Introduction
Pain in the neck/throat area can have various causes. The most common diseases that can cause pain in the throat are explained in more detail below. The most common infections are colds, which children get sick about 13 times a year and adults 2-3 times.
The colds are triggered by cold viruses that are transmitted by speaking, sneezing and coughing (droplet infection). Typical symptoms are coughing, rhinitis, increased temperature (up to a slight fever, 38.5 degrees Celsius), as well as fatigue and of course sore throat. As home remedies, plenty of sleep and rest, as well as hot tea with honey are helpful. A visit to the doctor is only necessary if the fever rises sharply or the sore throat lasts for several days and does not decrease.
Flu
In contrast to a slight viral infection, the illness with the “real” flu virus sets in suddenly and those affected suddenly feel very bad. The main symptoms of influenza are high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, chills, a pronounced feeling of illness, headaches, aching limbs, dry throat, severe sore throat, and coughing. Due to the general weakening of the body and its immune system, it is possible that a bacterial superinfection occurs, so it is imperative to consult a doctor.
There is a preventive vaccination against the “real” flu available, which is also paid by the public health insurance. However, the influenza viruses can change due to permanent gene changes in such a way that they can circumvent the vaccination and still cause the corresponding symptoms. The best time for vaccination is once a year in autumn or the beginning of winter.
Acute pharyngitis is colloquially known as sore throat. Those affected suffer from “scratching in the throat“, difficulty swallowing, coughing and bad breath. It is often a viral disease, but a bacterial superinfection is also possible, although it rarely occurs.
If the side strands of the rear pharyngeal wall are also affected, this is known as lateral angina (angina lateralis). The acute pharyngitis manifests itself in a strongly reddened pharyngeal mucosa and a mucous, often swollen throat. If the lateral cords are also affected, they are also thickened and highly red.
The lymph nodes of the neck are swollen and sometimes home remedies and locally effective pain-relieving throat tablets can bring a lot of benefit. Antibiotics are only useful if a bacterial infection is proven! Otherwise, antibiotics do more harm than good.