Symptoms of Pharyngitis: Causes and Treatment

The Complete Guide to Pharyngitis Symptoms and Care

Ever have a scratchy, burning feeling in the back of your throat? The most common cause is Pharyngitis or sore throat. This painful inflammation not only causes serious discomfort but also hurts when you swallow or talk.

This medical condition can often go away on its own or, at times, require antibiotics. In the following discussion, we will walk you through the essentials of a sore throat, along with Pharyngitis symptoms and ways to prevent it.

What is Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a tissue lining (mucosa) inflammation that occurs in the walls of the pharynx or throat. It refers to a dry, aching feeling that worsens when you talk or swallow. It is crucial to understand that Pharyngitis is not a medical condition; rather, it is the foremost signal of an underlying condition, allergy, exposure to irritants or other causes.

In most cases, sore throats can be cured with home care quickly. However, if it lasts longer, you must reach out to a healthcare provider.

How Many Types of Pharyngitis Are There?

Professionals classify different types of Pharyngitis based on their duration. Here’s a detail:

Acute Pharyngitis: People mostly experience acute Pharyngitis symptoms from 3 to 10 days.
Chronic Pharyngitis: Chronic Pharyngitis persists for more than 10 days and possesses a high recurrence rate.
In addition to these, there are some other types of sore throat as well. Have a look:
Granular Pharyngitis: This variant of chronic Pharyngitis is characterised by the formation of granules or small bumps in the back of your throat.
Follicular Pharyngitis: This is another common variant. It occurs when the follicles become inflamed.

What Are the Common Pharyngitis Causes?

Numerous allergens and pollutants can be Pharyngitis causes. Find the details below:

Viral Pharyngitis: The most common types of sore throat are virus-induced. Viral infections like the common cold, Mononucleosis, Influenza, Measles, and Covid-19 can result in Pharyngitis. Viruses like Herpes, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus and Coxsackievirus also significantly aid this condition. The virus-originated sore throat does not respond to antibiotics. Treatment is needed if the condition remains for more than a week.
Bacterial Pharyngitis: Bacterial Pharyngitis, on the other hand, can be treated using antibiotics. It is the result of various diseases such as strep throat caused by group A Streptococcus, Gonorrhoea, Corynebacterium, Chlamydia and more.

The following conditions may also increase the risk of Pharyngitis:

Tonsillitis: When your tonsils become infected, a sore throat can occur.
Acid Reflux: Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often experience burning and pain in their throats. Frequent acid refluxes can lead to sore throat.
Allergies: Allergic reactions from pollens, dust mites, pets, and mould can pose a direct threat to sore throat.
Mouth Breathing: Breathing from the mouth instead of the nose can cause Pharyngitis.
Tumours: A sore throat is the first sign of throat tumours, be it benign or cancerous.
Please note: Screaming, drinking hot liquids, and smoking also stand as Pharyngitis causes.

What Are the Pharyngitis Symptoms?

A sore and dry throat is the primary sign of Pharyngitis. Apart from this, the other symptoms of pharyngitis depend on the type of medical condition. Following are some common Pharyngitis symptoms:

Viral Pharyngitis Symptoms
Coughing
Headache
Post nasal drip
Irritated eyes
Runny nose
Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
Fatigue
Body rash
Poor appetite
Muscle aches
General malaise
Fever and chills
Bacterial Pharyngitis Symptoms
Pain when swallowing
Tender lymph nodes
Visible white and red patches with pus on the back of the throat
Pelvis pain on the upper left side
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
Joint pain
Hoarseness
Upset stomach

When to See a Specialist?

Though in most cases, Pharyngitis is self-treatable, it is advised to visit a healthcare centre if:

The condition lasts for over 10 days
Inability to drink and swallow
Difficulty in opening the mouth
Experiencing shortness of breath (breathlessness)
Completely changed voice tones.

How is Pharyngitis Diagnosed?

To find out the cause of your Pharyngitis, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and medical history. Following are the top 3 diagnostic processes that a professional will follow:

Physical Exam: The doctor will start looking at the back of your throat using tools to look for visible patches and neck swelling. The specialist will also check your ears, nose and the side of your neck.
Throat Culture: In case of strep throat suspicion, the physician will use a cotton swab to take a sample of your throat secretions. In case of emergencies, you can also be prescribed a rapid strep test. Within a few minutes, the kit will reflect whether it is positive for Streptococcus. Otherwise, the sample will be sent to the lab, and after 24 hours, the doctor will act according to the results.
Blood Tests: In the case of other types of Pharyngitis, the consultant will prescribe blood work. A complete blood count (CBC) check will help to identify the cause of your sore throat and initiate treatment accordingly.

What are the Common Pharyngitis Treatments?

Pharyngitis treatment depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Have a look:

Home Care

Home care is ideal if it is viral Pharyngitis. The patient may:

Drink plenty fluids
Use a humidifier
Take proper rest
Eat warm broth
Gargle with lukewarm salt water.

Moreover, one can also drink herbs infused with liquorice, sage, basil, ginger and honey to soothe the throat and speed up the healing process.

Medicinal Care

For chronic and severe Pharyngitis, especially if it is bacterial, medical treatment is essential. Amoxicillin and penicillin are the most common types of antibiotics for sore throat. Individuals must complete the entire course of the medicine to recover quickly.

How to Prevent Getting Pharyngitis?

Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, strictly adhere to certain precautionary methods for improved prevention against Pharyngitis:

Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding close contact with people who have infections
Washing hands using alcohol-based cleaners
Avoid smoking
Say no to sharing food.

Are There Any Similar Conditions?

People often get confused about distinguishing Pharyngitis from other types of sore throats. Here is a guide to all the conditions that might seem like Pharyngitis but they are not:

Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis often share similar symptoms and can be cured using antibiotics.
Laryngitis: Laryngitis is an infection of the voice box or larynx that is located on the front side of the throat, above the windpipe.
Throat Ulcer: A throat ulcer is a pus-filled sore that occurs in the throat, mouth, food pipe and vocal cords.

Final Words

In essence, pharyngitis, though common, can significantly impact your daily life if it goes untreated. Thus, if you experience these above-mentioned Pharyngitis symptoms, then consult your health provider. Early detection and adopting the right care measures are essential for a quick recovery. Always consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. With over-the-counter medicine, good hygiene and home remedies, you can stay safe from this condition.

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FAQ

How many days does Pharyngitis last?

Usually, Pharyngitis lasts up to 10 days. If it retains for longer, then visit your nearest ENT specialist.

Can Pharyngitis lead to throat cancer?

Yes, Pharyngitis can lead to nasopharyngeal cancer if it is mistreated or misdiagnosed.

Is Pharyngitis contagious?

Pharyngitis can spread through nasal discharge, droplets, saliva and airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Since the germs of Pharyngitis can survive on the surface, contact with a contaminated object can cause transmission.