Lateral pharyngitis is one of the types of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, affecting its side walls located behind the tonsils. The second name of the pathology is lateropharyngitis.
Lateral pharyngitis has symptoms similar to classic pharyngitis, and it is extremely difficult for a non-doctor to determine it. Inflammation may be unilateral or bilateral. When affected, the patient experiences redness and swelling of one lateral ridge or both. The general symptoms of the disease are in many ways similar to the catarrhal manifestations of tonsillitis. In children they are brighter, and the intoxication of the body is stronger. Treatment of the disease must be carried out by a doctor. Self-therapy with home methods greatly increases the risk of complications.
Causes
The causes of lateral pharyngitis are tissue damage by pathogenic fungi, viruses or bacteria. In order for a disease to occur, it is necessary not only for the pathogen to enter the throat, but also for the presence of provoking factors that significantly reduce the body’s defenses. The following negatively affects the functioning of the immune system:
- poor nutrition, in which the body does not receive enough necessary substances;
- smoking in active or passive form;
- abuse of alcohol and even light alcohol;
- chronic inflammatory processes in the body;
- presence of carious teeth;
- breathing through the mouth, especially in the cold season;
- viral infections on the legs;
- overwork;
- lack of sleep;
- chronic stress;
- emotional shock;
- living in areas with unfavorable environmental conditions;
- regular consumption of very hot food and drinks, which causes a drop in local immunity;
- taking medications that reduce the activity of the immune system (such drugs are required for a number of autoimmune diseases).
In children, the problem occurs somewhat more often than in adults, since the child’s immune system is not yet mature and cannot sufficiently resist viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Doctors also identify advanced catarrhal pharyngitis, which affects the back wall of the pharynx, as a fairly common cause of the disease. Taking this into account, the classic form of the disease should be fully treated by seeking medical help.
Diagnostics
Patients who have neck pain on the side require an initial consultation with a general practitioner or traumatologist, then, according to indications, the person is referred to related specialists. A diagnostic search involves conducting modern instrumental imaging methods to determine the cause of pain and prescribing additional laboratory tests. The most informative are:
- Sonography
. Ultrasound of the cervical region is used to study the condition of internal organs, lymph nodes and endocrine glands. The study allows you to detect space-occupying formations, ulcers, and cysts. Additionally, an ultrasound of the abdominal organs is performed. - X-ray examination
. To exclude a vertebrogenic cause of neck pain on the right, an X-ray of the cervical spine is performed in frontal and lateral projections. If dislocations or traumatic injuries to the atlas are suspected, an image is taken through the mouth. - Examination of ENT organs
. Often, pain syndrome is caused by severe diseases of the respiratory tract, so pharyngoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy are necessary. If suspicious signs are detected, endoscopy of the larynx and pharynx is performed. - Neurological examination
. Pain in the neck area can be a consequence of pathological processes in the central nervous system, so superficial and deep tendon reflexes and coordination of movements must be studied. If necessary, a CT or MRI of the brain is done. - Blood chemistry
. The levels of acute phase indicators and the percentage of protein fractions are determined, which is necessary to exclude signs of the inflammatory process. Liver tests, pancreatic enzymes, and a complete blood count are assessed.
When ultrasound reveals large formations of the thyroid gland, a fine-needle biopsy of the node is required, followed by cytomorphological examination. Be sure to do a blood test for thyroid-stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland, T3 and T4, and parathyroid hormone. In some cases, duplex scanning of the neck vessels is required to assess the speed of blood flow. If it is suspected that the superior vena cava is compressed, radiography of the OGK is indicated to exclude mediastinal tumors.
Kinds
The disease can be acute or chronic. The second type is much more difficult to eliminate, since with it the damage to the mucous membrane is more severe and deep.
Also, depending on the clinical picture of the disease, lateral pharyngitis is divided into three types.
1. Chronic lateral pharyngitis, atrophic. During the disease, the mucous membrane becomes thinner, and the lymphoid tissue is partially replaced by connective tissue. The mucous membrane is hidden by epithelial tissues, some of which are prone to keratinization and peeling. This type of disease is difficult to treat. In advanced forms, only maintenance therapy is possible, which minimizes discomfort in the throat and reduces the likelihood of complications.
2. Subatrophic. It is often called not an independent form, but the first stage of atrophic lateral pharyngitis. The patient experiences diffuse damage to the pharyngeal mucosa, against which tissue atrophy develops. With such a lesion, treatment can completely solve the problem.
3. Hypertrophic. Against the background of pathology, the mucous membrane becomes loose and thickened. There is also a dilation of the vessels of the mucous membrane and an increase and thickening of the lymphoid nodules.
Depending on what type of problem is diagnosed, the treatment of the pathology is selected. The sooner a patient seeks medical help, the higher the likelihood that the disorder will be completely eliminated.
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Indications for surgical treatment of atherosclerosis of the internal carotid arteries are determined by a cardiovascular surgeon; however, to successfully perform the operation and minimize the risk of complications, coordinated interaction between a neurologist, cardiologist, and anesthesiologist is necessary. Our institution employs just such a team of professionals who are ready to help every patient in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. By making an appointment with a cardiovascular surgeon at the clinic, you will receive comprehensive information about the methods of modern diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the carotid arteries, determine the need and timing of surgical intervention. The modern technologies used and the experience of our specialists will help in getting rid of narrowing of the carotid arteries, preventing strokes and maintaining an active and fulfilling life.
During pregnancy
During the period when a woman is carrying a child, against the background of hormonal changes, a sharp decrease in immunity occurs. This is a normal and necessary process that ensures the preservation of pregnancy, since without it the body’s natural protective barrier will recognize the fetus as a foreign object that needs to be removed from the body. For this reason, various viral and bacterial throat infections are becoming a fairly common problem. For some women, classic or lateral pharyngitis is a constant companion of pregnancy.
Since any inflammation poses a danger to the fetus, treatment should be carried out from the first symptoms. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, as it poses a serious danger and can cause serious consequences for the unborn child. In the early stages, due to general intoxication, there is a risk of miscarriage, and in the later stages, there is a risk of premature birth. It can also cause disturbances in the development of the child, both physical and mental.
Neck pain
Arthritis
31775 09 June
IMPORTANT!
The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Neck pain - causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.
Almost two thirds of people have experienced neck pain – cervicalgia – at least once in their lives. Such pain does not always indicate a serious illness. But if relapses occur more and more often, this may be a warning sign.
Types of pain
Conventionally, the causes of cervicalgia are divided into two groups:
- arising as a result of spinal diseases (herniated intervertebral discs, arthrosis, dysfunction of intervertebral joints) and vertebral subluxation (whiplash injury). The effects of such injuries can last a lifetime;
- arising due to other reasons: infectious and endocrine diseases, tumor processes, rheumatism.
Possible reasons
Myofascial syndrome
Prolonged strain of the neck muscles, sprains, and hypothermia lead to pain that is of moderate intensity and short duration. In this case, there is often a restriction in head mobility and spasm of the neck muscles, in which tightness and pain when pressed are felt.
As a rule, pain with myofascial syndrome goes away on its own within a few days.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine that occurs as a result of deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs. Loss of elasticity, compression and destruction of discs lead to overload of intervertebral (facet) joints, arthrosis, pinched nerve roots and pain. With age, due to drying of cartilage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which causes damage to the intervertebral joints and ligaments.
Facet joint dysfunction
Damage to the structure of the intervertebral, or facet, joints is one of the most common causes of pain in the neck.
The thinning of cartilage on the articular surfaces leads to the appearance of bone growths - osteophytes. They narrow the lumen of the intervertebral foramina and compress the nerve endings. As a rule, this causes a dull pain (gradually increasing, of low intensity), especially in the morning after sleeping in an uncomfortable position (on a high pillow, lying on the stomach). When moving it increases, and at rest it weakens. The pain may radiate to the back of the head, ear, temple or shoulder.
Hernias and protrusions of intervertebral discs
Compression of intervertebral discs that have lost their elasticity leads to their protrusion (protrusion) into the spinal canal and the subsequent formation of a hernia.
As a result, compression of the spinal cord occurs, leading to impaired sensitivity of the hands (numbness, burning, weakness) and pain. Shooting (irregular one-sided) pain intensifies when tilting, rotating or throwing back the head, so that the person instinctively tilts the head forward and to the side opposite to the localization of the pain.
Cervical myelopathy
Prolonged compression of the spinal cord herniation leads to disruption of the spinal circulation.
Painful sensations arise not only in the neck, but also radiate between the shoulder blades and into the shoulders. They intensify with movement and do not stop even after taking painkillers. Characteristic signs include the appearance of goosebumps, numbness in the limbs, and problems with fine motor skills. Dizziness, memory impairment, and gait changes are possible.
Whiplash
A whiplash injury to the cervical spine occurs in a person when the neck is sharply bent forward or backward with subsequent kickback in the opposite direction. This type of damage most often occurs during an accident. This causes stretching and damage to muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and cervical vertebrae. In the most severe cases, dislocations and fractures of the cervical vertebrae occur.
The consequences of injury can be pain in the cervical region and shoulders, migraines, spasms of the neck muscles, and impaired mobility.
Associated symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches.
Neck pain due to muscular-tonic syndromes
Muscular-tonic syndrome is a condition that is caused by prolonged spasm of several muscle groups in the head, neck and chest. Compression of the neurovascular bundles leads to nagging, sometimes severe pain. In particular, scalene muscle syndrome is a symptom complex in which the innervation and blood supply to the scalene muscles of the neck, running from the cervical vertebrae to the first and second ribs, are disrupted. This syndrome is characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck, more often in the morning, and a certain position of the head (the head is tilted forward and slightly towards the tense muscle). The pain can be mild, aching, but sometimes sharp, intensifying at night, with a deep breath, or when tilting the head to the healthy side. Sometimes pain is transmitted to the shoulders, to the axillary and interscapular areas, to the anterior parts of the chest.
Neck pain due to other causes
Constant and prolonged neck pain can be caused not only by diseases of the spine.
First of all, infectious diseases should be excluded, in particular, nonspecific or tuberculous spondylitis, epidural abscess. Persistent pain that increases rather than decreases with rest may be a sign of metastatic damage to the vertebrae. These symptoms are accompanied by increased body temperature, general weakness, and sweating. When pressing on the spinous processes, local pain occurs.
Damage to the spine is also possible with rheumatoid arthritis. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, pain occurs in the neck, back of the head and head. The pain can radiate to the forehead and eye sockets, and intensifies when bending and turning the head. Sensation in the neck and arms is lost.
Diagnostics and examinations
First of all, the doctor pays attention to clinical symptoms: localization and distribution of pain, impaired sensitivity in the neck, shoulders, arms, decreased reflexes, general condition, nature of the pain (increases with movement or at rest).
The doctor may prescribe:
- general blood analysis
No. 5Clinical blood test
Blood analysis. General blood test (without leukocyte formula and ESR) (Complete Blood Count, CBC) A general blood test is a comprehensive study, during which a quantitative assessment of the content of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets), hemoglobin is carried out, hematocrit and red blood cells are calculated indexes (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW).
Up to 1 business day
RUR 340 Add to cart
- blood chemistry
No. OBS74Biochemistry of blood
Blood biochemistry: minimum profile The minimum biochemical complex includes studies that help make an initial assessment of the state of health and determine the course of further examination. For use as part of a clinical examination and as prescribed by a doctor.
Up to 1 business day
RUB 3,840 Add to cart
- general urine analysis
No. 116Clinical urine analysis
General urine analysis (Urine analysis with sediment microscopy) General urine analysis is a comprehensive assessment of a number of physical and chemical parameters of urine, as well as elements of urinary sediment, aimed at identifying pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Up to 1 business day
RUB 380 Add to cart
- blood test for C-reactive protein
No. 43Markers of inflammation
C-reactive protein (CRP) The study of CRP in blood serum is used to detect inflammation and monitor the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Up to 1 business day
590 RUR Add to cart
To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will need the results of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
In children
In childhood, the problem often appears and poses a threat, especially for children under 3 years of age. In them, due to the structural features of the nasopharynx, even mild swelling can cause suffocation. Also, intoxication at an early age is much more difficult to tolerate, which is why the child may develop convulsive seizures. With a significant increase in temperature due to pharyngitis, hospitalization is most often indicated for children under 3 years of age.
Pain, which is much stronger with lateral inflammation than with damage to the posterior wall, leads to loss of appetite. In some cases, this is the first symptom of the disease, a few hours after which an increase in temperature and other manifestations of pathology are observed.
What not to do
There are several common mistakes, by making which the patient puts his health at risk. Doctors categorically prohibit the following in case of illness:
- warming up the throat - the procedure is extremely dangerous, as it can contribute to the rapid spread of the inflammatory process, which is why there is a high probability of developing an abscess, phlegmon and sepsis;
- rubbing the throat area with vinegar or preparations containing alcohol is similar to warming;
- smoking during therapy - nicotine leads to serious damage to the mucous membrane, because of which, if you do not stop smoking, at least for the duration of the illness, treatment will be useless;
- the use of oil to treat the mucous membrane - by forming a film on its surface, oils only aggravate the condition, creating a favorable environment for pathogens;
- the use of alcohol infusions for gargling, since alcohol is a strong irritant to the throat, which will only further injure the mucous membrane;
- non-compliance with diet during treatment;
- self-medication.
Any violations in the treatment of the disease can lead to severe complications. If the patient does not comply with medical recommendations, then the specialist involved in treatment cannot guarantee a positive result.
