PHARYNGITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--A very common throat inflammation and infection, usually from a virus.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Throat area, including tonsils.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED

• Both sexes.
• All ages except infancy.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sore throat.
• Swallowing difficulty.
• Tickle or "lump" in the throat.
• Fever.
• Swollen glands in the neck (sometimes).
• Throat may be red or covered with a grayish membrane (sometimes).
• Generalized aching.

CAUSES--

Infection from viruses or bacteria. Following are the most common germs.

• Viruses--Epstein-Barr and many types of respiratory viruses.
• Bacteria-streptococci, gonococci, Haemophilus, pneumococci or staphylococci.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Fatigue or overwork.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Immune deficiencies.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Oral sex.
• Epidemics, during which all persons are at increased risk.
• Close quarters, such as in military recruits, schools, day care centers.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid close contact with anyone with a sore throat.
• Keep immunizations, including diphtheria, up to date.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory throat culture and blood count.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Hospitalization for pharyngitis caused by diphtheria or hemophilus bacteria (rare).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Epiglottitis, leading to complete breathing obstruction.
• Pneumonia.
• Rheumatic fever, scarlet fever or glomerulonephritis, if pharyngitis is caused by strep bacteria and does not receive adequate antibiotic treatment.
• Ear infection.
• Sinusitis or rhinitis.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery for most cases of viral pharyngitis. Other cases are curable with antibiotics.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Home care is usually sufficient.
• Use gargles to relieve throat pain. Prepare double-strength tea, hot or cold, or a salt-water solution (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. warm water). Use to gargle as often as you wish.
• Use a cool-mist, ultrasonic humidifier to increase air moisture. This will relieve the dry, tight feeling in the throat. Clean humidifier daily.
• If the glands are large and tender, apply moist, warm soaks at least 4 times a day for 30 to 60 minutes. The compresses will be more effective if they are kept warm. Be careful not to burn the skin.
• Replace your toothbrush. It may harbor germs.
• Until infection is gone, use separate washcloths; don't share food.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen. Don't give aspirin to a child for any viral illness. Studies link its use with the development of Reye's syndrome.
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Be sure to finish entire course of prescribed antibiotics to avoid complications.

ACTIVITY--Limited activity is necessary until symptoms disappear.

DIET--Extra fluids are necessary. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid daily, more for high fevers. If swallowing solid food is painful, try a liquid or soft diet for a few days.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of pharyngitis.
• The following occurs during treatment: Breathing or swallowing difficulty. Fever; severe headache. Thick mucus drainage from the nose. Cough that produces green, yellow, brown or bloody sputum. Skin rash. Dark urine. Chest pain.