Acute Pharyngitis

The outstanding symptom of acute pharyngitis, regardless of cause, is a sore throat. About two-thirds of all acute illnesses in families are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, with varying degree of pharyngeal discomfort present. The acute pharyngitis can be classified into three groups: (1) treatable infections, (2) untreatable infections, and (3) noninfectious disorders.

Physical examination of the pharynx mucosa may reveal changes varying in intensity from mild redness and congestion of blood vessels (many viral infections) to intense red-purple color, patchy yellow exudate, hypertrophy of all the lymphoid tissue, and marked vascular injection. Symptoms may be variable, and may range from a complaint of “scratchy throat” to pain so severe that swallowing of saliva is difficult. The presence of exudate does not establish a specific etiology any may be noted in infections.

Ulceration involving the posterior pharyngeal wall and/or tonsils are characteristically present in fungobacterial infections, tuberculosis, following local trauma to the pharynx.

The tonsils are often involved in the course of viral and bacterial pharyngitis; they may be markedly reddened and swollen.

The etiologic diagnosis of acute pharyngitis is difficult to establish on the basis of visual examinations of the throat.

Laryngitis

Change in the voice that makes it more harsh or coarse.

Symptoms: Change in tone or quality of voice to a coarse, harsher sound, need to clear the throat; sometimes fever, swallowing difficulty and throat pain or discomfort, depending on cause.

Cause: The voice box (larynx) becomes inflamed as a r4esult of inhaling smoke, chemical fames, gases, vapors or dust, overuse or abuse of voice; excessive use of alcohol; diseases such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, flu, the common cold, pneumonia and pharyngitis, polyps in the throat, cancer and others.

Treatment: Depends on basis for problem. However, initial treatment usually includes “not talking” in order to rest the larynx, no smoking or drinking; an increase in fluids and medication if seemed necessary. Further treatment would depend on the cause of the hoarseness.

Ex.7. Read the text and find the answers to:

1. What is bronchitis?

2. What are the clinical manifestations of the disease?

3. What are the causes of bronchitis?

4. How to prevent chronic bronchitis?

Bronchitis Acute

Acute inflammation of the tracheobronchial tube (air passage).

Symptoms: Cough that is initially hacking and dry. Then gradually becomes loose, with production of mucus or yellow sputum. There may be fever (if infection is present), generalized malaise and fatigue, sensation of tickling or tightness in chest and sensation or sound of rafting in the chest. If the bronchitis follows a cold, there may also be congestion of the nose and postnasal dry. Coughing is often worse in the morning than at night.

Cause: Acute Bronchitis may result from infection as a complication of a cold (upper respiratory infection) or as a result of irritation of a lining of the air passages by inhaling substances such as smoke, pollen, dust, fumes or fibers.

The irritant type of bronchitis may progress to involve infection also.

Severity of problem: Usually of mild to moderate severity and resolves with treatment. If cause is not corrected, it may become chronic.

Contagious: Usually not except if caused by a view.

Treatment: Depends on cause but involves removing or avoiding any irritants (stopping smoking, avoiding dust), drinking much fluid and resting. Moisture in the air (involving steam) is sometimes soothing. If the cough is dry and irritating, or interferes with sleep, medication to suppress it might be recommended. Antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor if bacterial infection is suspected or known.

Prevention: Avoid smoking, exposure to airborne dust or irritants.

Discussion: Mild, acute Bronchitis is almost always present temporarily with upper respiratory infection (common cold) and does not require antibiotic treatment unless high fever occurs, or sputum becomes yellow or greenish rather than white or clear.

Chronic Bronchitis is a real problem in adults, problem thought to be “Chronic Bronchitis” in infants and children are more likely to be asthma or other illness. Bronchitis where there is a lot of wheezing can be suspected of being asthma. People with moderate to severe chronic Bronchitis should probably receive influenza vaccines (‘flu shots’).

Ex.8. Read the text. State the main ideas of it in a written form. Retell the text according to this plan.