Sore Throat

Who’s among us didn’t have a sore throat (pharyngitis) more than once. This condition is very common, yet it’s not serious despite its annoying and painful symptoms.

Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is a condition of pain, itchiness, and irritation in the pharynx which occurs due to the inflammation in the mucus lining in it.

Pharyngitis could be acute (3-10 days), and this is the most common condition, or chronic (more than 10 days and for a few weeks).

Causes of sore throat (pharyngitis)

Most of the sore throat cases occur due to a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu (influenza). Some pharyngitis cases occur due to other causes, such as:

• Bacterial infections, and the most common of them is the streptococcus.
• Allergies, because an allergic reaction to any irritants like dust or odors causes the pharynx to be irritated and inflamed.
• Other irritants, such as smoking and polluted air.
• Extreme screaming.
• GERD.
• Mouth breathing.
• Tonsillitis, which might affect the pharynx.
• Cancer or tumor.
• The risk increases if the person’s immunity is weak, if they have recurrent sinusitis, and in children between the ages of 3 and 15.

Symptoms of sore throat (pharyngitis)

General symptoms include the following:

• Pain in the pharynx that increases when swallowing and talking.
• Itchiness and irritation in the throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Hoarseness.

Other symptoms might manifest, such as:

• Swelling and redness in the tonsils.
• Swollen glands in the jaw and neck.
• Ear pain.
• Fever.
• Fatigue and headaches.
• Nasal congestion.
• Troubled stomach.

Diagnosis of sore throat (pharyngitis)

Examining the throat.

A throat swab if needed.

Treatment of sore throat (pharyngitis)

The treatment depends on the cause:

• If the sore throat is viral, it’s left alone to heal.
• If the sore throat is bacterial, the patient is given antibiotics.
• If the pharyngitis is caused by the gastric acid, the patient is given antacids.
• If the cause is allergies, the patient is given antihistamines.
• Medications to manage other symptoms.
• Drink hot fluids.
• Gargle saltwater.
• Avoid smoking and polluted environments.

Prevention of sore throat (pharyngitis)

• Avoid smoking, polluted environments, and substances that cause allergies.
• Avoid extreme screaming.
• Don’t get close to patients.
• Frequently wash your hands.
• Use a tissue when coughing and sneezing.