Throat problems
- Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the larynx (voice box)
Sore throat causes
- Many germs can cause pharyngitis
- Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis
- Many different viruses can cause pharyngitis
- Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat in some cases
- Other, less-common bacteria that cause sore throats include:
- Corynebacterium
- Arcanobacterium
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia pneumonia
- The illness often spreads among family members
- Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months
Sore throat symptoms
- The main symptom is a sore throat
- Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Skin rashes
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck
Strep throat
- Your doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your throat
- A rapid test or throat culture to rule out strep throat may be done
- Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause
Sore throat remedies
- Most sore throats are soon over – in the meantime, the following remedies may help:
- Drink warm liquids – honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy
- Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water)
- Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles
- Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat
- This is often as effective as more expensive remedies
- DO NOT use candies or lozenges in young children because of the choking risk
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat
- Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as Panadol
- DO NOT give aspirin to children
Prognosis
- Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own without complications
Complications
- Complications of pharyngitis may include:
- Blockage of the airway (in severe cases)
- Tonsillitis or abscess around the tonsils or behind the pharynx
Call your doctor if:
- You develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days
- You have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash
- Seek immediate medical care if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing