Pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis
Pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis refer to the inflammation and swelling of the pharynx and tonsils, respectively, commonly presenting as a sore throat. These conditions can arise from viral infections, such as those caused by rhinovirus, influenza, and adenovirus, as well as bacterial infections, notably Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, which leads to strep throat. Other contributing factors may include allergic reactions, exposure to pollutants, and underlying medical conditions that compromise immune function. Symptoms typically encompass a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider, which may include throat swabs or blood tests. Treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause, with antibiotics prescribed for bacterial infections and over-the-counter medications for pain relief and symptom management. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing and maintaining hygiene in shared spaces, particularly during illness. Overall, while pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis are common ailments, understanding their causes and management can help mitigate their impact on daily life.
Pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Pharynx, throat, tissue, tonsils, upper respiratory tract
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Sore throat, throat infection
Definition
Pharyngitis is the swelling and inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is the back of the throat, including the back of the tongue. Tonsillopharyngitis is the swelling of the pharynx and the tonsils. The tonsils are soft tissue that make up part of the throat’s immune defenses. Both pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis are commonly called a sore throat. Sore throats are easily treated.
Causes
Pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis can be caused by infection with a virus. The viral pathogens most commonly associated with pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis are rhinovirus, influenza (the flu), adenovirus, coronavirus, and parainfluenza. Infection with bacteria, such as the bacteria that cause strep throat, also causes this condition, most commonly Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Other causes include mucus from sinuses draining into the throat, smoking, breathing polluted air, drinking alcoholic beverages, hay fever or other allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), food debris collecting in small pockets in the tonsils, and infectious mononucleosis.
Risk Factors
Almost every person will get a sore throat sometime in their life, but the following risk factors increase the chance of getting a sore throat: age (children, teenagers, and people over sixty-five years); exposure to someone with a sore throat or any other infection involving the throat, nose, or ears; situations that cause stress, such as traveling, working, or living in close contact with others; exposure to cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, industrial smoke, and other air pollutants; having medical conditions that affect the immune system; stress; and hay fever or other allergies. Taking some medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or undergoing chemotherapy also increases one's risk of developing pharyngitis or tonsillopharyngitis. Individuals with Kawasaki disease or Behçet syndrome are also at an increased risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the cause of the condition but generally include a sore throat, pain or difficulty when swallowing, difficulty breathing, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Because of the sore throat, one may develop a hoarseness in their voice. Ear pain, bad breath, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and stomach ache may also occur.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will perform a physical exam and will look closely at the mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in the neck. This physical exam may include using a small instrument to look inside the nose, ears, and mouth; gently touching the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck to check for swelling; and taking one’s temperature. The doctor will ask about any recent exposure to someone with strep throat or any other infection of the throat, nose, or ears. Other tests include rapid strep test or throat culture using a cotton swab to touch the back of the throat, blood tests to identify conditions that may be causing the sore throat, and a mono spot test (if mononucleosis is suspected).
Treatment and Therapy
Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat and includes medications such as antibiotics for strep throat; drugs to reduce sore throat pain, including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin. Aspirin, however, is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. One should consult a doctor about medicines that are safe for children.
Other treatment options include a numbing throat spray for pain control; decongestants and antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose, vitamin C (if recommended by the doctor), throat lozenges, and corticosteroids (used in combination with antibiotics for severe cases).
One should also drink increased amounts of water; gargle with warm salt water several times a day; drink warm liquids (tea or broth) or cool liquids; avoid irritants that might affect the throat, such as smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and cold air; and avoid drinking alcohol.
Prevention and Outcomes
To reduce the chance of getting a sore throat, one should wash hands frequently, especially after blowing one’s nose or after caring for a child with a sore throat. If someone at home has a sore throat, their eating utensils and drinking glasses should be kept separate from those of other family members. These objects should be washed in hot, soapy water. One should also wash the toys of infected toddlers who have been sucking on their toys.
Furthermore, one should immediately dispose of used tissues and then wash hands. Persons with hay fever or another respiratory allergy should consult a doctor and should avoid substances that cause the allergy or allergies.
Bibliography
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