Angina: Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

We are not always keen to temperature, weakness and sore throat as they are mostly associated with mild cold. These symptoms may be signs of Angina and it may threaten your health.

What causes angina?

Sore throat is caused by infections and inflammation of the tonsils and lymph nodes of the nasopharynx. The infection can easily attack the mouth and the nose polyps. It can cause deep tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Angina is often a comorbine in common bacterial, fungal or viral infection such as influenza, syphilis and typhoid.

Angina can also be caused by safe streptococcus in the throat. Conditions worsen when there is low temperature, high humidity, unbalanced food as they increase the attack.

What symptoms should be felt?

The common symptoms of sore throat are like those of the usual ARH which include high fever, weakness, headache and chills. However, there are signs which can distinguish angina from other diseases. They include:

• Uncomplicated breathing. Colds which are usually accompanied by nasal congestion, but in angina discomfort is concentrated only in the throat.
• Pain when swallowing caused by inflammation of the tonsils.
• Areas on the palate and tonsils, covered with bubbles with a ingestion, light or bright yellow attack, and in neglected cases there will be grey areas of necrosis.

As a result of excessive inflammation, there will be difficulty when swallowing and enlarged lymph nodes will be felt under the lower jaw.

Attention!

It is important that you take note of the first warning signs because if angina is not treated it can lead to infection of blood, abscess and swelling of the larynx. Other organs that may become inflamed include the heart valves, the middle ear, the kidneys and joints.

Types of angina

The disease can be classified into different categories depending on the type of infection, severity of the disease and the cause of infection.

Angina is divided into two forms:

• Outdoor – If the infection came from the external environment.
• Internal – If the infection has spread through the body or began because of reduced immunity.

Outdoor angina is gotten from contact with a sick person and the existence of internal infections such as flu, chlamydia and diphtheria will exacerbate it as the body will be more weakened.

Three forms are identified by the type of pathogen:

• Bacterial angina – This is the most common type in adults and it can be distinguished by the whitish attack on the tonsils. It is normally caused by streptoccocus, pneumococcal and enterobacteriaceae. With the right treatment, it will last not more than a week but if it is not intervened it can result to damage of the kidneys, joints and valves of the heart.
• Viral angina – It usually affects children under the age of 3 years and rarely affects adults. There will be small ulcers on the tonsils, which will easily determine the type of disease. Apart from the usual symptoms, there may be problems in the gastrointestinal tract, due to age.
• Fungal angina – It is the rarest form and it occurs as a result of pathogenic fungi and violation of the microflora. There will be a light curd on the tonsils which spreads to the palate and tongue.

According to the clinical picture, the angina is divided into:

• Catalyal – Only the mucous membrane of the tonsils is affected.
• Follicular – Apart from the mucous membrane, follicles and rotous are affected.
• Lacunar – Infection penetrates deep into the tonsils, then a pronounced infection affects the entire body.

How to diagnose angina?

The diagnosis can only be done by a otolaryngologist. Apart from the visual examination of the throat, pharyngoscopy and palpation of lymph nodes other tests that can be done include the following tests:

• General blood test
• A smear of yawns
• Nasal cavity smear

A blood test will show the presence of an infection and the general condition of the body. A bacterioscopic examination of smears will assist in determining the type of pathogen infection.

Laryngoscopy is a method of examining the nasopharynx and larynx using a special spatula and in some cases a nasopharynx mirror may be used. If there is need, local anaesthesia will be used to reduce the gag reflex then the tongue will be pressed using the spatula.

Angina should be treated only by a specialist

The main difficulty during treatment of angina is determining the cause of the disease. Antibiotics will help in eliminating the bacterial form but when it is viral, these drugs will be useless and may harm the body. You may also notice necrosis or abscess.

For each type of sore throat, a specific type of treatment is used which aims to destroy the hotbed of infection and reduce the symptoms. The first thing is to determine the type of infection then the pathogen. Then prescription of a drug aimed to destroy the microorganism is given. You will also be given antihistamines so as to prevent a negative reaction to the therapy and you will also be told to wash your throat with an antiseptic. The rest of the appointments are determined by the symptoms experienced. For instance, if there are no acute pains and temperatures, the there will be no need to take analgesics and antipyretic drugs.

Treatment of sore throat may last up to two weeks. However, if it is in an acute form, you may need a prescription to fight the infectious disease. If you are undergoing home treatment, ensure that you isolate yourself form household items such as towels and dishes and do not forget to thoroughly wash your hands.

Will prevention help?

The chances of contracting the external form of sore throat can be reduced if you follow these simple measures:

• Avoid hypothermia, do not drink very cold drinks and food.
• Take a healthy diet and do not consume very spicy and salty food which irritates the mucous throat.
• Regularly visit the dentist and otolaryngologist to notice the beginning of infectious processes in time.
• Try to avoid contact with a sick person.

It is also recommended that you monitor the general condition of the body because angina can cause various viral diseases. The most important thing to remember is that you should not self medicate even at the slightest symptoms. Consult a doctor for early treatment.