Latest news with #sorethroat
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Dad, 29, died of cardiac arrest 24 hours after doctors sent him home with antibiotics for ‘tonsillitis'
AFTER visiting his GP complaining of a sore and swollen throat, Michael Reynolds questioned whether he needed to attend A&E. But just 24 hours after the doctor brushed off his concerns saying he had tonsillitis, the dad-of-one died of a cardiac arrest. 5 Michael, 29, was told to rest after he initially went to his GP and was sent home with a steroid nasal spray. But when his symptoms got worse and he was unable to swallow, he decided the following day to see a different doctor. Despite being questioned about whether he needed to attend A&E, the doctor brushed off his concerns and diagnosed him with tonsillitis, prescribing him oral antibiotics. But after collecting his prescription from the pharmacy, Michael returned home with his wife Charlotte and collapsed. The HGV driver, who had just become a dad to his son Jacob months earlier, was rushed to hospital, but he died the next morning. A post-mortem revealed he had suffered a cardiac arrest triggered by a lack of oxygen due to his throat closing. An inquest into his death in December 2023 found there had been a "missed opportunity" to send him to A&E for urgent treatment. His devastated family have now instructed medical negligence solicitors Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care. Michael's grieving widow Charlotte, 31, said: "Watching Jacob grow up without his daddy by his side is devastating and we miss Michael every single day. "Michael meant everything to us and losing him has left a huge hole in our lives that will never go away. We'd do anything to bring him back. "The inquest and reliving everything again has been particularly upsetting, but at least I now have some answers as to why Michael's no longer with us and I will be able to explain this to Jacob when he is old enough to understand. "All I can hope for now is that by sharing our story, it can lead to improvements in care for others and more awareness around the signs of epiglottitis and the need for emergency treatment, as it's something I'd never even heard of before. "I wouldn't want anyone going through what we have." No 'robust' advice to attend A&E Michael, from Boston, Lincs., spoke to his GP on November 29, 2023, complaining of a cough of around two to three months, as well as a sore and swollen throat. Alongside being prescribed a steroid nasal spray he was referred for a chest X-ray. However, his symptoms worsened and the following morning he was offered an urgent in-person appointment. He was seen by a different GP, and reported being unable to eat or swallow, and that his throat was closing up. He had a high fever and was spitting into a bowl because he was unable to swallow his saliva. At which point he was diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed oral antibiotics. An inquest at Lincolnshire Coroner's Court heard the GP didn't provide him with "robust" advice to attend A&E. 'A truly tragic case' The coroner concluded Michael died from a hypoxic cardiac arrest related to an upper airway obstruction and epiglottitis - swelling of the flap that covers the windpipe when swallowing. Alongside saying there was a "missed opportunity", the coroner added had Michael gone to A&E, he may have been transferred to resus earlier. It was also recognised that staff there would likely be more familiar with symptoms of epiglottitis. The family's lawyer Rosie Charlton, said: "This is a truly tragic case where a young dad has lost his life. "Charlotte and the rest of Michael's family are understandably struggling to come to terms with losing him so suddenly and unexpectedly, and under such circumstances. "They've also had a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Michael's death. "Worryingly, the inquest has validated those concerns. "While we're pleased to have been able to secure the answers that Michael's family deserve, it's now vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety and help prevent others from suffering in the way Michael did." United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been contacted for comment. What is hypoxic cardiac arrest? Hypoxic cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops due to a lack of oxygen. Hypoxic cardiac arrest and cardiac arrest both involve the heart stopping, but hypoxic cardiac arrest specifically occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the body. While cardiac arrest can be caused by various factors like electrical malfunctions or heart attacks, hypoxia introduces a critical oxygen deficiency as a primary or contributing factor. Early signs of hypoxic cardiac arrest include: Altered mental status: This can range from confusion and agitation to drowsiness and lethargy. Rapid breathing (tachypnea): The body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by breathing faster. Rapid heart rate (tachycardia): The heart beats faster to try and circulate the limited oxygen available. Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds due to low oxygen levels in the blood. Shortness of Breath: A subjective feeling of not getting enough air. As hypoxic cardiac arrest progresses, the following symptoms may occur: Loss of consciousness: As hypoxia worsens, the individual will lose consciousness. Cessation of breathing (apnea): Breathing will eventually stop as the body is unable to sustain respiratory effort. Absence of pulse: The heart will stop beating, resulting in no detectable pulse. Seizures: In some cases, seizures may occur due to the brain's oxygen deprivation. Myoclonus: Muscle twitching can also be a sign. If someone is having hypoxic cardiac arrest, the immediate priority is to call for emergency help and begin CPR. Continue CPR until emergency services arrive or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available. If an AED is present, follow its instructions while continuing CPR. 5 5 5
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The one mistake people make when it comes to a sore throat – as doctor warns it could be ‘vague' sign of deadly disease
WE'VE all been there, when a scratchy tickle suddenly blossoms into a sore throat that makes swallowing feel like sandpaper. And while most sore throats are harmless and go away on their own, a leading specialist warns not to ignore one that lingers. 4 Doctor Jiri Kubes, an oncologist from the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said a persistent itch could be an early sign of head or neck cancer. 'People assume it's just an infection or acid reflux, especially if they're otherwise healthy,' the expert said. 'But when a sore throat won't go away and it doesn't respond to normal treatments, it's time to investigate.' Earlier this month, The Sun reported that Rock star David Roach has been diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of cancer after symptoms of a 'fever and a cough'. The band has launched a GoFundMe while also confirming David is 'battling aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck, and throat '. This would suggest that David has head and neck cancer, of which squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. Val Kilmer, best known for movies such as 1986's Top Gun and 1995's Batman Forever, died of pneumonia this April. The actor's death follows years of rumoured health problems, one of which he opened up about in a 2017 interview. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer revealed he had a two-year fight with throat cancer after being diagnosed in 2014. Head and neck cancers can occur in more than 30 parts of head and neck, including the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, ears and salivary glands. But collectively, head and neck cancer is the eighth most common type of the disease in the UK. There are around 13,000 new cases every year - or 35 every day - and numbers are increasing 30 per cent each decade, experts warn. It kills more than 4,000 annually. Symptoms of head and neck cancer, like Dr Jiri said, can be subtle, or resemble other less serious conditions, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage. But the earlier it's caught, the better the chance of successful treatment and ultimately, survival. Symptoms can include: Persistent sore throat Ear pain without infection Hoarseness or voice changes Trouble swallowing Lump in the neck Unexplained weight loss 'If you've had a sore throat for more than three weeks, especially if it's on one side, or you have ear pain without an infection, speak to your GP," the expert said. He added that while smokers and regular drinkers are more at risk, even people without obvious risk factors are being diagnosed. 'We're seeing rising cases in younger people with no obvious risk factors, particularly linked to HPV infections,' he said. 4 4 4 Recognising these symptoms is vital. But prevention is also key, and making several lifestyle changes can decrease your chance of developing cancer, the Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK (OHNCUK) say on its website. This includes: Quitting tobacco use (smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and using snuff) Limiting alcohol intake Monitoring and taking care of your oral health Getting the HPV vaccine According to Cancer Research UK, up to 64 per cent of head and neck cancer cases are linked to exposure to tobacco smoke. Between 22 and 38 per cent are linked to alcohol consumption, and as many as 80 per cent are connected to HPV infection. Microplastics could raise cancer risk Environmental pollution from the air we breathe might also play a role, Dr Jiri warned. 'Microplastics and airborne pollutants can irritate delicate tissues in the throat and airways,' he said. 'We don't yet know the full impact. But chronic exposure could increase inflammation and potentially raise cancer risk over time.' He said most sore throats are harmless. But warned people to trust their gut if something feels off. 'Most sore throats are harmless. But if it drags on, get it checked,' he said. 'Cancers in this area are very treatable when caught early. Especially with targeted therapies like proton beam treatment.' Proton beam therapy is a precise type of radiation that targets cancer cells while causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It's often used for hard-to-reach tumours and causes fewer side effects than standard radiotherapy, a common cancer treatment.
WebMD
27-06-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Why COVID 'Razor Blade' Sore Throat Hurts So Bad
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S. Kelly, MD, MPH, chief of infectious diseases in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. It's also been widely reported in other countries, including the U.S., as the variant has spread worldwide. Why Does This Sore Throat Hurt So Much? NB.1.8.1 – or Nimbus – is a subvariant of Omicron, the dominant COVID variant since late 2021. Omicron variants tend to cause more throat problems than the virus's earliest forms. In the past few years, infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong, MD, has seen more and more COVID patients with sore throats. "Even before this variant, sore throat has been reported in up to 70% of patients with COVID, and it can be severe," said Chin-Hong, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco. One possible explanation is that as the virus evolves, our body's response to it changes too. COVID viruses bind to ACE2 receptors, found on the surface of cells. Cells in the upper airway (nose, throat) have more ACE2 receptors than those in the lower airway and lungs do – making them prime targets for Omicron variants, which bind to these receptors more strongly. Research suggests that of all the variants circulating now, Nimbus binds to ACE2 receptors the most. Once the virus reaches those cell receptors in and around your throat, your immune system – likely primed by past infections, vaccination, or both – kicks into overdrive to keep the virus at bay. Cue inflammation, fluid buildup, redness, and swelling. "Symptoms of the sore throat are not from the virus itself," said Chin-Hong. "They are from the inflammatory reaction to the virus." Another possibility: A COVID sore throat might feel worse today than it did earlier in the pandemic, because the original virus had more severe systemic symptoms, diverting attention from individual ones like a sore throat, said Chin-Hong. What Works for a Sore Throat? Anti-inflammatory drugs."[Data shows that] the most effective thing for sore throat is systemic therapy," said Chin-Hong. Think over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. If pill swallowing is painful, try a liquid form, he said. Numbing agents, like throat sprays and lozenges with benzocaine, can be effective for short-term relief. Just don't ignore the package directions because misuse can be dangerous. "You're just trying to dull the pain for a couple of days when it's at its worst," said Kelly. Menthol lozenges. Menthol affects nerve activity in the throat, causing a mild numbing effect for a short time. Warm or cold liquids. No high-quality studies exist for these interventions, but many doctors still recommend hot tea and soup, or ice chips and ice pops. "This is sort of where medicine crosses over into: What seems to work for you? What did your mom do?" Kelly said. Here's what not to do: Don't beg your doctor for antibiotics. "Viruses are the most common cause of sore throat," said Chin-Hong – and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Plus: "Overprescribing antibiotics is bad for the microbiome and for increasing the risk of thrush and yeast infections." Don't assume steroids are a quick fix. "Sometimes people try to reach for steroids for pain associated with sore throat," said Chin-Hong, but steroids can have an immune-suppressive effect. In one 2025 study, people who took a corticosteroid for mild or moderate COVID had longer-lasting symptoms than those who took a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory instead. They were also more likely to be hospitalized. Don't apply pressure. You may have seen TikTok influencers touting "throat massage" techniques for a sore throat. Your neck is rich with delicate blood vessels and tissues that can be easily damaged with too much pressure, Kelly said. Leave massaging to trained experts. What Should You Do if You Have a Sore Throat? Take an at-home COVID test. (They still work for new variants.) If the test is positive, you can ask your doctor whether you're a candidate for an antiviral medication to help you recover faster. If it's negative, retest in 24 hours to confirm. When throat pain is your only symptom, it can take a few days before nasal swab tests can detect the virus, said Chin-Hong. Watch for symptoms that get worse, which could mean you have a severe bacterial infection or abscess. See a doctor if: Throat pain is much worse, compared to other symptoms. It's the worst sore throat you've ever had. You notice signs of a throat obstruction, such as hoarseness, drooling, or trouble breathing. Your doctor might do a throat culture for strep. If it's positive, you'll likely be prescribed antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading. "We want to prevent bad stuff down the road, like heart disease, rheumatic fever, or kidney disease," said Chin-Hong. Should You Worry About Nimbus? While U.S. cases are still relatively low, "this could lead to a summer surge or a surge in the next couple of months," said Kelly. Now's a good time to get a booster vaccine, particularly if you're 65 or older or have a chronic medical condition, he said. The COVID vaccines available now were formulated to target Omicron variants.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about COVID variant NB.1.8.1 causing 'razor blade throat'
A newer COVID-19 variant may be causing a severe sore throat in some people who contract the infection. The variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has been nicknamed by some as "razor blade throat" due to the painful symptom. MORE: Why are more than 300 people in the US still dying from COVID every week? Data from the open global genome sequencing database GISAID shows the new variant has been detected in several states, including New York, Illinois, Texas and California. Public health experts told ABC News there is no cause for serious concern yet because the virus does not appear to be more severe than previous variants and there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself. NB.1.8.1 derives from the recombinant variant XVD.1.5.1, which is a descendant of the omicron variant. The first sample of NB.1.8.1 was collected on Jan. 22, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It was first detected in China and other parts of Asia before spreading to Europe. It was designated as a "variant under monitoring" by the WHO, meaning it may require prioritized attention and monitoring but is not as serious as a "variant of interest" or a "variant of concern." As of the week ending June 7, NB.1.8.1 is the second most dominant variant in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 37% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus appears to be more transmissible because there appear to be changes to the spike protein, which is what the virus uses to attach to and infect cells, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. It also seems to attach more easily to ACE2 receptors, which are proteins found on the surface of cells and how the virus that causes COVID enters cells, he told ABC News. NB.1.8.1 doesn't yet appear to be causing increases in cases or in hospitalizations with rates remaining "stable" so far, according to Chin-Hong. The variant has also been called "Nimbus," which appears to have been coined on X by T. Ryan Gregory, a Canadian professor of evolutionary biology. "Nimbus is a catchy, quick name, and it also includes an 'N' and a 'B' from the lineage, which is NB.1.8.1. So it's easier for people to be able to say these monikers for COVID, rather than remember the actual lineage," said Dr. Alok Potel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children's Health and an ABC News contributor. "But I think it's important also because it keeps people paying attention to new COVID variants that can be different in terms of infectivity and in terms of spread," he added. MORE: What we still don't know about COVID 5 years after the WHO declared a pandemic Experts said they are not sure if the painful sore throat is just a symptom that people are talking about or a distinctive symptom of this variant. It's also unclear if the "razor blade throat" is more common in those who are more up to date on vaccination compared to those who are not up to date. "I think it's certainly amongst the spectrum of symptoms that you can get, and we know that sore throat is reported by about 70% of patients now with COVID, so it's not unusual, and like with everything in medicine, there's always a spectrum," Chin-Hong said. There is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1. causes more severe disease or is more likely to cause hospitalization, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, MORE: 5 years ago, the WHO declared COVID a pandemic. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers "But of course, there are people in high-risk groups that are still at risk of being hospitalized should they become infected," he told ABC News. There are no other symptoms outlined that are specific to NB.1.8.1 by the CDC. Symptoms listed by the health agency still include sore throat, cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, congestion, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle aches, body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The experts recommend that high-risk Americans receive a vaccine twice a year as recommended by the CDC. The CDC also currently recommends most adults aged 18 and older receive an updated 2024-2025 vaccine and that parents of children between ages 6 months to 17 years discuss the benefits of vaccination with a health care provider. COVID-19 also tends to spike in the late summer and early fall, so people should consider opening windows to increase ventilation, wearing a mask in certain situations and avoiding crowded areas, Schaffner said. "Time to stream a movie, as I like to say, rather than going to the movies," he added. Patel said it's important to practice good hygiene such as proper hand-washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. He also recommended that people test if they are symptomatic and said over-the-counter rapid at-home tests work. "Getting infected with COVID and other infectious diseases is not necessarily life or death, but it can still be very debilitating." Patel said. "It can cause people to miss work, to spread the virus, to get people who are higher risk sick and there's still an untold amount of people who have long COVID." He added, "So, we don't want to look at COVID as just another common cold, because there's still so much we're learning about it, and there's still so many possibilities with this virus continuing to mutate, if we let it."
