The therapy of sore throat is carried out depending on the cause. Since most sore throats due to pharyngitis (pharyngitis) are caused by viral infections, the patient in such cases must wait for the normal healing process, which lasts over one to two weeks. See a. u. Pharyngitis (pharyngitis) or tonsillitis (tonsillitis). Also note serious complications such as peritonsillar abscess (drained collection of pus around tonsils), acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and acute rheumatic fever (RF), among others. See also under physical examination McIsaac score (modified Centor score): predictor of GABHS tonsillopharyngitis for patients aged 3 to 14 years. At 0 to 2 Centor score, the probability of GAS pharyngitis (= group A beta-hemolytic streptococci) is low. Therefore, no throat swab for rapid test or culture should be performed in these patients, and no antibiotics should be prescribed.
General Measures
- Commercially available mild throat lozenges or lozenges (preferably sugar-free) can help provide relief
- Observance of general hygiene measures!
- In the occurrence of fever:
- Bed rest and physical rest (even if fever is only mild; if limb pain and lassitude occur without fever, bed rest and physical rest is also required, because myocarditis/heart muscle inflammation could occur as a result of the infection).
- Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; elderly, debilitated people; patients with a weakened immune system).
- In case of fever from 39 ° C calf compresses can help to reduce the temperature, which often leads to an improvement in the condition.
- After the fever still a fever-free day of rest (mainly bed rest and stay indoors).
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use).
- Alcohol restriction (abstaining from alcohol)
- Limited caffeine consumption (max. 240 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green / black tea).
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are advised:
- Flu vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination
Nutritional medicine
- Adherence to the following specific nutritional recommendations during illness:
- Do not eat hard foods, but rather soft foods such as soups and tea, such as chamomile tea.
- Sufficient fluid intake! Since it comes in the course of a febrile illness to strong fluid losses, the fluid intake should be in kidney and heart healthy adults according to the following rule of thumb: for each degree of body temperature above 37 ° C, an additional 0.5-1 liters per °C. Teas are best suited.
- In febrile illnesses, a light full diet is recommended. Within the framework of this diet, the following foods and preparation methods should be avoided, as experience has shown that they often cause discomfort:
- Voluminous and fatty meals
- Legumes and vegetables such as white cabbage, kale, peppers, sauerkraut, leeks, onions, savoy cabbage, mushrooms.
- Raw stone and pome fruit
- Fresh bread, wholemeal bread
- Hard boiled eggs
- Carbonated drinks
- Fried, breaded, smoked, very spicy or very sweet foods.
- Too cold or too hot food
- Due to the fever, there may be a deficiency of vitamin C. In addition, vitamin C is important for the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin C are vegetables such as spinach and fruits (oranges, strawberries, kiwis, currants), which are also well tolerated during an infection.
- Other specific dietary recommendations depending on the cause of the sore throat.
- After recovery, if necessary, nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis.
- Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
- See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
- Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.
