Treatments
The Goal of Throat Disorder Treatment
Treatment for most throat disorders is to relieve the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Wide Range of Treatments
Pharyngitis
Treatment depends on whether the patient has bacterial or viral pharyngitis:
- Bacterial pharyngitis: Bacterial infections are best treated with antibiotics. They reduce the risk of complications like kidney inflammation.
- Viral pharyngitis: As antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, viral pharyngitis is treated through rest and drinking fluids, with the purpose of alleviating the symptoms.
Laryngitis
Since laryngitis is caused by overusing the larynx (voice box), treatment involves resting the voice and drinking fluids. However, consider visiting an ENT doctor if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.
Tonsilitis
Treatment depends if the patient has acute (sudden) or chronic (recurring) tonsillitis:
- Acute tonsillitis: Consists of viral and bacterial tonsillitis. The former is treated with rest and hydration, while the latter is treated with antibiotics.
- Chronic tonsillitis: The doctor may recommend tonsillectomy which is surgery to remove the tonsils.
Strep Throat
As strep throat is a type of bacterial pharyngitis, antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Hoarseness (Dysphonia)
Voice hoarseness is usually treated by resting the voice and drinking fluids, but consider seeking medical attention if hoarseness is affecting the ability to swallow or breathe.
Chronic Cough
Treatment for chronic cough can vary, since it can be triggered by different causes, such as:
- Caused by asthma: Treatment will be prescription drugs that allow more air to enter the lungs
- Caused by acid reflux (GERD): Treatment will be lifestyle changes, medications
- Caused by postnasal drip: Treatment will be antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal irrigation
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Treatment is meant to relieve the symptoms of sore throat, hoarseness, and coughing. It may involve lifestyle changes (diet modifications (low-fat and low-acid foods), smaller meal sizes, controlling weight, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption) and medication to reduce stomach acid content.
Throat Cancer
Treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer. The goal of treatment is to remove or eliminate the cancer and stop it from spreading to other parts of the body. Treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Dysphagia
The goal of treating dysphagia is to improve swallowing function, maintain the patient’s nutritional intake of food/drink, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Treatment can include:
- Learning alternative swallowing methods
- Dietary changes (change texture of foods or switch to softer foods)
- Medicine (to treat the acid reflux)
Epiglottis
Epiglottis should never be left to resolve on its own; it could lead to potential respiratory failure due to the inflamed and swollen epiglottis obstructing the airway. Hence, emergency medical intervention is essential to restore breathing.
Treatment will help to alleviate discomfort and address the main cause of the throat disorder.
Contact Us
Dr Lau Chee Chong
Consultant ENT Head & Neck Surgeon
MBBS, FRCS (ENT) (Edinburgh, UK), FAMS (ENT) (S’pore)
Dr Lau has been a consultant ENT Specialist in private practice at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre for 18 years, treating both adults and children. His practice covers all areas diagnostic, surgical and medical of ENT, and head and neck practice.
Dr Lau has previously worked at Singapore General Hospital, as well as at renowned hospitals in the United Kingdom. He has also served on the panels of various embassies, legal bodies, associations, and societies.
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