Sore throat

Sore throat is one of the commonest problem among the community. It is usually due to some minor viral infection which is usually self limiting and will be self healing even without treatment. However, several symptoms need to be wary of when you are having sore throat where medical attention is usually needed.

NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION!

The sore throat which is very severe and it is very painful during swallowing which might be due to swelling of the tonsil (tonsillitis), inflammation or ulceration at the epiglottis (epiglotitis) and multiple ulcer over oral cavity, soft palate and oropharynx (gingivostomatitis). It might also be due to peritonsillar abscess where patient usually will experienced severe sore throat and difficulty in opening his mouth due to pain and spasm of the muscle.

Right peritonsillar abscess with left tonsillitis. Right peritonsillar mucosa being pushed medially.

Prolonged sore throat which last more than 5-7days. The initial phrase of sore throat is usually due to some self limiting viral infection which might be superseded by bacteria infection if the sore throat is prolonged for more than one week. Bacteria infection over the throat if left untreated might cause more problem and complication.

Recurrent sore throat which might be due to recurrent acute tonsillitis secondary to recurrent acute infection. Recurrent tonsillitis usually due to streptococcus infection. The resistant strain of streptococcus, weakened immune system and also the streptococcus bacteria being carried by family member or patients themselves might be the cause of recurrent infection of the tonsils.

Chronic sore throat might be due to chronic inflammation of the tonsils, nasal condition where post nasal drip causing chronic irritation to the throat, acidic reflux in laryngopharyngeal reflux condition or even due to malignancy where one of the tonsil might appeared bigger or larger compared to another side! It might also due to other conditions which the pain might be radiated to the throat.

Not all the conditions required operative measures. Most of the condition could be treated with medication.

Who Need Operations?

• Recurrent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis
• Peritonsillar Abscess
• Unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy or tonsillar mass

Tonsillectomies could be done via various method whether conventional cold dissection method or with the advanced technology using Diathermy, Harmonic Scalpel, Coblator, Radiofrequency Ablation or Laser.

Adenoidectomy is needed too!

Whenever the tonsils are enlarged, there is huge possibility the adenoid also might be inflamed and swollen especially in children. Adenoid removal is necessary to prevent the recurrent of the infection and also complication in which might it might spread and affect the patients’ ears.

Adenoid could be removed via conventional transoral curettage method using headlight or direct transnasal endoscopic removal.