Pharyngitis or simply acute pharyngitis, is an inflammation of the back of the throat, otherwise known as pharynx. This condition generally leads to pain and a sensation of scratchiness in the region of the throat, as well as difficulty swallowing. Some people tend to refer to this health condition as a sore throat.
Pharyngitis is usually very common, usually brought about by a viral infection, or, more rarely, a bacterial infection. In most instance, it will disappear within a week, though can sometimes last longer. Treatment tends to focus on managing the symptoms.
However, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial form of the condition. All in all, it is a non-serious condition, though in some instances, it can lead to severe symptoms or a serious infection.
So, is pharyngitis a chronic disease? Well, it is usually a temporary condition, lasting for roughly one week. In a small number of instances, however, a sore throat can be recurring, becoming a condition known as chronic pharyngitis.
In the event that pharyngitis lasts for weeks, it is probably chronic rather than acute pharyngitis. Smoking, vaping and exposure to other forms of smoke, such as woodsmoke or industrial, can lead to a chronic sore throat.
So, what are the common symptoms of acute pharyngitis? A variety of symptoms are associated with pharyngitis, with some of the most common including, sore throat, pain or difficulty when swallowing or talking, a hoarse voice, swollen, sore glands in the neck or throat, or white or grey patches on the back of the throat.
When it comes to diagnosing of acute pharyngitis, your doctor will undertake a physical examination that may include a close look at the throat, ears and nasal passageway, checking for swollen glands, and listening to a person’s breathing using a stethoscope.
It is important to note that pharyngitis is a common symptom in tonsillitis, to the extent that the condition is sometimes known as tonsillopharyngitis. The common symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis usually develop suddenly. They include a red and swollen throat that is painful, fever, difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, foul breath, and painful lymph nodes in the neck.
In viral tonsillitis, the affected person may also experience a headache, an earache, nasal congestion or stuffiness, and a cough. Very swollen tonsils may sometimes lead to airway obstruction characterized by snoring, breathing through the mouth, and disordered breathing during sleep.