What Causes Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis may be caused by a host of infectious agents.

Viral pharyngitis is caused by viruses (such as Adenovirus, Common cold viruses, HIV Virus, Influenza virus, Mononucleosis Virus, Rhinovirus, etc.), Bacterial pharyngitis is caused by various bacteria (such as Arcanobacterium, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Corynebacterium, Group A streptococcus, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, etc.) as well as due to unknown (Idiopathic Pharyngitis) causes.

Signs and Symptoms of Pharyngitis:

Pharyngitis symptoms are largely dependent on the underlying microorganisms, and may include: Difficulty in breathing, Difficulty in swallowing, Fever, Headache, Persistent non-productive cough, Postnasal drip, Runny nose, Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and Sore throat.

Pharyngitis Diagnosis:

Physical examination often includes examination of the eyes, the lymph nodes in the neck, as well as inspection of the pharynx for any signs of drainiage or coating. Additionally, in order to identify the underlying infectious agent, lab tests such as streptococcal screen, peripheral smear, throat cultures and/or blood tests may also be necessary.

Pharyngitis Treatment:

The treatment for pharyngitis largely depends on the underlying infectious agent. Depending upon the infectious agents involvement, antifungal and antiviral medications may be prescribed if warranted. A complete course of antibiotics is usually necessary in case of bacterial pharyngitis. Treatment options for viral pharyngitis (such as warm salt water gargles, medications for pain relief, etc.) are usually limited to providing symptomatic relief. Steroids may be prescribed in case of airway compromise, as well as for providing symptomatic relief.

Pharyngitis Prognosis:

Even though pharyngitis usually resolves on its own, care must be excercised if Strep throat is suspected. The complications of strep throat can include Acute glomerulon, Bacteremia, Kidney function impairment, Kidney inflammation, Rheumatic fever, and Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. In case of severe mononucleosis pharyngitis, significant breathing difficulties due to airways restriction/compression may also occur.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease Diagnosis and Treatment News section of this website for the latest Pharyngitis Treatment News and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Pharyngitis Diagnosis and Treatment related Articles.

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