symptoms of nose and throat disorders
ear, nose, and throat disorders
Sore Throat
A sore throat usually results from infection (see table). The most common cause is Tonsillopharyngitis Much less common but more serious causes of sore throat are Abscess Infection of the epiglottis (epiglottitis) Tumors Abscess, epiglottitis, and tumors are of particular concern because they may block the airway. Throat irritation and mild soreness can also be caused by dryness, irritants, gastroesophageal disease (GERD), and vocal strain (such as from yelling). Throat Infection is infection of the tonsils (patches of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat) and the throat (pharynx). Doctors may use the term tonsillitis when the tonsils are particularly inflamed or the term pharyngitis when the tonsils are not particularly inflamed or when people who have no tonsils have a sore throat. Tonsillopharyngitis is usually caused by a virus, typically one of the same viruses that causes the Common Cold . Most common colds begin with a mild sore throat. A less common viral cause is acute bacteria (streptococci). Such streptococcal infections are often called Throat Infection . Strep throat is unusual in children younger than 2 years. If untreated, streptococcal infections can lead to serious complications such as Rare bacterial causes include Gonorrhea and A collection of pus ( Tonsillar Cellulitis and Tonsillar Abscess ) may form beneath or near one of the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess). The usual cause is a streptococcal infection that has spread from the tonsils into deeper tissue. In young children, an abscess can form in the tissue at the back of the throat ( The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue that closes the entrance to the voice box and windpipe during swallowing. The epiglottis can become infected by certain bacteria ( Epiglottitis ). This infection causes severe pain and swelling. The swelling can close off the windpipe, particularly in infants and children. Epiglottitis used to occur mainly in children and usually was caused by 