A sore throat is something we often experience. From a minor cold to a sore throat for various reasons, it can be a very important and busy part of our body. But have you ever thought about how important and busy this throat is? When we talk, breathe, eat, drink water... we silently serve this part in all of these, and in medicine we call it the "Pharynx". Simply put, this is like a wonderful junction in our body. So today, let's learn more about it.
What exactly is the function of the throat (pharynx)?
Simply put, your pharynx is a funnel-shaped part of your throat that helps with both your respiratory and digestive systems. It works like a traffic cop who directs traffic at the intersection.
He has two main duties:
1. Making breathing easier: The throat is where the air you take in through your nose and mouth is directed through your larynx to your trachea and lungs. It's like showing the air exactly where it needs to go.
2. Controls the digestive tract: The food and drink you eat are sent directly to the esophagus, where they make their way to the stomach. More importantly, they prevent even a small piece of food or a drop of water from accidentally entering the trachea and lungs. This is a very crucial function.
Where is the pharynx located?
Your throat is located in the middle of your neck. It's located below the base of your skull and just above your esophagus and larynx. It's a tube that's usually about 4 inches long. It's made up mostly of muscle.
What are the main parts of the throat (pharynx)?
This busy throat is divided into three main parts. These three parts work together to perform the entire throat function. This is very easy to remember.
| Throat part | Location and function |
|---|---|
| Nasopharynx | This is located at the top of your throat. As the name suggests, it connects your nose to your respiratory system. When you breathe through your nose, air first enters here. |
| Oropharynx | This is located in the middle of your throat. As the name suggests, it connects to your mouth (oral cavity) . Your tonsils are also located in this part. Air, food, drink... all of this passes through this part. |
| Hypopharynx | This is located at the bottom of the throat. It controls how food and drink enter the esophagus and how air enters the lungs. |
What are the common diseases and conditions that affect the throat?
A variety of conditions can affect the throat, from the common cold to throat cancer. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Sore throat (Pharyngitis): This condition can be caused by factors such as tonsillitis, various infections, allergies, or mouth breathing.
- Infections: Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, and viral infections, such as the flu or mononucleosis, can also affect the throat.
- Cancer: Cancers that occur in the throat, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer.
- Dysphagia: Diseases that affect the central nervous system, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS), can cause difficulty swallowing food.
The most important thing is, don't be afraid that just because you have a sore throat it's throat cancer. However, if symptoms persist or recur, it's best to definitely see a doctor for advice.
Signs that you need to see a doctor
Because there are many conditions that can affect the throat, symptoms can vary. Some conditions are more serious than others. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.
| Symptom | What to pay special attention to |
|---|---|
| Sore throat that lasts more than a few days | A normal sore throat will go away in two to three days. If it lasts longer than that, it's important to get checked out. |
| Difficulty swallowing food or drink | If you feel pain when swallowing or if something feels like it is stuck in your throat. |
| Earache | Throat infections can sometimes affect the ears. |
| Fever higher than 39 Celsius (103 Fahrenheit) | This may be a sign of a serious infection in the body. |
| Lumps on the back of the neck | If you come into contact with something like a tick, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. |
| Weakness or stiffness in the neck | Difficulty or pain in turning the neck. |
Tests to diagnose a throat problem
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order various tests to pinpoint the problem.
- Biopsy: Taking a small piece of tissue for examination.
- Laryngoscopy: Examination of the inside of the throat using a small tube with a camera.
- Throat culture: Taking a sample of throat secretions to check for infection.
- Imaging tests: Tests such as a CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) or MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan).
How do you keep your throat healthy?
There are a few simple things you can do to take care of your precious throat. If you make these a habit, you can avoid many illnesses.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking greatly increases the risk of throat cancer. If you are a smoker, trying to quit is a great help to your throat and your entire body.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: Inhaling the cigarette smoke of other people is also harmful to your throat. It can cause throat irritation.
- Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands often and stay away from people who are sick. These simple habits can help protect you from infectious diseases like strep throat and the flu.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water throughout the day will help keep your throat moist, preventing it from becoming dry and scratchy.
A healthy pharynx is essential for the health of your respiratory and digestive systems. It is the pharynx that helps direct air into the lungs and food into the stomach. So it is our responsibility to protect this precious organ by avoiding smoking and protecting ourselves from infections.
Take-Home Message
- Your throat, or pharynx, is a busy part of your body that is essential to both breathing and eating.
- It consists of three main parts (Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx).
- If you have symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, high fever, or a lump in your neck that lasts more than a few days, be sure to see a doctor.
- You can keep your throat healthy by completely avoiding smoking and protecting yourself from infections by washing your hands frequently.
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