Pharyngitis
An acute inflammation of the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx (the pharynx). Especially sore throats should be reported to a physician, who may take a throat culture and prescribe antibiotics.
Cause
The illness most often is caused by a viral infection, although it also may be due to a bacterial infection. It is a common symptom of a cold or INFLUENZA, of MONONUCLEOSIS or SCARLET FEVER. DIPHTHERIA is a rare cause of pharyngitis.
Symptoms
In addition to the sore throat, there may be pain when swallowing together with a slight fever, earache, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In very severe cases the fever may be quite high, and the soft palate and throat may swell so that breathing becomes difficult. Extensive swelling and fluid buildup in the larynx can be life threatening.
Treatment
Warm salt water gargles can help ease symptoms. If the inflammation is bacterial, antibiotics can be prescribed.
Cause
The illness most often is caused by a viral infection, although it also may be due to a bacterial infection. It is a common symptom of a cold or INFLUENZA, of MONONUCLEOSIS or SCARLET FEVER. DIPHTHERIA is a rare cause of pharyngitis.
Symptoms
In addition to the sore throat, there may be pain when swallowing together with a slight fever, earache, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In very severe cases the fever may be quite high, and the soft palate and throat may swell so that breathing becomes difficult. Extensive swelling and fluid buildup in the larynx can be life threatening.
Treatment
Warm salt water gargles can help ease symptoms. If the inflammation is bacterial, antibiotics can be prescribed.
Comments (1)
Sore throats are common. Most of the time the soreness is worse in the morning and improves as the day progresses.