Lateral cord angina
Sophie Matzik is a freelance writer for the medical team.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Lateral cord angina is a special form of acute pharyngitis. It is relatively rare, but shows symptoms similar to those of a normal sore throat. People with the tonsils removed are particularly at risk. Read here what typical signs of a side cord angina are and how the disease is properly treated.
ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. J02
Seitenstrangangina: description
The lateral cord angina is a special form of acute pharyngitis (pharyngitis). Acute pharyngitis is very common, but the lateral cord angina is quite rare.
Lymphatic tracts in the pharynx, which run from top to bottom along the back of the pharynx, are called side cords. Since these lymphatic ducts are located on the right and left in the throat, doctors also speak of angina lateralis (lateralis = lateralis) in the case of inflammation.
The side strand angina is usually caused by a viral infection and made worse by a bacterial infection. Inflamed side cords are thickly swollen, discolored red and covered with white dots.
Since the lateral cords begin at the connecting tube between the ear and the throat (auditory tuba, Eustachian tube), ear pain can also occur in a lateral cordangina.
Is a Seitenangangina Contagious?
The doctor can determine whether a lateral cord angina is contagious. This takes a swab from the lining of the throat in order to examine it more closely. If pathogens are still detectable in the smear, the patient is still contagious. In the case of treatment with home remedies, this is usually the case for five days after the onset of the disease; in the case of treatment with antibiotics, this is usually only the case for two days.
The pathogen is transmitted from person to person via a droplet infection (coughing, sneezing).
Special case of chronic lateral cord angina
The chronic side cord angina differs from the acute variant. Chronic lateral cord angina occurring in isolation is very rare; it usually occurs in connection with chronic pharyngitis. The first signs of chronic lateral cord angina are a dry, tickly cough and the constant feeling of having to clear your throat for several weeks. A thick phlegm often loosens when you cough. The cause of the chronic side cord angina is suspected to be excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption. Chronic inflammation can develop even if you are constantly exposed to dust or constantly breathing through your mouth.
Lateral cord angina: symptoms
You can read everything you need to know about the typical signs of the lateral cord angina in the article: lateral cord angina symptoms.
Lateral cord angina: causes and risk factors
The side cord angina is usually caused by a virus infection of the upper respiratory tract (cold). Viruses usually attack the nasal mucosa first and cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis or runny nose). From there, the virus spreads to the lining of the throat (pharyngitis or inflammation of the throat). The first symptoms are a scratchy throat and throat irritation. Bacteria - mostly streptococci, staphylococci or pneumococci - can now multiply well on the previously damaged mucous membrane. A sign of such a bacterial infection is a yellowish-white mucus in the throat.
If the inflammation mainly affects the lymphatics that run from top to bottom on the back of the pharynx (side cords), it is called a side cord angina.
People whose tonsils have been surgically removed are particularly susceptible to this form of throat inflammation.
Lateral cord angina: examinations and diagnosis
If a lateral cord angina is suspected, the doctor will first take the medical history (anamnesis) and ask the person concerned about their symptoms. Suspicious symptoms include a cold and pain radiating into the ears.
This is followed by the physical exam. To do this, the doctor looks into the upper throat. In the case of a lateral cord tangina, the thick, reddened lateral cords in the throat are immediately noticeable. These are usually covered with white dots.
In addition, the doctor takes a swab from the lining of the throat with a cotton swab in order to determine the cause of the inflammation. If the cause is bacterial infection, the doctor can determine which antibiotics may be best for treatment by determining the type of pathogen.
Lateral cord angina: treatment
Usually, a lateral cord angina heals on its own without any problems. Those affected should keep bed rest during this time. Home remedies such as warm throat compresses, nasal drops, lozenges, and chamomile tea are recommended to relieve symptoms of the lateral cord angina. Inhalation also helps calm the inflamed mucous membranes.
Since a Seitenangangina is contagious, those affected should have direct contact with as few people as possible. Healthy people should not drink from the same glass as sick people, kiss them or otherwise come into contact with the affected person's body fluids.
Symptoms such as fever and difficulty swallowing should subside after three to six days. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted again. The doctor only prescribes antibiotics in cases of severe illness.
Lateral cord angina: disease course and prognosis
As a rule, a side strand angina does not last long. The symptoms subside again after three to six days at the latest.
In individual cases, the general health of the person affected determines the course of the disease in a lateral cord angina. The duration and therapy are extended, for example, if there are other illnesses or the immune system is weakened. Complications can also arise, such as a sudden rise in fever and severe pain. Tympanic effusion, otitis media, and accumulations of pus (abscesses) in the area of the palate or throat are also possible.
In addition, a lateral cord angina can lead to secondary diseases such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the membranes of the heart (endo- and pericarditis).
In very rare cases, the pathogen penetrates the bloodstream and causes blood poisoning (sepsis). Then an inpatient stay in the hospital is necessary.
In most cases, however, complications of a lateral cord angina can be avoided by starting therapy early and those affected will be healthy again after a few days.
Chronic lateral cord angina can also heal completely if the cause of the disease is eliminated and consistent therapy is followed.
Tags: book tip interview news
