Sore Throat for Two Weeks

Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a condition mostly caused by virus and it can be treated successfully. The term pharyngitis means inflammation of the pharynx. Therefore, sore throat is the inflammation of pharynx or throat, implying the area between the larynx or voice box, and the tonsils. An inflamed throat is characterized by swelling, redness, and pain, something that makes it difficult for one to swallow or speak. A sore throat is among the first symptoms of mild illnesses such as the flue or a cold.

Nonetheless, it could still indicate a more serious condition for example scarlet fever, and strep throat. Typically, when a patient has a sore throat, it should disappear within one week. However, if the condition lasts for more than two weeks, it could indicate a serious illness such as Aids or throat cancer. If you have a sore throat for two weeks, you should seek a specialized doctor for further examination. 

Causes of sore throat

A sore throat may be caused by a virus or bacteria. A majority of sore throats are caused by virus and the most common one is the viral pharyngitis. Viruses that cause common cold are also responsible for viral pharyngitis. Another common viral infection, which may trigger sore throat and swelling of tonsils, is the infectious mononucleosis.

In children, infectious mononucleosis is usually mild, and it could be mistaken for other conditions like cold and flu. However, if infectious mononucleosis occurs after childhood, it can be extremely serious. It is likely to affect the spleen, liver, and could as well lead to jaundice. Some other viral infections that could result to inflamed throat are influenza, chicken pox, measles, and herpes.

Sore throat may also be caused by bacterial and the most common are the streptococcus bacterium. About 5 to 10 percent of all adult sore throats are associated with streptococcus infection. In children, about 15 to 40 percent of sore throats are related to streptococcus infection. Because of the serious implication it may have, sore throat caused by streptococcus infection should be diagnosed immediately.

When left untreated, it could develop into serious complications, which include rheumatic fever that is capable of damaging the heart and acute nephritis that could damage the kidneys. The onset of strep throat is usually characterized by symptoms like sudden fewer, and severe inflamed throat. Microbes like yeast Candida could also trigger a sore throat.

Exposure to bacterium, which causes gonorrhea through oral sex, could lead to sore throat. Other causes that could lead to chronic sore throat include mouth infection, respiratory infection, and sinus. Smoking cigarettes and excessive consumption of alcohol might also be associated with the condition. In rare cases, a sore throat could be caused by cancer growth in mouth or throat.

Symptoms of sore throat

Among the common symptoms of sore throat include, reddened and swollen throat. One may experience a raw and scratchy throat with a burning sensation and pain. The pain may be felt when one is swallowing. The glands in front of neck may become tender and swollen. One is likely to sneeze and cough as well as develop hoarse voice.

Other symptoms include running nose, general fatigue, earache, pus in throat, and painful breathing or pain when speaking. People who suffer from conditions like persistent coughs, allergies, and chronic sinusitis are susceptible to sore throats.

Sore throat for two weeks

Sore throat should be able to disappear in a few days however; if you have the condition persisting for more than one week then it means you might be suffering from a serious health condition. When the sore throat persists for a week and it is accompanied by other symptoms like postnasal drip, it could indicate allergies. Besides, if it last for more than two weeks, it may indicate an illness such as cancer or Aids. A hoarseness, which takes more than two weeks, might indicate oral or throat cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment

When you have a sore throat, you need to consult a physician especially if it does not subside and disappear within one week. A health professional will examine your throat and ask a few questions about your symptoms. It may be difficult to determine exactly what is causing the sore throat from the physical examination, and tests may be conducted to determine if the cause is arising from a bacterial or viral infection.

For strep throat, a rapid strep test is conducted. In examining mononucleosis, blood samples are taken to determine the presence of abnormal white cells or antibodies. Infectious mononucleosis entails a wide range of symptoms and it may be difficult to diagnose it immediately. This is why tests of the blood may be conducted.

If a patient has a viral pharyngitis, no specific treatment may be required especially if the condition clears up in one week. However, for bacterial infections like the strep throat, they can be treated using antibiotics. In case of chronic pharyngitis, the doctor treats the primary or underlying cause of the infection.