Angina - everything you need to know about her

Angina is an inflammation of the tonsils, an infectious disease, most often caused by streptococci. Although it might seem that children most often suffer from it, virtually anyone can get it. The infection occurs most often by droplets and by touch, so we do not need long contact with a sick person. Angina usually starts with a severe sore throat and may come back repeatedly at short intervals. There are many myths about it, but it is worth knowing more about it, because if left untreated or improperly treated, it can lead to serious complications.

Angina - causes and symptoms

Although the most common claim that strep throat is caused by bacteria (mainly streptococci), it is worth knowing that this disease can also be caused by viruses. Untreated inflammation of the tooth or ear can also lead to strep throat because the infection is not far from the tonsils and can easily spread to them. Recurrent angina may also be a sign of overgrown tonsils. In this case, removing them may help. So let's remember that angina is not caused only by contact with a sick person, although we actually most often just become infected with it.

How is angina manifested? Characteristic is a sore throat, which is very disturbing when swallowing. It is accompanied by weakness, muscle pain, fever, which can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius, or a white coating on the tonsils (which, however, does not appear as often as usual, and if the angina is caused by a virus - it may not appear at all). We may also be swollen around the lymph nodes. Sometimes vomiting or nausea occurs during strep throat, but this symptom is most common in children. Swollen tonsils can also cause breathing problems. In such a situation, it is helpful to put a few pillows under your back and lie down in a semi-sitting position.

Is angina only a disease of children?

You can get angina at any age. This disease is often attributed to children due to the fact that it can be caused by a sudden change in temperature, so e.g. during the holidays, when the youngest eat a lot of ice cream, bathe in cold water, stay in large groups, often do not care about washing their hands . Consequently, children become infected with it much more often than adults. This does not mean, however, that we cannot catch angina from our children.

Treatment of angina

Streptococcal angina requires treatment with antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Untreated and ignored disease can lead to many unpleasant complications. However, it is worth being aware that antibiotics are not always necessary - they help just when streptococcus causes angina. In the case of viruses, this treatment may not be useful.

Although you do not need to stay in bed during illness, when your weakness and pain ease a bit, remember that you should avoid crowds of people, mainly because sick people are contagious. So let's try to isolate.

Fever causes us to sweat intensively during angina, which is why it is easy to dehydrate. Let's not forget to drink plenty of fluids. During the disease our throat is very sensitive, pain often radiates to the ears, so avoid hot and spicy food. We will not help ourselves or our throat, what's more, we can only harm and increase the pain.

Of course, it is advisable to gargle with herbs, such as sage, to reduce the inconvenience associated with pain. Warm compresses applied to the neck can also help.

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Allergic angina - what is it?

Angina can also occur chronically and is then allergic. It is a strong reaction to dust, mold, dust mites and pollen. How is allergic angina manifested? Usually a watery eye, runny nose, cough, or a sore and itchy throat. People who suffer from this type of strep throat may also feel that the secretions are running down their throat and something is obstructing their swallowing.

To prevent symptoms, avoid any allergens, keep your home tidy, and maintain adequate indoor air humidity. You can also take antihistamines to reduce the intensity of symptoms.

Complications of untreated angina

We have already mentioned that untreated angina can be dangerous and can be associated with complications. Remember that it cannot be treated as an ordinary cold, which will be quickly forgotten. What complications may be associated with this disease?

First of all, a peri-tonsil or extra-tonsil abscess may occur. The infection and pus then pass between the tonsil and the muscle wall of the throat. An abscess can be very uncomfortable. In addition to the fact that you can feel pressure, there is also a high fever, weakness, sore throat, and a problem with wide opening of the mouth and speaking. The condition may be accompanied by bad breath.

The most serious complications are rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. The first of the mentioned manifests itself, inter alia, in fever, arthritis, lumps under the skin or erythema on the body. It can even lead to serious heart defects. In turn, nephritis can be detected by urinalysis. That is why it is so important to perform preventive examinations after angina. A recurrent complication may result in failure of these organs.

Although angina is sometimes ignored, it is worth going to the doctor immediately after the first symptoms appear and starting - if necessary - a course of antibiotic treatment. Let's not interrupt it when we feel better, let's bring it to the end, and if we need it - cure the disease.Angina can recur and lead to complications, so let's do everything we can to prevent it.

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