Response:

Sore throat refers to a painful, burning, and uncomfortable sensation in the throat, often accompanied by coughing, hoarseness, a feeling of obstruction, and pain during swallowing. It is a common symptom of various conditions, ranging from benign to severe. Frequent causes include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. After Tet, many individuals often experience these symptoms, along with hoarseness, which can result from excessive or loud talking, late nights, alcohol consumption, exposure to cigarette smoke, or a diet rich in spicy and hot foods.

If you experience no fever and minimal fatigue, the condition is typically benign, allowing for self-monitoring and home care. Simple remedies include limiting loud speech, drinking warm water, keeping your throat warm, rinsing daily with physiological saline solution, and consuming lemon-honey or ginger tea to soothe your throat. It is advisable to avoid alcohol, smoking, spicy foods, and cold beverages. Do not use antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Doctor Phuc Anh performing a throat endoscopy for a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Hoarseness and sore throat resulting from acute inflammation typically resolve within 5-7 days. Should these symptoms persist for over two weeks, it is recommended to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The doctor can perform a throat and larynx endoscopy to exclude underlying causes such as chronic laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, vocal cord polyps, or other medical conditions.

Prompt medical attention is necessary if you experience a high or prolonged fever, difficulty breathing, severe hoarseness or voice loss, coughing up bloody phlegm, or swelling and pain in the neck. This ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential complications.

Master. Doctor. CKI Diep Phuc Anh

Ear, Nose, and Throat Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City