Sore throat: what to do?

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Extract from the article: Health centres record an increase in cases of sore throat at certain times of the year. These include times of heavy rain, harmattan periods and the arrival of monsoon winds. According to Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at Clinic Flor

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Health centres record an increase in cases of sore throat at certain times of the year. These include times of heavy rain, harmattan periods and the arrival of monsoon winds.  According to Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at Clinic Floreal in Lomé, this illness, known medically as 'angina', has a variety of origins and can be prevented or treated.

Angina is an infection of the throat, and more specifically of the tonsils.  It can spread to the entire pharynx. « It can be caused by different types of microbes, but generally by viruses or bacteria. Whatever the cause, it is characterised by intense pain in the throat, particularly when swallowing. There may be a fever and associated tiredness », explains Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner.

In general, strep throat is not very dangerous. Although they are usually benign, it's still worth being wary of them. It's very uncomfortable and can quickly become complicated, which is why it's so important to seek professional help.

Preventing angina

Preventing angina involves hygiene measures. « The general measures for preventing respiratory illnesses apply, such as washing your hands regularly, using alcohol-based disinfectants, sneezing or coughing using disposable tissues and avoiding shaking hands with a sick person.You can even go as far as surgically removing the tonsils », says Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina.

TreatmentThere are a number of treatments aimed at relieving the symptoms (especially when the cause is viral). « To relieve pain and fever, we can recommend paracetamol-type analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for short periods, provided there are no contraindications », says the GP.There are also a number of tried-and-tested old-fashioned remedies.According to the specialist, you can use mouthwash, sucking lozenges, mouthwash or gargle with antiseptics.Warm milk with honey or a combination of honey and lemon have both pleasant and antiseptic properties. « If you have a fever, you need to compensate for the risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids », he stresses.Dry air can be combated with humidifiers.

However, advises Dr Bakpatina, if the pain and fever do not subside after 48 hours, or if they are immediately unbearable, do not hesitate to consult a health professional.

William O.