A sore throat can be painful. There are many reasons why you may have a sore throat. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the cause of your sore throat. They'll also find the best treatment for you. Read on to learn more.
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms near the tonsils. It is a complication of bacterial infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis). The abscess causes one or both tonsils to swell. The infection and swelling may spread to nearby tissues. If tissues swell enough to block the throat, the condition can become life-threatening. It is also dangerous if the abscess bursts and the infection spreads or is breathed into the lungs. The goal is to treat a peritonsillar abscess before it worsens and threatens your health.
You have been told that you may have vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Normally, when a person breathes in and out, air flows through the vocal cords and in and out of the lungs, allowing the person to breathe easily. But with VCD, the vocal cords close when they should open.
Learn about mouth and throat tumors, including who's at risk and symptoms.
You have a tumor in your mouth or throat. A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. To learn more about your tumor, your healthcare provider will evaluate you. This may include a health history, physical exam, and some tests. Here's what to expect.
A thyroglossal cyst is a type of neck lump (mass) that some people are born with. Thyroglossal cysts are most often found and treated in children. But they may sometimes go undetected or untreated until adulthood.
Laryngitis is a swelling of the tissues around the vocal cords. Symptoms include a hoarse voice. The voice may be lost completely.
Objects that are swallowed can get stuck in the throat. A stuck object can cause coughing, choking, pain when swallowing, or trouble swallowing. If the object is dangerous or blocks breathing, it may need emergency removal.
Strep throat is a contagious illness. It is spread by coughing, kissing, or by touching others after touching your mouth or nose.
An abrasion of the back of the throat can be caused by swallowing a sharp piece of food or other sharp or abrasive object.
A sore throat is often due to a virus. It can also be caused by the strep (streptococcus) bacteria, often called strep throat. Read on to learn about caring for a strep throat at home.
Learn how to care for yourself at home when you have a possible strep throat infection.
An infection around the tonsils is generally caused by the streptococcus bacteria. The infection can cause severe sore throat, pain with swallowing, swollen glands, and fever.
Your healthcare team will explain your options. They can answer any questions you have. They'll work with you during all stages of your treatment.
Surgery may be done to remove either a noncancer (benign) tumor or a cancerous tumor. Read on to learn more.
You may go home the same day as your surgery, or you may need to stay in the hospital longer. These first few days after your surgery can be a challenge. You'll have lots of help from your healthcare team. And you'll learn how to care for yourself once you're home.
Treatment for a tumor may change the way you speak, chew, or eat. If so, your healthcare team will show you new ways to do these important tasks. Family, friends, and other people you trust can also help you adjust.
You had a procedure called a laryngectomy, which is surgery to take out all or part of the larynx (voice box). Here's what you need to know about home care after surgery.
A thyroglossal cyst is a type of neck lump (mass) that some people are born with. Your healthcare provider may remove the cyst to keep it from getting infected.
Bleeding can happen at the surgery site after a tonsillectomy. It can be controlled with direct pressure or medication that shrinks the blood vessels.
Follow these instructions to help care for and clean your tracheostomy.
Learn how to care for a sore throat at home.
Your mouth allows you to speak, breathe, and chew. This article shows specific parts of the mouth, with a helpful diagram.
Here are details and images of different parts of the throat and neck.