Pharyngitis
What is it?
Pharyngitis—often simply referred to as a sore throat—is inflammation of the pharynx, the portion of the throat that lies just beyond the back of the roof of the mouth and stretches to the Adam's apple (larynx). It usually occurs when viruses (or sometimes, bacteria) from a cold, flu, or sinus infection involve the throat. Pharyngitis is very common but rarely serious.Most cases clear up on their own after three to 10 days and require no therapy other than pain relievers to ease discomfort. Rarely, though, tissues in the throat may swell considerably and obstruct breathing—a life-threatening condition. In addition, strep throat (caused by streptococcus bacteria) requires antibiotics to prevent complications that can occur from bacteria seeding other tissues; the complications include rheumatic fever, a condition that can permanently damage the heart. Diphtheria is a rare but serious bacterial variety of pharyngitis.
What Causes It?
- Most cases are caused by viral infection.
- About 5 percent of pharyngitis cases are caused by bacterial infections (including strep) or other microorganisms.
- Some cases are caused by contact with toxic fumes or chemicals, long-term exposure to cigarette smoke or polluted, dry, or dusty air, excessive alcohol consumption, or gastroesophageal reflux (see Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease for more information).
- Persistent infections elsewhere in the head, such as the sinuses or mouth, can cause lingering, or chronic, pharyngitis.
Prevention
- Avoid cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol, or other substances that can irritate the throat.
- Treat gastroesophageal reflux.
- A humidifier or air purifier may help if dust or dryness causes irritation.
Diagnosis
- A doctor will examine the throat and may take a throat swab culture to test for strep or other bacteria.
How to Treat It
- Symptoms such as sore throat and fever can be treated with nonprescription pain relievers. Gargling with a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water or using antiseptic lozenges or sprays may also provide temporary relief.
- Antibiotics are prescribed for pharyngitis caused by bacteria. These drugs are effective in killing bacteria and certain other microorganisms, but not viruses. If the diagnosis is strep throat, it is very important to continue the antibiotics for at least 10 to 14 days, even if sore throat and other symptoms subside, to assure that all of the bacteria are eliminated. Strep infection can lead to rheumatic fever (which may permanently damage the heart valves).
- Pharyngitis caused by viruses clears up on its own; antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, so treatment is aimed at easing symptoms.
- Smoking should be avoided and alcohol intake curbed. Smoke and alcohol irritate the throat.
- Persistent pharyngitis caused by exposure to toxic fumes, air pollution, or industrial chemicals is treated by reducing or eliminating exposure to the noxious agent.
When to Call a Doctor
- Call a doctor if a sore throat is unusually severe, is accompanied by high fever, or doesn't seem to be getting better after a few days.
- EMERGENCY If sore throat escalates to the point of causing breathing difficulty or inability to swallow liquids, get to an emergency room at once.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.