Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis, commonly referred to as a sore throat, is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the pharynx, located at the back of the throat. This condition can be triggered by various factors, predominantly viral or bacterial infections, but also includes sinusitis, postnasal drip, and seasonal allergies. Symptoms typically include a red and swollen throat, fever, cough, swollen tonsils, and pain when swallowing. The duration of pharyngitis is usually acute, with viral cases being more prevalent than bacterial ones.
Treatment options vary based on the cause; viral pharyngitis may be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and warm saltwater gargles, while bacterial pharyngitis often requires antibiotics. In some instances, if chronic infections occur, a tonsillectomy may be considered. Although pharyngitis is a common ailment, especially in children aged five to eighteen, it is less frequent in younger children and adults. Understanding the causes and treatment options for pharyngitis can help individuals manage this common throat condition effectively.
Pharyngitis
ALSO KNOWN AS: Sore throat
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Throat
DEFINITION: Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx or throat, often caused by a viral infection or bacteria
CAUSES: Viral or bacterial infection, sinusitis, postnasal drip, mononucleosis, seasonal allergies, pollutants, smoking
SYMPTOMS: Sore throat that is red, swollen, or puffy and may have white spots of pus; fever; coughing; swollen tonsils; throat scratchiness; pain when swallowing; and lymph node enlargement
DURATION: Acute
TREATMENTS: Pain medications, warm saltwater gargles, antibiotics, tonsillectomy if needed
Causes and Symptoms
Sore throat is the chief complaint of pharyngitis. The throat (pharynx) extends from the nasal passages above and behind the mouth to the in the neck. Viruses or infect the pharynx and cause it to swell. The throat often appears red, swollen, or puffy and may have white spots of pus. Fever and cough are also common, and examination may reveal swollen tonsils. Throat scratchiness, pain when swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, cough, and irritation are also common in pharyngitis.
Bacteria and viruses that cause pharyngitis generally enter the body through the nose or mouth. The organisms are transmitted through direct contact with someone who has one of these infections and are passed in nasal secretions and saliva.
Viruses that cause the (coronavirus and rhinovirus) or other may also produce symptoms of pharyngitis. Additionally, sinusitis and may cause irritation of the pharynx. Pharyngitis associated with fever and the appearance of pus on the may indicate streptococcal pharyngitis, which can be diagnosed by a “quick antigen” test and confirmed by a culture. Persistent pharyngitis accompanied by unresponsive to antibiotics may indicate mononucleosis or other nonbacterial causes such as seasonal allergies, the inhalation of pollutants such as household cleaners or automobile exhaust, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Treatment and Therapy
Viral pharyngitis is treated with aspirin or over-the-counter pain remedies and warm saltwater gargles. Bacterial pharyngitis is treated with a course of antibiotics either orally or by injection. Proper is important. Zinc boosts the and relieves soreness. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and the mucous membranes, and beta carotene restores the integrity of mucous membranes and supports immune function. If the tonsils have been chronically infected, they may require surgical removal (tonsillectomy).
Perspective and Prospects
Approximately 40 to 60 percent of cases of pharyngitis are caused by a virus, and about 15 percent are associated with streptococcal bacteria. In the United States, children average five sore throats per year and strep infection every four years. The incidence of pharyngitis and strep is highest in children between the ages of five and eighteen. Pharyngitis is rare in children below three years of age. Adults experience an average of two sore throats per year and strep infection approximately every eight years. Pharyngitis is the cause of about 12 million doctor's visits in the United States annually. Worldwide, the incidence is higher; about 616 million cases are reported annually worldwide.
Formerly, it was commonly regarded as therapeutic to remove tonsils surgically to prevent repeated cases of pharyngitis, especially in children. Modern medical opinion on the subject, however, indicates that removing tonsils has not resulted in fewer cases of pharyngitis; therefore, surgery is performed less frequently than in the past.
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