Pharyngitis (IPA2: ˌfarɪnˈdʒʌɪtɪs) is an inflammation of the throat or pharynx. In most cases it is painful, and thus is often referred to as a sore throat. It can result in very large tonsils which cause trouble swallowing and breathing. Some are accompanied by a cough or fever.

Most cases are caused by viral infections (40%-60%), with the remainder caused by bacterial infections, fungal infections, or irritants such as pollutants or chemical substances.

Treatment of viral causes are mainly symptomatic while bacterial or fungal causes may be amenable to antibiotics and anti-fungals respectively.

Classification

Acute pharyngitis is one type of upper respiratory tract infection.Fact: date=April 2009

Causes

The pharynx is a common site of infection. After a person is directly exposed to the causing agent, such as viruses or bacteria, the later will often settle in this part of the body. Examples of direct contact include inhaling dust or water vapour containing the microorganism.Fact: date=April 2009

Viral pharyngitis

These comprise about 40-60% of all infectious cases and can be a feature of many different types of viral infections.

• Adenovirus - the most common of the viral causes. Typically the degree of neck lymph node enlargement is modest and the throat often does not appear red, although is very painful.
• Orthomyxoviridae which cause influenza - present with rapid onset high temperature, headache and generalised ache. A sore throat may be associated.
• Infectious mononucleosis ("glandular fever") caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This may cause significant lymph gland swelling and an exudative tonsillitis with marked redness and swelling of the throat. The heterophile test can be used if this is suspected.
• Herpes simplex virus can cause multiple mouth ulcers.
• Measles
• Common cold virus: rhinovirus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus can cause infection of the throat, ear, and lungs causing standard cold-like symptoms and often extreme pain.
• Primary HIV

Bacterial pharyngitis

A number of different bacteria can infect the human throat. The most common is Group A streptococcus, however others include, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Streptococcal pharyngitis

main: Streptococcal pharyngitis The most common bacterial agent is streptococcus. It causes about 15-30% of cases of pharyngitis. Unlike adenovirus, there tends to be greater generalized symptoms and more signs to find. Typically enlarged and tender lymph glands, with bright red, inflamed, and swollen throat of sudden onset with severe pain (often the patient finds it painful to talk or swallow), the patient may have a high temperature, headache, and aching muscles (myalgia) and joints (arthralgia). White or yellow spots on the back of the throat may be present on exam. These spots may also appear on the tonsils when those glands are involved.