About Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes and lymphoid tissue of the pharynx

The main cause of pharyngitis - is inhalation of cold or polluted air, the influence of chemical stimuli (alcohol, tobacco). Infectious pharyngitis can be triggered by different microbes (strepto-, staphylo-, pneumococci, and viruses (influenza, adenovirus) and fungi (Candida). Pharyngitis often develops due to infection from any focus of inflammation adjacent to the pharynx. It develops pharyngitis with sinusitis, rhinitis, dental caries.

Symptoms of pharyngitis depend on the phase of the disease.

In acute pharyngitis appears sore throat (especially when swallowing), dry cough, mucus or pus. Strep is often independent disease, which develops after hypothermia, receiving cold or too hot food, inhalation of irritant gases and dust. The patient (child or adult), complains of a tickle and a sore throat, dry cough and sometimes painful. It can be observed a slight increase in temperature. When strep throat is part of another disease (eg SARS), to symptoms of pharyngitis are added to the main symptoms of infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, influenza, etc.). In such cases, it is important to determine whether strep throat a symptom of another disease, or is it a single disease. Symptoms of acute pharyngitis with SARS and other infectious diseases, usually supplemented by symptoms of the disease: fever, respiratory failure, signs of severe intoxication, rash, etc. When inspecting the throat (pharyngoscope) you will notice a strong reddening of the mucosa of the throat. In some cases, may contain small ulcerations. You also need to distinguish between strep throat from acute tonsillitis. Acute tonsillitis (angina) is called a local inflammation of the tonsils, with strep throat inflammation takes a more diffuse nature, and symptoms of acute tonsillitis (pain on swallowing, fever, increased cervical lymph node), supplemented with symptoms of inflammation of the walls of the esophagus: a tickle in the throat and dryness, dry cough. In chronic pharyngitis symptoms are less pronounced. The patient complains of a feeling of dryness or a tickle in the throat, is often observed dry painful cough. In acute stage, symptoms resemble those of chronic pharyngitis in acute pharyngitis.

Treatment of pharyngitis.

Treatment of pharyngitis requires first and foremost, addressing the factors that provoked the disease. In the case of bacterial pharyngitis is achieved with the help of antibiotics, and in case of pharyngitis caused by prolonged inhalation of smoke or irritants, a change of work or using the methods of personal protection. To treat all cases of pharyngitis is recommended to quit smoking. Any medication, pharyngitis should be conducted under the supervision of the attending physician