Pharyngitis (Sore throat)

Pharyngitis (Sore throat)

Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, refers to discomfort, pain, or scratchiness experienced in the throat, often making swallowing painful.

Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors

Pharyngitis results from inflammation of the pharynx, located at the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the larynx (voicebox). The majority of sore throats stem from viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza. Certain viruses, like coxsackie or mononucleosis, can cause specific types of sore throat. Bacterial causes of pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which may lead to strep throat, along with less common bacteria like corynebacterium, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Pharyngitis tends to occur more frequently during colder months and often spreads within families.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat, accompanied by other symptoms including fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Signs and Tests

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the throat by a healthcare provider. Rapid strep tests or throat cultures may be conducted to confirm the presence of strep throat. Additional laboratory tests may be performed based on suspected causes.

Treatment

Since most sore throats are viral in nature, antibiotics are not effective and should not be used. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to bacterial resistance. Antibiotics should only be prescribed if a strep test confirms strep throat, as it cannot be reliably diagnosed based solely on symptoms or physical examination.

To alleviate symptoms, individuals with sore throats can try the following remedies:

- Drink warm liquids like lemon tea or honey tea.
- Gargle with warm salt water several times a day (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
- Consume cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
- Use throat lozenges or hard candies to soothe the throat, but avoid giving them to young children to prevent choking.
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe the throat.
- Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen can help relieve pain and discomfort.