Health Encyclopedia

Pharyngitis

Definition

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx. It frequently results in a sore throat. Pharyngitis may be caused by a variety of microorganisms.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pharyngitis is caused by a variety of microorganisms. Most cases are caused by a virus, including the the common cold virus, flu (influenza) virus, adenovirus, mononucleosis, HIV, and various others.

Bacterial causes of pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which causes strep throat in about 15% of cases. Strep throat is a serious cause of pharyngitis. Other but less common bacteria found in sore throats include Corynebacterium, Arcanobacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. In some cases, no organism is identified.

Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months. It often spreads among family members.

Symptoms

Sore throat
Strep throat may be accompanied by fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Viral pharyngitis may be associated with runny nose and postnasal drip
Severe cases may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and, rarely, difficulty breathing
Additional symptoms are dependent on the microorganisms causing the infection

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform an examination of the pharynx to look for drainage or coating. The skin, eyes, and neck lymph nodes may be examined.

If your doctor thinks you mght have strep throat a streptococcal screen or throat swab culture may be done. Additional throat cultures or blood tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Viral infections are managed with warm salt water gargles, pain relievers, and fluids. Antibiotics are needed if strep throat is diagnosed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own, without complications.

Complications

The possible complications of strep throat include rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, chorea, bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and, rarely, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
In some severe forms of pharyngitis (e.g., severe mononucleosis pharyngitis) the airway may become blocked.
Abscess around the tonsils or behind the pharynx are possible.

Calling your health care provider

Notify your provider if you develop a persistent sore throat that does not disappear in several days, or if you have high fevers, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, or a rash. If you have a sore throat and develop difficulty breathing, you must seek medical care immediately.

References

Gerber MA. Diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2005 Jun;52(3):729-47, vi.

Review Date:1/29/2007
Reviewed By:D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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