Acute pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemical irritants, and allergy-causing foods. Symptoms include a sore throat, hoarse voice, fever, and body aches. Treatment includes rest, hydration, and antibiotics if necessary. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Acute pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the throat. Most cases are caused by common viruses and bacteria in the respiratory tract, but fungi, chemical irritants, and allergy-causing foods can also lead to symptoms. Acute pharyngitis typically causes a dry sore throat and a hoarse voice. Home remedies and a few days of rest are usually enough to overcome pharyngitis, but a person who has a particularly severe or persistent throat problem should visit a doctor to learn about treatment options.
Many different viruses can cause pharyngitis, including adenoviruses, Epstein-Barr and herpes simplex. Strep throat is the most common bacterial throat infection, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Acute pharyngitis can occur even in the absence of infection if a sensitive person is subject to secondhand smoke; pollutants; chemical fumes; or cold, dry air.
The main symptom of the condition is a sore throat that causes difficulty speaking and swallowing. Throat irritation usually results in a hoarse, soft voice. Depending on the cause, a person may also experience fever, head and body aches, nausea, and coughing fits. An infection that spreads to the tonsils can lead to an abscess and severe swelling in the throat. Medical help should be sought immediately if it becomes very difficult to breathe and to open the mouth.
A doctor can usually diagnose acute pharyngitis during a simple physical exam. A swab of mucus can be collected from the throat and tested for the presence of specific bacteria and viruses. If symptoms are severe and affecting the whole body, blood tests may also be needed to screen for systemic infections.
In most cases, acute viral pharyngitis doesn’t respond well to medication. Patients simply have to wait for the disease to subside, which can take up to two weeks. Drinking plenty of water is important to stay hydrated and relieve dry throat. Warm liquids, numbing lozenges, and hard candy also tend to soothe a sore throat. If strep throat or another bacteria is determined to be the cause, a doctor may prescribe a short course of daily antibiotics.
Pharyngitis rarely causes complications or becomes a chronic problem, but it’s possible for an infection to burrow deep in the throat and tonsils and lead to lingering symptoms. You may need surgery to repair severely damaged throat tissue or remove swollen tonsils. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks, but most patients are able to recover completely without recurring problems.
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