Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the back of the throat, or pharynx. This inflammation can cause discomfort, dryness, and difficulty swallowing. Show Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat. Causes of pharyngitis include viral infections, such as common colds, and bacterial infections, such as group A Streptococcus. Pharyngitis is a common condition and rarely a cause for concern. Viral pharyngitis often clears up on its own within a week or so. However, knowing the cause can help people narrow down their treatment options. This article looks at the causes, transmission, and symptoms of pharyngitis. We also cover similar conditions, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Viral infections are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Some common viruses that can cause pharyngitis include:
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a contagious viral infection that causes a range of flu-like symptoms. The virus can spread through saliva, so a person can contract it by sharing utensils and cutlery, exposure to coughs and sneezes, or by kissing. Also known as the kissing disease, mononucleosis mostly affects teenagers and young adults, but also affects children. While less common, bacterial infections can also cause pharyngitis. Group A Streptococcus bacteria is responsible for pharyngitis in children around 20–40 percent of the time. People commonly refer to pharyngitis caused by group A Streptococcus infection as strep throat. Other bacterial infections that can cause pharyngitis include:
Factors that can increase a person’s risk of pharyngitis include:
Both viral and bacterial forms of pharyngitis are contagious. The germs that cause pharyngitis tend to live in the nose and throat. When a person with the condition coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets that contain the virus or bacteria into the air. A person can become infected by:
This is why it is essential for a person to wash their hands before handling food or touching their face. People usually recover from viral infections, such as the common cold, within 7-10 days. However, due to the viral incubation period, people may be contagious before any symptoms appear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person can help prevent spreading strep throat to other people by staying home until they no longer have a fever and have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore, dry, or itchy throat. Additional symptoms may appear depending on the type of infection, such as cold or flu symptoms. Symptoms of viral pharyngitis include:
Pharyngitis associated with mononucleosis can have additional symptoms including:
Symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis may include:
Inflammation of the throat is a common medical issue, and it can result from a variety of causes. Other possible causes can include: LaryngitisLaryngitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the larynx or voice box. The larynx sits in the front of the throat, above the windpipe, and it contains the vocal cords. Inflammation of the vocal cords can cause hoarseness of the voice, and some people may even lose their voice temporarily. People can get laryngitis from straining their vocal cords by yelling or overusing their voice. Other causes of laryngitis include:
TonsillitisTonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are collections of tissue that sit on either side of the pharynx. Tonsillitis is the result of either a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial tonsillitis can also result from infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria. Tonsillitis is rarely serious and often clears up on its own or with a short course of oral antibiotics. However, a doctor may recommend surgical removal of a person’s tonsils if the condition is long-term or keeps recurring. Recurring tonsillitis may be defined as seven episodes in one year, five episodes in two years, or three episodes in three years. A child’s school absences may also be a factor in a medical professional’s decision to recommend removal. If an abscess develops on the tonsils, it could require surgical drainage. Symptoms of tonsillitis and pharyngitis are similar. Tonsillitis is effectively a subset of pharyngitis. Symptoms of both include:
Throat ulcersAn ulcer is a pus-filled sore that can form on the throat, mouth, vocal cords, or food pipe. Causes of throat ulcers include:
Symptoms of throat ulcers are similar to pharyngitis. They include:
People with pharyngitis should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following:
Sore throats can result from a variety of underlying medical conditions. While viral infections are the most common cause of pharyngitis, it is still important to correctly diagnose the cause in order to treat the condition successfully. A doctor will usually begin diagnosing pharyngitis by performing a physical examination. They will review the person’s current symptoms and check their throat, ears, and nose for signs of infection. When an individual has clear signs of a viral infection, the doctor will likely not perform further testing. If the doctor suspects a bacterial infection, they may order a throat culture to confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a swab of a person’s throat and sending it to a lab for analysis. The appropriate treatment for pharyngitis varies depending on its underlying cause. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe a person a course of oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin. The antibiotics help reduce symptoms and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection has cleared and to prevent reinfection. Viral pharyngitis does not respond to antibiotics and will typically clear up on its own. However, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and fever. Home remedies that may help speed up recovery include:
A person can reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting pharyngitis and other infections by:
Pharyngitis is rarely a serious condition and often occurs alongside colds and the flu. Viral pharyngitis typically clears up on its own within a couple of weeks, but bacterial pharyngitis may require a course of antibiotics to prevent complications. Complications of pharyngitis, such as rheumatic fever, are rare. Anyone with severe, recurring, or persistent symptoms should see a doctor. Practicing good hygiene and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can help prevent getting or spreading the germs that can cause pharyngitis. How do you know if you have a bacterial infection in your throat?Pain and fever without a cough are common signs and symptoms. Sore throat that can start very quickly.. Pain when swallowing.. Fever.. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.. Tiny, red spots (petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate). What does a bacterial throat look like?You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils -- the bumps on either side at the back of your throat -- might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.
How did I get a bacterial infection in my throat?The most common bacterial infection of the throat is strep throat, which is caused by group A streptococcus. Rare causes of bacterial pharyngitis include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and corynebacterium. Frequent exposure to colds and flus can increase your risk for pharyngitis.
How do you get rid of bacterial throat infection?In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria causing the infection.. Get plenty of rest. ... . Drink plenty of water. ... . Eat soothing foods. ... . Gargle with warm salt water. ... . Honey. ... . Use a humidifier. ... . Stay away from irritants.. |