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{{CMG}}: '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer
{{CMG}}: '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer


==What is Pharyngitis?==
==Overview==
[[Pharyngitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the [[pharynx]], which is in the back of the [[throat]], between the [[tonsils]] and the [[voicebox]] ([[larynx]]).
[[Pharyngitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the [[pharynx]], which is in the back of the [[throat]], between the [[tonsils]] and the [[voicebox]] ([[larynx]]).


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*[[Swollen lymph nodes]] in the [[neck]]
*[[Swollen lymph nodes]] in the [[neck]]


==What causes Pharyngitis?==
==What are the causes of Pharyngitis?==
Many [[germs]] can cause [[pharyngitis]].
Many [[germs]] can cause [[pharyngitis]].


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Most cases of [[pharyngitis]] occur during the colder months. The [[illness]] often spreads among family members.
Most cases of [[pharyngitis]] occur during the colder months. The [[illness]] often spreads among family members.


==Who is at risk for Pharyngitis?==
==Who is at highest risk?==
[[Pharyngitis]] is [[contagious]], so anyone in close proximity to someone with the [[illness]], is at risk.
[[Pharyngitis]] is [[contagious]], so anyone in close proximity to someone with the [[illness]], is at risk.


==How do I know I have Pharyngitis?==
Your [[health care provider]] will perform a [[physical exam]] and look at your [[throat]].
Tests to rule out [[strep throat]] may be done. Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.


==When to seek urgent medical care==
==When to seek urgent medical care?==
Call your [[health care provider]] if:
Call your [[health care provider]] if:
*You develop a [[sore throat]] that does not go away after several days
*You develop a [[sore throat]] that does not go away after several days
*You have a [[high fever]], [[swollen lymph nodes]] in your [[neck]], or a [[rash]]
*You have a [[high fever]], [[swollen lymph nodes]] in your [[neck]], or a [[rash]]
==Diagnosis==
Your [[health care provider]] will perform a [[physical exam]] and look at your [[throat]].
Tests to rule out [[strep throat]] may be done. Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.


Seek immediate [[medical care]] if you have a [[sore throat]] and trouble [[breathing]].
Seek immediate [[medical care]] if you have a [[sore throat]] and trouble [[breathing]].
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[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Pharyngitis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Pharyngitis]
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Pharyngitis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Pharyngitis]


==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)==
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
Most cases of [[pharyngitis]] go away on their own without [[complications]].
Most cases of [[pharyngitis]] go away on their own without [[complications]].



Revision as of 16:11, 1 August 2011

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]: Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voicebox (larynx).

What are the symptoms of Pharyngitis?

The main symptom is a sore throat.

Other symptoms may include:

What are the causes of Pharyngitis?

Many germs can cause pharyngitis.

Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months. The illness often spreads among family members.

Who is at highest risk?

Pharyngitis is contagious, so anyone in close proximity to someone with the illness, is at risk.


When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if:

Diagnosis

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and look at your throat.

Tests to rule out strep throat may be done. Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.

Seek immediate medical care if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing.

Treatment options

It is important to avoid antibiotics when a sore throat is due to infection with a virus. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps strengthen bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

Most sore throats are soon over. In the meantime, the following remedies may help:

  • Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.
  • Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water).
  • Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
  • Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat. This is often as effective as more expensive remedies. DO NOT use candies or lozenges in young children because of the choking risk.
  • Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat.
  • Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for Pharyngitis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pharyngitis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own without complications.

Possible complications

Complications of pharyngitis may include:

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000655.htm

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