What are the types of pharyngitis?

There are two main types of pharyngitis—infectious and noninfectious.

What is the most common type of pharyngitis?

The differential diagnosis of acute pharyngitis includes multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis in all age groups. Experts estimate that group A strep, the most common bacterial cause, causes 20% to 30% of pharyngitis episodes in children.

What type of infection is pharyngitis?

Thus, pharyngitis is a symptom, rather than a condition. It is usually caused by viral and/or bacterial infections, such as the common cold and flu (both viral infections) or by infection with the Streptococcus bacterium (strep throat). Pharyngitis can also occur with mononucleosis (aka “mono”), a viral infection.

How many types are chronic pharyngitis divided into?

Chronic pharyngitis is presented in 3 forms: exudative, hypertrophic and atrophic. The typical form is diffuse chronic pharyngitis, localized chronic pharyngitis including chronic VA and chronic tonsillitis. The main cause is chronic rhinosinusitis, especially posterior sinusitis.

What are the causes of pharyngitis?

The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

What are symptoms of pharyngitis?

Many conditions and factors cause sore throat, also called pharyngitis. You may feel pain and irritation anywhere in the back of your mouth, on your tonsils, and down your neck. You may also have a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and a headache or earache.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pharyngitis?

What is the difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis? Acute pharyngitis is more common than chronic pharyngitis. Treatment involves treating the symptoms, and it usually goes away within 10 days. In comparison, chronic pharyngitis lingers for much longer — often for several weeks.

What is acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is an infection caused by viruses or bacteria. In many of these cases, there is a painful enlargement of the neck nodes (reactive lymphadenitis), since lymphoid tissue is also present.

What is the difference between pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is affected, it is called pharyngitis. If you have both, it’s called pharyngotonsillitis.

What is the most common cause of acute pharyngitis in adults?

Most cases of acute pharyngitis are caused by respiratory viruses and are self-limited. However, symptoms of viral pharyngitis broadly overlap with pharyngitis caused by important treatable causes, such as group A Streptococcus (GAS).

Is pharyngitis a strep throat?

Strep throat is a disease that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis). It is an infection with a germ called group A streptococcus bacteria.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial pharyngitis?

Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

What is acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is an infection caused by viruses or bacteria. In many of these cases, there is a painful enlargement of the neck nodes (reactive lymphadenitis), since lymphoid tissue is also present.

What is the treatment of acute pharyngitis?

Rest, oral fluids, and salt-water gargling (for soothing effect) are the main supportive measures in patients with viral pharyngitis. Analgesics and antipyretics may be used for relief of pain or pyrexia. Acetaminophen is the drug of choice. Traditionally, aspirin has been used, but it may increase viral shedding.

What is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis?

[1] However, when the cause is bacterial, pharyngitis is most often caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), commonly referred to as strep throat.

How do you treat pharyngitis?

Treatment and home remedies
  1. getting plenty of rest.
  2. staying hydrated.
  3. using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  4. sucking on throat lozenges to soothe the throat.
  5. gargling with salt water.
  6. changing toothbrushes.
  7. drinking warm beverages, such as tea, lemon water, or broth.

Which drug is best for pharyngitis?

Penicillin and amoxicillin are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of pharyngitis.

What is the first line treatment for pharyngitis?

Oral penicillin V remains the preferred antibiotic to treat GABHS pharyngitis. Amoxicillin is often prescribed and is an acceptable first-line agent because of its narrow spectrum, the ease of once-daily dosing, and improved palatability, especially for children. Both antibiotics are equally efficacious.

What are the complications of pharyngitis?

Complications
  • Epiglottitis.
  • Otitis media.
  • Mastoiditis.
  • Sinusitis.
  • Acute rheumatic fever.
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
  • Toxic shock syndrome.

Do you take antibiotics for pharyngitis?

If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your doctor may prescribe other medicine or give you tips to help you feel better. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.

When do you need antibiotics for pharyngitis?

Only sore throats caused by bacteria need antibiotic treatment. People with fever and sore throat are more likely to need antibiotic treatment. Some helpful remedies for sore throat include over-the-counter pain medication, cold and warm fluids, and throat sprays and lozenges.

Is there surgery for pharyngitis?

Surgical removal of the tonsils is a commonly performed operation in patients with chronic or recurrent infections of the tonsils (tonsillitis) or the other tissues at the back of the throat (pharyngitis). Sometimes, the adenoid tissues are also removed during the surgery.