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What is pharyngitis?
Simply put, pharyngitis is when the tissue at the back of your throat (called the pharynx) becomes swollen, red, and painful. This is what we commonly call a " sore throat ." This pain can make it difficult to speak or even swallow. There are two main types of this condition:- Acute Pharyngitis : This is the most common type of pharyngitis. It usually resolves within 10 days.
- Chronic Pharyngitis: This is a bit of a bothersome condition. If you have a sore throat for more than 10 days, or if it happens frequently, it falls into this category.
What are the causes of pharyngitis?
There can be many reasons for a sore throat. Let's look at the main ones.The main enemy: viruses!
Just think, 4 out of 5 sore throats are caused by viral infections . That means it's most often a viral infection.- Common Cold
- Influenza (The flu)
- Chickenpox
- Measles
- Mononucleosis
- Croup condition
- Covid-19
- Viruses that affect the respiratory system, such as adenoviruses
Don't underestimate bacterial infections!
Although not as common as viruses, pharyngitis can also be caused by bacterial infections. In particular, Group A streptococcal bacteria, which cause a condition called 'strep throat', are the main cause. A sore throat caused by a bacterial infection is usually less severe , and it can sometimes develop after a viral infection.In addition to these, other reasons
- Tonsillitis: Caused by infection of the tonsilsYour throat may hurt.
- Acid reflux: Stomach acid coming up into the throat can cause a burning sensation and pain in the throat.
- Allergies: Postnasal drip, caused by allergies to things like dust, pollen, and pet dander, can cause a sore throat.
- Dry air: When you are in a dry environment, breathing through your mouth can cause your throat to dry out and become itchy.
- Excessive strain on the throat: Continuous shouting and talking for a long time can cause the throat muscles to become tired and painful.
- Smoke and chemicals: Cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, harsh chemicals, as well as alcohol and spicy foods, can also cause a sore throat.
How do I know if I have pharyngitis? (Symptoms)
You may experience a variety of symptoms when you have pharyngitis. These symptoms may vary slightly depending on the cause.| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Itching and inflammation of the throat | A scratchy, burning sensation in the throat. |
| Difficulty swallowing | The pain increases not only when eating and drinking, but also when swallowing saliva. |
| Swollen neck | Lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful to the touch. |
| Reddened tonsils | Tonsils appear red and swollen. |
| White spots on the throat | Seeing white patches, membranes, or pus on the throat or tonsils (this is often a sign of a bacterial infection). |
| Hoarseness of voice | Voice changes, becomes weak, or disappears completely. |
The important thing is that because pharyngitis is often a symptom of another illness, you may also have other symptoms related to that illness.For example, a viral infection may be accompanied by:
- Sneezing
- Cold with phlegm
- Cough
- Body odor
- Fever
- Headache.
- Tiredness
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment depends on the cause of your sore throat.- If the cause is a virus: Antibiotics are not helpful for viruses. These usually resolve on their own within a week. During this time, the only thing you can do is manage the symptoms. You can take a painkiller (e.g. Paracetamol) as directed by your doctor.
- If the cause is bacterial: If your doctor confirms that you have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. It is very important to take them exactly as your doctor tells you, for the full duration. Do not stop taking them just because the pain has subsided. Doing so can cause the infection to get worse and spread to other parts of your body.
When treating children and young people: Never give aspirin without medical advice. Although very rare, it can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome, which affects the liver and brain.
Treatments you can do at home
In addition to medication, there are several things you can do at home to relieve a sore throat.| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Gargle with salt water: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water and gargle with the water several times a day to remove the mucus. | Don't let your throat dry out:Avoid things like alcohol and coffee as they dehydrate the body. |
| Drink plenty of water: Drink warm or cool liquids (soup, tea, cilantro, ginger tea). | Avoid smoking and fumes: Cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust irritate the throat even more. |
| Rest: Give your body time to heal and prevent spreading the illness to others. | Avoid heavy meals at night: Eating a large meal close to bedtime can increase acid reflux. |
| Use honey: A teaspoon of honey, whether added to tea or simply drunk, can provide relief from a sore throat. | Do not give honey to babies under one year old: A bacteria found in honey can cause a dangerous condition called infant botulism. |
When to see a doctor immediately
Although most sore throats will subside in a few days, if you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor without delay.- Difficulty breathing
- Severe difficulty swallowing food and drink
- It hurts so much I can't even open my mouth.
- Sore throat lasting more than a week
- Joint pain
- Earache
- Skin damage
- A fever of more than 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius)
- Blood in the mucus or saliva
- Getting caught in a knot in the neck
Especially if children have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if saliva is coming out of their mouth (because they can't swallow), it is an emergency. Take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
What are the complications if left untreated?
A viral infection usually resolves without complications, but a bacterial infection like strep throat can cause serious complications if not treated properly.- Ear infection
- Sinus infection (Sinusitis)
- Rheumatic fever - This affects the heart, brain, skin, and joints.
- Conditions affecting the kidneys (Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis - PSGN)
- Very dangerous conditions such as toxic shock syndrome.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Most sore throats are caused by viruses and usually resolve within a few days with home care.
- However, if you have symptoms like fever, white spots in your throat, and difficulty swallowing, it could be a bacterial infection like strep throat. You should definitely see a doctor and get antibiotics for that.
- If you have difficulty breathing, can't swallow, or have a high fever, it's an emergency. See a doctor immediately.
- While home remedies may help relieve pain, they cannot cure a bacterial infection. So, if in doubt, talk to your doctor.
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