December 3, 2012
A healthy throat works unnoticed. We tell you why it reminds you of itself with pain, and what to do in this case.
The throat is a complex system that is responsible for breathing, swallowing and speech functions. It consists of the pharynx, larynx and trachea. A healthy throat works unnoticed - almost all of its functions are carried out reflexively
, which allows a person to breathe, talk and not choke on food. Sometimes the throat reminds itself of pain. How does it work and why can it hurt?
Flu or cold?
Colds are often confused with the flu, mistaking one for the other. Find out how to distinguish the flu from a cold and why you need to know how to do it.
How does the throat work?
The pharynx
is the upper part of the throat.
It is formed by the end of the nasal and oral cavities and in the lower part passes into the esophagus. The pharynx consists of several muscle structures that make its wall mobile and allow it to perform the functions of swallowing, breathing and resonating in the formation of sounds. The larynx
is the upper part of the respiratory tract from the hyoid bone to the trachea.
This section is a complex system of muscles, ligaments and cartilage that form the cavity in which the vocal cords
.
They allow a person to make sounds of various tones. These ligaments are thin membranes of connective tissue that are stretched between the cartilages of the larynx. The space between the vocal cords is called the glottis
. Its size can be adjusted using muscles that move the cartilages of the larynx.
Treatment of laryngeal injuries
First of all, in case of injuries to the larynx, the patient needs to restore respiratory function; in some cases, anti-shock measures or stopping bleeding may be necessary. If the patient’s condition is stable, therapy is carried out, which consists of relieving the inflammatory process, pain, eliminating swelling, conducting antibacterial, detoxification and infusion treatment.
The patient is advised to rest his voice; if the larynx is poorly obstructed, the patient is fed through a tube. For cartilage fractures, ligament ruptures, extensive injuries, bleeding, stenosis or emphysema, surgical treatment is performed. Surgical treatment includes removal of a foreign body, reconstructive surgery to restore the organ, prosthetics and plastic surgery of the organ and nearby tissues, etc.
After eliminating the clinical symptoms of damage to the larynx, the patient is recommended to be treated by a phoniatrist to restore speech function.
If you receive a laryngeal injury, in order to avoid dangerous complications, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible. Paid services of an otolaryngologist in medical institutions are an opportunity to receive qualified and timely assistance from specialists at any convenient time. You can make an appointment by calling: 8 (812) 322-93-07, 8 (812) 611-08-26.
How does a person talk?
Most sounds a person makes while exhaling. Air from the lungs flows through the bronchi, trachea and enters the larynx. When a person simply breathes, the glottis is completely open. If you need to pronounce any sounds, the muscles of the larynx tense and the glottis narrows. The sounds themselves are vibrations of the vocal cords under the influence of exhaled air. The more they are closed, the higher the tone of the sound. The resulting sound resonates and is amplified in the pharynx, oral and nasal cavities. The individual characteristics of the voice—its timbre—depend on the anatomical features of these sections.
1.General information
“It hurts to swallow” is one of the most common complaints that not only an otolaryngologist, but also a pediatrician, general practitioner, district physician, surgeon, infectious disease specialist and many other specialists have to deal with.
The wide prevalence of pain during the act of swallowing is partly due to the anatomical complexity, intensive innervation and vasculature (blood supply) of the ENT organs and the initial parts of the digestive tract: with these structural features, even a minor problem can be accompanied by severe pain. But it is also important that the range of such “problems” is very wide – from really minor to very serious and even life-threatening. Therefore, enduring pain when swallowing (in the hope that “this often happens to everyone and goes away on its own”) is not only unwise, but often dangerous, since some of the processes underlying this phenomenon develop fulminantly (lightning fast), and treatment seeking help may be too late.
A must read! Help with treatment and hospitalization!
Why does my throat hurt?
- Smoking.
Regular exposure to hot air and smoke causes a feeling of dryness and soreness in the throat. - Forced breathing through the mouth
(for example, if the nose is stuffy) leads to drying of the mucous membrane of the throat and the appearance of painful sensations. - Viral infections.
A swollen and red throat along with a runny nose and cough is a sign of a viral infection. - Bacterial infections.
The most common cause of pain and inflammation of the throat is the activity of streptococcal bacteria.
Almost everyone is familiar with a tickling and burning sensation in the back of the throat. Sore throat caused by a cold goes away along with the underlying disease. If the inflammation in the pharynx is caused by streptococci, it requires an accurate diagnosis and treatment selected by an otolaryngologist.
Diagnostics
If a patient’s neck hurts in the front, he needs to consult a general practitioner, who either prescribes an examination on his own or refers the patient to a specialist. The diagnostic search includes instrumental imaging techniques to identify pathological changes that are causing pain in the front of the neck. Laboratory methods are used to clarify the diagnosis. The most informative for identifying the cause of the disorder are:
- Ultrasonic method
. Ultrasound of the neck allows you to study in detail the condition of soft tissues and organs in order to detect signs of inflammation, neoplasms and structural anomalies. A targeted scan of the thyroid gland is required to exclude an endocrine cause of pain in the front of the neck. - X-ray examination
. X-rays of the neck are performed to identify damage to the cartilage of the larynx and vertebrae. For more detailed visualization, computer and magnetic resonance imaging methods are used. During the examination, attention is paid to the presence of space-occupying formations, ulcers and median cysts of the neck. - Radioisotope scintigraphy
. A highly informative research method using a contrast agent is prescribed to assess the functional capacity of the thyroid gland and the degree of degenerative changes. If there is a defect in contrast accumulation, nodular formations are visualized; diffuse changes are characteristic of thyroiditis. - Electromyography
. To study the functional state of the neck muscles, the bioelectrical activity of individual muscle fibers is recorded. Depending on the method of performing the study, surface, stimulation and needle electromyography are distinguished. The technique allows us to identify the level of damage to the neuromuscular system. - Electroneurography
. A special study is recommended for plexitis and injuries of the cervical region to assess the speed of impulses along the peripheral nerves. This painless and non-invasive diagnostic method is necessary to accurately determine the location of nerve fiber damage and clarify the condition of the myelin sheath. - Laboratory research
. To confirm the cause of pain in the front of the neck, general and biochemical blood tests and a coagulogram are performed. Be sure to examine the level of thyroid hormones and insulin. If an infectious process is suspected, bacteriological culture of blood, throat swabs, and serological tests are indicated. - ECG
. To exclude myocardial ischemia, with a sudden onset of neck pain, which is accompanied by pale skin, dizziness, and cold sweat, an electrocardiogram is required. If pathological signs are detected on the ECG, an ultrasound of the heart and Dopplerography of blood vessels are additionally prescribed.
If suspicious mass formations of the thyroid gland are detected on radiographs, it is necessary to perform a biopsy of the node to exclude malignant degeneration of the cells. A diagnostic puncture of the lymph node may also be performed. To verify the rheumatic cause of neck pain, blood is examined for rheumatoid factor and specific antibodies. The patient may need to consult an osteopath or endocrinologist.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland
How to distinguish a sore throat from a cold?
A red and swollen throat, white spots on the mucous membrane and the presence of pus indicate the development of streptococcal infection - sore throat
. If your sore throat is accompanied by a runny nose and cough, as well as headache, weakness and mild fever, you most likely have a cold. But a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius in combination with a sore throat indicates the likelihood of developing a bacterial infection in the throat. This is also indicated by swollen lymph nodes in the neck area. The sore throat caused by a cold is quite severe, but it goes away within a few days. A sign of streptococcal infection can be considered constant painful sensations in the throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing, which do not go away for a long time.
Causes of neck pain in the front
Thyroid diseases
Organ damage can occur in people of all ages, including children. Pain in the front of the neck can be a consequence of both inflammatory processes and endocrine pathology. The pain intensifies with head movements, especially when tilting the head forward. The symptom is accompanied by elevated temperature, increased sweating, constant feeling of heat, and rapid heartbeat. Pain is often caused by the following reasons:
- Acute thyroiditis
. Soreness develops suddenly, more often after an acute respiratory viral infection or other infections. Characteristic complaints are severe acute pain in the anterolateral part of the neck, which extends to the mastoid process and collarbone. - Toxic goiter
. Painful sensations of a pressing or bursting nature are localized along the cervical midline; in the case of a single thyroid nodule, the pain is more pronounced on one side. Patients themselves notice an enlargement of the neck. - Hashimoto's thyroiditis
. In the phase of thyrotoxicosis, patients note severe discomfort in the front of the neck, which is not associated with changes in head position. Neck pain is accompanied by irritability, tremors (shaking) of the limbs, and sleep disturbances.
Sialadenitis
When the submandibular salivary glands are affected, complaints are usually made of sharp pain in the front of the neck, radiating to the ear and lower jaw. Unpleasant sensations tend to intensify when turning the head, chewing and swallowing movements. A swelling and compaction up to several centimeters in size very quickly forms. Due to a decrease in the amount of saliva, it becomes difficult to eat, and there is a constant dry mouth. Often sialadenitis occurs with disturbances in the general condition - low-grade fever, chills, weakness.
Purulent inflammation
Frequent causes of sharp pain are purulent processes in the pharynx, which spread to the adjacent tissue with the development of a retropharyngeal abscess. Patients complain that the neck begins to hurt in the front, the skin in this part is hot to the touch and bright pink. The pain is strong and throbbing. Due to severe discomfort, a person refuses food and water. The symptom occurs against the background of febrile fever. Similar manifestations can be detected with extensive paratonsillar abscesses, complicating bacterial tonsillitis.
Myositis
Inflammation of the neck muscles causes sharp shooting or dull pain in the neck that lasts for several days or even weeks. Pain with myositis often occurs after hypothermia or exposure to drafts. As a rule, pain is noted in the front of the neck, moving to the chin, collarbone and shoulders. The intensity increases with prolonged stay in one forced position and heavy physical activity. If symptoms worsen over time and interfere with daily work, you should consult a specialist to determine the cause of your neck pain.
Cervical plexitis
The severity of symptoms depends on the number of damaged nerves. The most common symptoms are sharp pain on the anterolateral surface, difficulty when trying to talk loudly or cough. Painful sensations can radiate to the ear, occipital region, and chest. Characterized by paresthesia, a feeling of “crawling goosebumps.” Patients associate the appearance of unpleasant symptoms with hypothermia, complications after vaccination, and injuries. Damage to the cervical plexus - plexitis - is also provoked by other causes: diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases.
Rheumatic diseases
Pain in the front of the neck is observed in systemic pathologies of connective tissue (collagenosis) with predominant damage to muscle tissue and skin - scleroderma, dermatomyositis. Typical are constant painful sensations of a pulling or aching nature, which are accompanied by thickening and swelling of the skin. Shooting pains radiating to the anterior surface of the neck are possible when the spinal column is involved due to rheumatoid arthritis. With collagenosis, along with local symptoms, signs of damage to other systems develop.
Lymphadenitis
Frequent causes of pain in the upper neck are inflammatory processes in the lymphoid tissue. Patients report severe local pain in the submandibular region on one side. The discomfort is aggravated when talking or tilting the head towards the affected area. The symptom is accompanied by a swelling ranging in size from a pea to a walnut. The skin over the formation is swollen and hyperemic. With inflammation of the lymph nodes, high body temperature, general weakness, and possible myalgia are observed. A similar clinical picture is also typical for lymphangitis.
Damage to the cartilage of the larynx
Severe dull pain in the midline of the neck may be a manifestation of a tuberculous process in the cartilaginous tissue of the larynx. Men note local discomfort in the Adam's apple area. In addition to pain, prolonged low-grade body temperature and increased night sweats are detected. With chondroperichondritis of the larynx, sharp pain occurs in the upper and middle third of the neck. Also in this area, a round, painful formation is palpated, the skin over which becomes bright red. Symptoms are also caused by other causes: recurrent perichondritis, developmental abnormalities.
Angina pectoris
With atypical variants of angina attacks, instead of squeezing pain in the heart, patients feel pain in the front of their neck. The pain is very strong, combined with a feeling of lack of air, it becomes difficult to talk and swallow. In addition to pain, other symptoms are noted: severe weakness, cold sweat and paleness of the extremities, shortness of breath. Intense pain in the cervical region, arising against the background of discomfort in the heart, accompanied by a faint state, pallor and fear of death, may indicate the development of myocardial infarction.
Injuries
Severe pain can occur after blows to the front of the neck, sports injuries, or car accidents. In case of minor injuries or bruises, the pain syndrome persists for several days; breathing and swallowing problems are usually absent. With injuries to internal organs, primarily injuries to the larynx, patients complain of unbearable pain, which is combined with shortness of breath and hemoptysis. In any case, after injuries to the cervical region, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage and provide medical assistance.
Diseases of internal organs
In inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the trachea or esophagus, pain can be localized in front along the surface of the neck. In this case, they are called referred pain. With esophagitis, in addition to pain, problems with swallowing are disturbed, constant heartburn and chest discomfort are observed. In the case of tracheitis, pain in the front of the neck occurs against the background of a painful dry cough, an increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels, and sometimes shortness of breath develops. Pain syndrome can be a sign of widespread mediastinitis involving the cervical tissue.
Rare causes
- Spinal lesions:
spinal osteochondrosis, ankylosing spondylitis, spinal stenosis and intervertebral hernia. - Tumor metastases.
- Staying in an awkward position for a long time
. - Congenital pathologies
: short neck syndrome (Klippel-Feil), hypoplasia of the axis tooth, accessory cervical rib syndrome. - Cervical compression syndrome
.
Sore throat and antibiotics
it is impossible
to get rid of it with antibiotics .
These medications kill bacteria, whereas colds are caused by viruses. Sore throat is caused by bacteria. To select an antibiotic that is guaranteed to destroy pathogenic microflora with minimal harm to the body, the diagnosis must be made by an otolaryngologist. Remember that uncontrolled use of antibiotics
can lead to bacteria adapting to the treatment and becoming resistant to the antibiotic! This will significantly complicate treatment.
Be healthy!
Do you sneeze, cough and use handkerchiefs? Find out what a cough, runny nose and headache mean.
Symptoms of laryngeal damage
Symptoms vary in the degree of damage to the organ structure and how extensive it is. The main and most dangerous sign of organ injury is deterioration or cessation of respiratory function. In this case, breathing disturbance can be immediate, i.e. appear immediately after injury and indirectly, arising as a result of pathological edema, hematoma or organ infiltration.
In addition, trauma to the larynx provokes other disorders:
- Complete or partial loss of voice
- Swallowing disorders
- Pain syndromes of varying severity
- Cough, sore throat
- Internal or external bleeding
- Laryngeal nerve paralysis
- Hematoma formation and laryngeal edema
The danger of laryngeal injuries is fraught with the development of various complications - from post-traumatic shock, laryngeal stenosis, to the development of infectious and inflammatory processes. The most dangerous complication is asphyxia, in which the patient must be immediately connected to a ventilator.
