What is pharyngitis and how to treat it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This is often just a symptom of another disease.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the lining of the throat (pharynx). In English-speaking medicine, this term is used to denote any pain of Pharyngitis - sore throat of such localization.

Actually, it is the main symptom of pharyngitis: the throat can sore, hurt when swallowing or even trying to inhale. But the state is not limited only to these troubles.

What are the symptoms of pharyngitis

In addition to painful sensations in the throat, pharyngitis can be accompanied by Sore throat:

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw;
• redness and swelling of the tonsils;
• the appearance of white spots or pus on the tonsils;
• difficulty swallowing;
• hoarseness of voice.

Most often, pharyngitis is not an independent diagnosis, but just one of the symptoms of an infection or other disease. In this case, in addition to painful sensations, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, headache, nausea or vomiting, aching muscles and joints occur.

Where does pharyngitis come from?

Anything can lead to a sore throat: from a banal SARS to an accidental scratch or inhalation of hot steam. But in most cases, pharyngitis occurs for the following reasons Sore throat.

1. Viral infection

This is the most common factor that provokes a sore throat: doctors are faced with such an infection in 50-80% of Pharyngitis cases. Most often, the pharynx is attacked by viruses that cause:

• colds (common ARVI);
• flu;
• mononucleosis;
• oral herpes;
• measles;
• chickenpox.

2. Bacterial infection

This is the second most common reason. Especially often, inflammation in the throat is caused by raging group A streptococci - microbes-causative agents of sore throat.

However, the matter is not limited only to them. Other bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, can also hurt your throat.

3. Allergic reactions

Allergies to pet hair, mold, dust, pollen can also manifest itself as a sore throat. Sometimes the problem is aggravated by nasal drops, which the allergic person uses to alleviate the condition: they additionally irritate the pharynx.

4. Dry air

Low air humidity makes the mucous membrane of the throat thinner. This leads to sore, sore, scratching pain.

5. Inhalation of chemical irritants

Tobacco smoke, alcohol fumes, paint fumes or other chemicals can irritate the throat. In some cases, because of this, the inflammatory process begins.

6. Heartburn

It is a disorder in which stomach acid is released into the esophagus. Sometimes the release of acid can be so strong that it reaches the throat, causing irritation and pain.

7. Excessive muscle tension

Your throat can also hurt if you overextend your muscles - for example, when you called someone too long and loudly or sang along with your favorite band at a concert with excessive dedication.

8. Tumors of the throat

Painful sensations can also be caused by tumor lesions of the pharynx, tongue, vocal apparatus (larynx). As a rule, oncological diseases do not make themselves felt with distinct symptoms for a long time. Therefore, be careful if a sore throat appears, it seems, for no reason, lasts a long time, and especially if it is accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

How to treat pharyngitis

First you need to figure out what exactly caused the sore throat. And then treat the underlying disease. Once you get rid of it, the pharyngitis will go away on its own.

Start by seeing a therapist. The doctor will listen to your complaints, ask about other symptoms, examine the throat and, depending on the results of the examination, make a preliminary diagnosis. Most likely, it will be ARVI. But a doctor may take a swab from your throat to check for or rule out a bacterial infection.

If we are talking about a viral disease, treatment is not required.

A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts 5-7 days. Sore throat and goes away on its own.

But you can relieve the discomfort: drink more warm (not hot!) Tea, gargle with salt water, and if necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever based on paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Pharyngitis triggered by a bacterial infection will require antibiotic treatment. The doctor will prescribe the most effective drug for you.

If the specialist comes to the conclusion that the pharyngitis is caused by other reasons - not viruses or bacteria, another therapy will be selected for you. For example, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines (in particular if your throat hurts due to allergies) or recommends lifestyle changes (controlling the humidity in the room, avoiding foods that cause heartburn, and so on).