Throat ailments range from a simple sore throat to invasive infections or diseases. Common ailments include sore throat, strep throat, tonsillitis, throat cancer, and laryngitis. Symptoms vary and can include pain, inflammation, and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
There are many different types of throat ailments, many of which are very common. The throat, or pharynx, is an elongated tube that carries food into the esophagus where it is then carried into the stomach for digestion. It also helps carry air to the trachea, or windpipe, and down to the lungs for breathing and into the larynx for speech. Most people will have some type of throat ailment at some point. Disorders affecting the throat can range from a simple sore throat to an invasive throat infection or disease.
Sore throat, medically defined as pharyngitis, is generally the most common of all throat ailments. The ailment usually results from inflammation or swelling in the throat. A sore throat can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergic reactions. Sometimes the cause of a sore throat can be as simple as dry throat. Often, a mouth breather or a person who sleeps with their mouth open may often have a sore throat due to this reason.
Streptococcus is also included in the list of common throat ailments. In most cases, a sore throat is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which may also be known as group A strep. This type of bacterial infection generally causes a more significant degree of sore throat than that experienced with pharyngitis . Individuals with strep throat often have other symptoms, such as fever, headache, chills, and often nausea. The throat may also appear extremely red and may have white patches as well.
Tonsillitis is another type of throat disorder. The tonsils located in the back of the throat can become inflamed causing this disease. Tonsillitis can be caused by a virus and commonly by the same viruses that cause colds. It can also be caused by the same bacteria that cause a sore throat. Individuals with tonsillitis may have a sore throat in addition to earache and difficulty swallowing.
Throat disorders can also include different types of throat cancer. In general, throat cancer is commonly defined as cancer that occurs in different areas of the throat, including the throat, tonsils, or voice box. Cancer can occur from very small malignant cells or from a visible malignant lump in the throat. Any of the symptoms that occur with benign throat disorders may also be prevalent in individuals with throat cancer. In many cases, a biopsy will be needed to distinguish a malignant throat disorder from a benign one.
The larynx or larynx is located just below the throat. For this reason, disorders affecting this organ are commonly grouped with disorders of the throat. Laryngitis is a disorder that occurs from inflammation or swelling of the larynx. This disorder can cause throat pain and extreme dryness in the throat. One of the most recognizable symptoms of laryngitis is hoarseness, and some people with this disorder lose their voice almost completely.
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