Mouth and nose contact with germ pool water drinks prepared with unhygienic ice and air conditioners with filters not cleaned... Stating that these are the most important causes of throat or lung infections encountered in summer, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan answered questions about the causes and treatment of throat infections.

What is a Throat Infection?

Inflammations that occur in the pharyngeal area between the tonsils and tonsils, usually due to the settlement of various microbes such as various bacteria and viruses, or as a result of allergy or reflux, as a result of irritation of this area.

Is There a Special Cause of Sore Throat Infection in the Summer?

In the summer, a microbe that settles in the filters of air conditioners leads to an infection that also affects the lower respiratory tract. Furthermore, pool waters that are not clean enough reach the nose and throat through the upper respiratory tract and cause upper respiratory tract infections. Certain chemicals used in pool water may increase the symptoms of allergic rhinitis by triggering allergic reactions in allergic people.

Is There a Specific Risk Group?

Especially the pool water, which we are not sure of its cleanliness, poses a risk for everyone. Places, where adults and children use the same pool, are even riskier. Since the immune system of patients with diabetes, chemotherapy, and steroid use will be weaker, they are more easily affected by these microbes and their infections are more severe. Allergic individuals may experience both upper and lower respiratory tract reactions due to pool cleaning chemicals they are exposed to. 

What Are the Symptoms of Throat Infection?

Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sometimes fever, dry throat and itching, cough complaints. This may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as weakness, nasal discharge, and joint pain. An awake redness in the throat and white inflammatory tissue is seen on the tonsils according to the factor.

What to Do To Prevent Throat Infection?

It is one of the first measures to be taken to stay away from pool and sea waters that are not sure of their cleanliness, to clean the air conditioner regularly, not to swallow water, especially in pools, to separate children's pools, to wash the throat and nose with clean water when leaving the pool. It is recommended that people who are allergic to the chemicals used to clean the pool water do not enter the pool.

How to Treat Throat Infection?

It is recommended to first take a throat spray or mouthwash, antipyretic drugs, adequate fluid intake, and rest. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than 3 days and complaints of respiratory distress and cough are added. People with sore throats due to allergies are given allergy drugs, such as antihistamines.