Pharyngitis

Acute Pharangitis
It may be an accompanying feature of many local and systemic diseases e.g. Acute attack of common cold or feature of other infections like measles, chicken pox or influenza. May also develop after trauma or after instrumentation.
The chief symptom is sore throat, associated with fever or other constitutional symptoms. Examination reveals diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal wall, uvula and adjacent faucial tissues. Oedema of the lining mucosa and uvula and enlargement of the glands of the neck may be present.
Treatment consists of bed rest, analgesics and antibiotics preferably erythromycin.

Membranous Pharyngitis
Various diseases local or systemic are associated with membrane formation in the pharynx.
Faucial diphtheria: The condition is caused by Corynebacterium diptheriae. The membrane is greyish white and extends to the uvula and soft palate. It cannot be easily removed and on removal leaves a raw bleeding surface. There occurs marked toxaemia associated with a fast pulse rate, disproportionate to the rise in temperature.
Treatment: Diptheria antitoxin along with erythromycin/penicillin.
Vincent’s Angina:

This condition is characterised by an ulcerative lesion on the tonsils, usually on one side. The lesions are covered by slough, which may extend to the adjacent pharyngeal tissues and gums. Low grade fever and malaise are accompanying features. There occurs characteristically fishy odour.
Treatment is by administering penicillin or erythromycin in addition to analgesics and mouth washes.
Agranulocytosis:

It occurs as a result of sensitivity to drugs like sulphonamide, chloramphenicol, cytotoxic drugs. The symptoms are sore throat, ulcerations in the buccopharyngeal mucosa and false membrane formation. Diagnosis is confirmed by the blood picture which shows marked reduction in neutrophils.
Treatment is withdrawal of the drugs.
Leukemia:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia may sometimes present as oropharyngeal ulcerations with membrane formation. Diagnosis is by blood picture.
Infectious Mononucleosis:

It is viral disease which may sometimes be associated with oral lesions. The uvula may be swollen and there may occur inflammatory lesions in other part of buccopharyngeal mucosa. The blood picture shows leucocytosis and relative increase in lymphocytosis. The Paul-Bunnel test is positive.
Moniliasis (Thrush)

It is a fungal infection of the mouth due to candida albicans. The lesions appear as white or greyish whit patches on the oropharyngeal mucosa surrounded by areas of slight redness.
Treatment consists of local application of nystatin in glycerine.

Chronic Pharyngitis:

Chronic inflammation of the pharynx may be non-specific or specific.
Chronic non-specific Pharyngitis: Various aetiological factors in the nose or oral cavity may produce secondary effects in the pharynx. The most constant symptom is discomfort in the throat with a foreign body sensation. Spasms of cough and tendency to clear throat are common. Tiredness of voice and difficulty in swallowing may occur. Diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal wall may be seen and prominent vessels are seen through the inflamed mucosa.
Treatment: It is difficult to reverse the chronic changes once they have set in. However, symptoms can be alleviated to a great extent. Cough suppressants like codeine phosphate linctus and local application of various soothing paints like Mandl’s paint is of help. Alcohol, smoking, irritants and spicy foods should be avoided.

Benefit of improving Foot Muscle Strength

When we think of strengthening exercises, we often assume this refers only to the development of the compound muscles in the body. This is not always an accurate assessment. You can strengthen other components of the body.
For example, you can employ a variety of exercises for the express purpose of enhancing the strength of the muscles in the feet. And this would certainly be a wise move.
The feet have the unenviable task of supporting your body weight. By increasing the strength levels in the muscles in the feet, you will be able to move without discomfort or limitations. How is this so? The answer can be found in a description in the physiology of the feet.

Description of Muscles in Foot
The foot is primarily comprised of muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and bones. In terms of the muscles, there are 20 specific muscles.
These muscles include
• The anterior tibial
• The posterior tibial
• The peroneal tibial
• The flexors
• The etensors
These muscle all tie together to perform the basic function of the feet. In short, the muscles not only support the ability for the toes to move, the stabilization of the toes and ankle to the ground, the ability to move the foot upwards, arch support and movement of the foot but essentially allow the foot to do what it is intended to do when you wish to use your feet!
And, of course, if you do not work to strengthen the muscles, you will not get the most benefit out of your feet.

Benefit of Feet Exercises
It would be difficult to list all the benefits since there are so many but probably the most obvious benefit would be a reduction in the fatigue of the muscles when you use them. In other words, if you need to stand all day or walk a great deal, you can do so without becoming too tired or sore.
Cramps and foot pain will dissipate as the strength of the foot is enhanced and increased. You could even gain greater range of motion with the foot which will also reduce injuries.