Pharyngitis

What is Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the throat, commonly known as a sore throat. It happens when the back of your throat becomes inflamed due to infection or irritation. This common condition affects people of all ages and is often a symptom of another illness, like a cold or the flu. While most cases are mild and go away on their own, some forms may require medical treatment.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms:

Pharyngitis typically causes a sore or scratchy throat and pain when swallowing. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes, redness or swelling in the throat and tonsils, and a mild fever. If a virus is the cause, symptoms might include a runny nose or cough. In children, symptoms may also involve nausea, headache or stomach discomfort.

A health care provider can diagnose pharyngitis by reviewing symptoms and examining the throat. If a bacterial cause is suspected, a rapid strep test or throat culture may be performed using a swab.

Causes:
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Pharyngitis is most often caused by a viral infection, including the common cold, flu or mononucleosis. Bacterial infections like group A Streptococcus can also be responsible.

In addition to infections, pharyngitis may result from:

• Allergies
• Dry air
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Secondhand smoke
• Acid reflux

Pharyngitis Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause.

For viral pharyngitis: the focus is on symptom relief.

• Rest
• Staying hydrated
• Using throat-soothing remedies like warm saltwater gargles or lozenges
• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may reduce discomfort.
  
  

For bacterial pharyngitis: antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are required to treat the infection and prevent complications.

Is Pharyngitis Contagious?

Pharyngitis caused by viruses or bacteria is contagious and spreads through coughs, sneezes, shared utensils or contaminated surfaces. However, pharyngitis caused by allergies or irritants is not contagious.

Practice Good Hygiene

Preventing pharyngitis starts with good hygiene. Wash your hands often, avoid sharing personal items and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Keeping your environment free of smoke and using a humidifier in dry weather can also help.

See a health care provider if symptoms last longer than a week, you have a high fever that doesn’t improve, difficulty swallowing or breathing, white patches on the tonsils or a rash along with the sore throat. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment so you can start antibiotics early to reduce symptoms and prevent the spread of infection. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and others from pharyngitis.

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