Pharyngitis
INFLAMMATION and irritation of the pharynx (the top part of the THROAT), often due to viral or bacterial INFECTION. Seasonal allergies, environmental irritants such as smoke, and uncontrolled GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISORDER (GERD) are also common causes of pharyngitis, often called sore throat.
Pharyngitis that interferes with BREATHING or swallowing requires emergency medical care.
Many pathogens can cause infections. Doctors estimate that viruses cause about 60 percent of pharyngitis and BACTERIA cause about 30 percent. Distinguishing the responsible PATHOGEN guides treatment, as bacterial pharyngitis requires treatment with ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. It is difficult to determine the cause of pharyngitis on the basis of symptoms. The only conclusive diagnostic measure is a throat culture to identify what pathogens are present.
The primary symptom of pharyngitis is a scratchy or sore throat. Other symptoms may occur, depending on the cause, such as FEVER, HEADACHE, COUGH, and SNEEZE. Most viral pharyngitis runs its course in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial pharyngitis greatly improves within 2 days of initiating antibiotic therapy, though it is essential to take the antibiotic medication until it is gone. Reducing or eliminating exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen helps with noninfectious pharyngitis. A doctor should evaluate acute pharyngitis (pharyngitis that comes on suddenly) that continues longer than 10 days, and chronic pharyngitis (ongoing or recurrent) on a regular basis. Chronic pharyngitis can signal other health problems, such as laryngeal CANCER.
Pharyngitis that interferes with BREATHING or swallowing requires emergency medical care.
Many pathogens can cause infections. Doctors estimate that viruses cause about 60 percent of pharyngitis and BACTERIA cause about 30 percent. Distinguishing the responsible PATHOGEN guides treatment, as bacterial pharyngitis requires treatment with ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. It is difficult to determine the cause of pharyngitis on the basis of symptoms. The only conclusive diagnostic measure is a throat culture to identify what pathogens are present.
The primary symptom of pharyngitis is a scratchy or sore throat. Other symptoms may occur, depending on the cause, such as FEVER, HEADACHE, COUGH, and SNEEZE. Most viral pharyngitis runs its course in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial pharyngitis greatly improves within 2 days of initiating antibiotic therapy, though it is essential to take the antibiotic medication until it is gone. Reducing or eliminating exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen helps with noninfectious pharyngitis. A doctor should evaluate acute pharyngitis (pharyngitis that comes on suddenly) that continues longer than 10 days, and chronic pharyngitis (ongoing or recurrent) on a regular basis. Chronic pharyngitis can signal other health problems, such as laryngeal CANCER.
Tags: INFLAMMATION and irritation of the pharynx, interferes with BREATHING, Pharyngitis, top part of the THROAT, viral or bacterial INFECTION
Posted in Health and Wellness
