Angina is nothing more than acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils – its characteristic feature is its rapid course. The disease is accompanied primarily by severe sore throat, high body temperature and a coating on the tonsils. The infection is most often transmitted by droplets, so if someone is sneezing or coughing nearby, you should be on your guard. What else is worth knowing about angina?
How does angina manifest itself?
In adults, strep throat is generally caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. Bacteria, streptococci, are the most common cause of infection in young patients. Streptococcus strep throat affects mainly children aged 5 to 15 years.
Although acute inflammation of the throat and tonsils is usually associated with the cold season, angina can also attack in the summer, in the greatest heat. It is favored by overheating of the body, temperature jumps and cooling of the tissues – i.e. staying in air-conditioned rooms and drinking cold drinks. Angina usually develops suddenly – patients suddenly develop a high body temperature, acute sore throat and nagging headaches. During the illness, the youngest patients may struggle with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
People who suspect that they have strep throat should see a doctor as soon as possible. On physical examination, other symptoms of the disease can be identified, such as congestion of the mucous membranes of the throat and tonsils, as well as enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes.
If bacteria have contributed to the infection, a characteristic exudate appears on the tonsils, but patients generally do not suffer from cough or rhinitis – these ailments are “reserved” for viral infections. When the pathological factor is viruses, the disease is milder.
Angina – treatment, complications, prevention
Angina, which has a bacterial basis, requires a visit to the doctor, because it is treated with antibiotics, most often penicillin. Dosage and duration of antibiotics should be strictly adhered to. It is not allowed – without consulting a doctor – to reduce the doses or finish the treatment earlier. This is very important because patients who do not comply are more likely to develop drug resistance, which can cause many problems in the future.
In the case of viral infections, symptomatic treatment is recommended – i.e. procedures aimed at alleviating symptoms. Antipyretic drugs (available without a prescription) and moisturizing the body – you can drink still mineral water (at room temperature) and warm herbal infusions. Moisturizing the mucous membranes, e.g. with herbal inhalations, brings relief. It is also worth turning on a humidifier or hanging thick, wet towels on the radiators. Sore throats are soothed by rinsing or sucking preparations with analgesic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.
It must not be forgotten that the youngest patients are particularly vulnerable to dehydration (whose condition can be very dangerous), so children should be encouraged to drink as often as possible, and wet (clean) diapers should be hung by the cot.
It should be remembered that untreated (or poorly treated) angina is associated with dangerous complications, such as rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, peritonsillar abscess, otitis media.
People who want to avoid strep throat in the future should strengthen the body’s natural immunity – eat a diet rich in unprocessed fruits and vegetables and remember about regular physical activity, especially outdoors. During infectious periods, avoid large groups of people and disinfect and wash your hands as often as possible – for at least 30 seconds with warm water and soap.