Welcome to our comprehensive guide to angina, a common but often misunderstood infection that affects the throat and tonsils. In this FAQ, we'll explore in detail what angina is, its causes, symptoms, treatments and much more. Whether you're looking for information on the difference between viral and bacterial angina, tips for relieving symptoms, or recommendations for preventing infection, you'll find accurate and reliable answers here. Get ready to discover everything you need to know to better understand and manage angina.
What is angina?
Angina is an acute infection that mainly affects the tonsils and throat. It manifests as inflammation and can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with bacterial angina often due to Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include a sharp pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and a general feeling of malaise.
How to tell the difference between viral and bacterial angina?
Viral angina is more common and usually resolves without specific treatment, whereas bacterial angina may require antibiotic treatment to avoid complications. Distinction is often made by clinical examination, and can be confirmed by specific tests such as a throat swab.
What treatments are effective against angina?
For viral angina, rest, adequate hydration and analgesics are usually sufficient. For bacterial angina, antibiotics are essential. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage to avoid drug resistance.
Can angina be prevented?
Angina can be prevented by basic hygiene measures, such as regular hand-washing and avoiding close contact with sick people. Vaccines can also play a role in preventing certain forms of bacterial angina.
When should I consult a doctor?
It's advisable to consult a doctor if angina symptoms persist for more than a few days, if pain is intense, or if breathing becomes difficult. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
What are the possible complications of angina?
Untreated angina can lead to serious complications such as tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils, or scarlet fever, a disease characterized by a rash. In some cases, untreated angina can also lead to cardiac complications such as rheumatic fever.
2. Are there any natural remedies for angina?
Some natural remedies can help relieve the symptoms of angina, such as salt water gargles to soothe the throat or steam inhalations to clear the airways. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
3. Is angina contagious?
Yes, angina can be contagious, especially in the case of viral angina. The viruses and bacteria that cause angina can be spread by direct contact with infected people, such as sneezing or spitting, or by contact with contaminated objects.
4. What are the risk factors for angina?
Risk factors for angina include exposure to infected people, low immunity, smoking, stress, and environmental conditions such as exposure to allergens or air pollution.
5. How is angina diagnosed?
Angina is usually diagnosed by clinical examination, including observation of symptoms and examination of the throat. In some cases, a throat swab may be taken to identify the microorganism responsible for the infection and guide appropriate treatment.
