Pharyngitis.. Here are the causes and treatment methods 

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx at the back of the throat. It is often referred to simply as \’strep throat\’. Continue reading the following lines to learn more about pharyngitis.

What is pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx at the back of the throat. It is often referred to simply as \’strep throat\’. Pharyngitis can also cause an itchy throat and difficulty swallowing.

According to the American Orthopedic Association, a sore throat caused by pharyngitis is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. More cases of pharyngitis occur during the cold winter months of the year.

To properly treat a sore throat, it is important to identify its causes. Pharyngitis may result from a bacterial or viral infection.

As for the symptoms of pharyngitis, the incubation period is usually two to five days. Symptoms associated with pharyngitis vary depending on the underlying condition. In addition to a sore, dry or itchy throat, colds or the flu may cause sneezing, runny nose, headache, cough, fatigue, body aches, chills, and fever.

Symptoms in other causes may include difficulty swallowing, red throat with white or gray spots, swollen lymph nodes, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual taste in the mouth, and general malaise.

The length of the infectious period will also depend on the cause of the occurrence of pharyngitis. If the pharyngitis is due to a viral infection, the patient will be contagious until the fever has passed.

Causes of pharyngitis

Many viral and bacterial agents can cause pharyngitis. These reasons include:

Measles, chicken pox, and diphtheria is a disease of children characterized by barking cough, whooping cough, group A streptococcus, and viruses and is the most common cause of sore throat.

As previously mentioned, pharyngitis is more commonly caused by viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, and treatment is only necessary to help relieve symptoms.

Less commonly, pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections require antibiotics. The most common type of bacterial infection in strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus. Rare causes of bacterial pharyngitis include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and Corynebacterium.

Frequent exposure to colds and flu can increase the risk of developing pharyngitis. This is especially true for people who have jobs in healthcare and have allergies and frequent sinus infections. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of developing pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis treatment

The first step in treating pharyngitis is to diagnose the condition and the underlying cause. Sore throats can result from a variety of underlying medical conditions. While a viral infection is the most common cause of pharyngitis, it is still important to correctly diagnose the cause to successfully treat the condition.

A doctor will usually begin diagnosing pharyngitis by performing a physical examination. He or she will review the person\’s current symptoms and check the throat, ears, and nose for signs of infection.

When a patient has clear signs of a viral infection, the doctor likely won\’t do further tests. If a doctor suspects a bacterial infection, he or she may order a throat culture to confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a swab from the person\’s throat and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

The appropriate treatment for pharyngitis varies depending on the underlying cause. For a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe a dose of oral antibiotics. Antibiotics help reduce symptoms and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever.

It is necessary to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection clears up and prevent the infection from recurring.

Viral pharyngitis does not respond to antibiotics and usually goes away on its own. However, over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and fever.

Home remedies that may help speed up recovery include:

Get plenty of rest and make sure to stay hydrated. You can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Sucking on lozenges to soothe the throat. Gargling with salt water. Change toothbrushes. Drink warm beverages such as tea, lemon water, or broth

On the other hand, a person can reduce the risk of developing pharyngitis or transmitting other infections by:

Wash hands well and regularly. Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoid close contact with people who have a contagious viral or bacterial infection. Avoid smoking as well as avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Avoid sharing food and drink with infected people.