Colds

An acute inflammation of the throat is triggered by viruses 90% of the time (= viral). Viruses spread while we speak, and during sneezing or coughing as a result of infection by droplets. The body reacts by becoming inflamed, which leads to painful throat reddening and swelling. Other possible symptoms are pain during swallowing, swollen lymph nodes on the lower jaw and throat fever.

Why is the difference between a viral and a bacterial inflammation of the throat so important to treatment? The antibiotics contained in various medications do combat bacteria successfully, but the same is not true for viruses! In case of a viral sore throat – which is the case 90% of the time for acute sore throats – the application of antibiotic-containing preparations should be avoied. The frivolous use of antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance. Such antibiotic resistances can make the treatment of life-threatening bacterial infections, e.g. blood poisoning or pneumonia, more difficult or even impossible. After two or three days a sore throat will reach its peak and pain diminishes within a few days. If no improvement is seen after one week, a visit to a doctor may be called for.