The diagnosis of "pharyngitis" is often heard just a minute after examining the throat. Behind this word lies inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, the section between the tonsils and the larynx. Below — about the types of inflammation and what the doctor assesses.
What acute pharyngitis is and where it occurs
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissue of the pharynx. The acute process develops immediately after exposure to an aggressive factor: infection, irritating gas, food that is too hot or cold, overheating or chilling.
Pharyngitis most often occurs in the cold months and spreads among family members and close contacts.
Viral and bacterial pharyngitis: what's the difference
Most cases are caused by viruses: the common cold, influenza, adenoviruses, Coxsackie virus, mononucleosis. Bacteria come second in frequency — streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci; less often the throat is affected by gonococci and chlamydia.
Streptococcal pharyngitis is caused by group A streptococcus. Antibiotics do not help with viral inflammation and do not speed recovery, so the bacterial nature is first confirmed with a rapid test or culture.
Fungal pharyngitis and causes outside the pharynx
The causes of acute pharyngitis are viruses, bacteria, fungi of the genus Candida and non-infectious irritants: inhalation of hot, cold or polluted air, chemicals.
Pharyngitis often develops against the background of an infection outside the pharynx: rhinitis, sinusitis, dental caries. Trauma to the pharynx, snoring during sleep, as well as removal of a foreign body or surgery can also be causes.
Signs of pharyngitis: throat, cough, scratchiness
The main sign is pain or scratchiness in the throat, especially when swallowing. The cough in pharyngitis is dry, sometimes distressing, and breath from the mouth may have an unpleasant odor.
- pain and scratchiness in the throat that worsen when swallowing;
- a dry, sometimes distressing cough and a feeling of dryness;
- temperature up to 37.5–38 °C, less often higher;
- enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck;
- headache, aching in the muscles and joints, rash.
In children the picture is the same, but a high temperature rises more often and the child looks lethargic.
What the back wall of the throat looks like with inflammation
On pharyngoscopy, bright redness of the mucous membrane of the pharynx is visible, sometimes small ulcerations.
Acute tonsillitis is a local inflammation of the palatine tonsils. In pharyngitis the process is diffuse: in addition to pain when swallowing, scratchiness, dryness and a dry cough are added.
How the diagnosis is made and when a doctor is needed
The doctor examines the pharynx, and if streptococcus is suspected, takes a rapid test or culture: this infection cannot be confirmed by symptoms and examination. For other suspicions, additional laboratory tests are ordered, and if there is possible contact with HIV and a sore throat, it is also checked.
People go to the doctor if the pain lasts longer than a week, returns often or is accompanied by a lump in the mouth and neck, or an ulcer in the mouth for longer than three weeks. A child under five years old with complaints of a sore throat is shown to a doctor; with a high temperature, signs of dehydration and weakened immunity, help is needed urgently. Complications are possible: ear infection, sinusitis and an abscess near the tonsils.
Acute pharyngitis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if it is difficult to breathe or swallow, saliva flows from the mouth, breathing has become noisy and wheezing, or the condition sharply worsens.
The material is for reference: it explains the nature of the inflammation but does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer