When do you need an antibiotic for a sore throat?
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common. It is usually caused by a viral infection or less commonly, a bacterial infection. In addition, you may have: * A hoarse voice * A mild cough * A high temperature (fever) * A headache * A feeling of wanting to be sick (nausea) * Tiredness * Swollen glands in your nec…
Quinsy - a serious complication of tonsillitis
What is Quinsy? * Quinsy occurs when an abscess forms at the top of one of the tonsils * An abscess is a collection (or bag) of pus * The tonsils are the 2 lumps you can see in your throat when you open your mouth wide They sit in the bottom corners at the back (behind your tongue) They are either side of t…
Tonsils - what do they do? and what problems can they cause?
What are tonsils? The tonsils are two clumps of immune tissue located in the throat. They contain cells that fight infection and help defend the body from germs which enter the mouth and nose. Tonsils vary a lot in size- in some people they can be very small- so small in fact it may be hard to see them, while others…
When should you worry about a sore throat?
Most sore throats are mild and get better by themselves. However, in some cases, more serious complications can develop. If you feel particularly unwell or are unable to swallow fluids (including your own saliva or spit), you should see a doctor immediately. Here are some key warning signs that you should seek urgen…
Glandular Fever- the key facts about the “kissing disease”
What is Glandular Fever? Glandular Fever (also known as Infectious Mononucleosis) is a viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (or EBV for short). EBV belongs to the Herpes family. Other Herpes viruses cause familiar infections such as cold sores, genital herpes and chicken pox. Glandular Fever is common in …
