - You may safely eat whatever you want - but it is wise to eat small, frequent meals. Choosing simple, nutritious food will ensure that your diet remains well balanced in essential vitamins and nutrients, despite your illness.
• Fresh Air - When you are ill, it may help you to feel more comfortable if a window is left slightly open. This will ensure that the room is properly ventilated and will clear the air of unpleasant odors. As long as the room remains reasonably warm and free of drafts, a daily dose of fresh air can sometimes do wonders.


In my next blog, I will explain the precautions that need to be taken to prevent the spread and also when you should visit your physician.

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You Smoke They Smoke!

This hoarding put up by Apollo Hospitals, says it all. Smoking starts at home. Children watch their parents or relatives smoking and think it is manhood and panacea for all worries and stress. Stop Smoking At Least For The Sake Of Your Loved Ones.

Smoke Please!

For all the smokers out there, here is some of the chemicals which you all cherish and inhale. This is worst than drinking water from the sewage!!!

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Quit Smoking

Yesterday was the WHO, No tobacco day. I had intended to post this yesterday but was not able to since I had lectures and seminars to deliver.
Use the ideas below to help you keep your commitment to quitting:
Avoid: people and places where you are tempted to smoke. Later on you will be able to handle these with more confidence.
Alter: your habits. Switch to juices or water instead of alcohol or coffee. Take a different route to work. Take a brisk walk instead of a coffee break.
Alternatives: Use oral substitutes such as sugarless gum or hard candy, raw vegetables such as carrot sticks.
Activities: Learn how to handle stress and the urge to smoke Try and distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task. Take a hot bath, exercise, read a book.
Deep breathing: When you were smoking, you breathed deeply as you inhaled the smoke. When the urge strikes now, breathe deeply and picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air. Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and the benefits you'll gain as an ex-smoker.
Delay: If you feel that you are about to light up, delay. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes. Often this simple trick will allow you to move beyond the strong urge to smoke.
What you're doing is not easy, so you deserve a reward. Put the money you would have spent on tobacco in a jar every day and then buy yourself a weekly treat. Buy a book, go out to eat, or save the money for a major purchase.