Pharyngitis/Tonsillopharyngitis

Pharyngitis is the swelling and inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is the back of the throat, including the back of the tongue. Tonsillopharyngitis is the swelling of the pharynx and the tonsils. The tonsils are soft tissue that make up part of the throat's immune defenses. Both pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis are commonly called a sore throat. Sore throats can easily be treated. If you have a sore throat for more than two days, contact your doctor.

Many things can cause pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis. Causes include:

• Infection with a virus, such as the viruses that cause influenza (the flu) and the common cold
• Infection with bacteria, such as the bacteria that cause strep throat
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Acid reflux from the stomach
• Allergies
• Breathing polluted air
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Food debris collecting in small pockets in the tonsils
• Hay fever or other allergies
• Mucus from your sinuses that drains into your throat
• Smoking

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Almost everyone will get a sore throat. These risk factors increase your chance of getting a sore throat:

• Having other medical conditions that affect your immune system, such as AIDS or cancer
• Age: children and teens, and people aged 65 or older
• Exposure to cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, industrial smoke, and other air pollutants
• Exposure to someone with a sore throat or any other infection involving the throat, nose, or ears
• Hay fever or other allergies
• Situations that cause stress, such as traveling, working, or living in close contact with people
• Stress

Your symptoms depend on the cause of the condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to pharyngitis or tonsillopharyngitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing
• Sore throat

The doctor will perform a physical exam, looking closely at your mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in your neck.

• Other tests include:
  • Blood tests —to identify conditions that may be causing the sore throat
  • Mono spot test (if mononucleosis is suspected)
  • Rapid strep test or throat culture—using a cotton swab to touch the back of the throat to check for strep throat
• The doctor will ask questions about:
  • Recent exposure to someone with strep throat or any other infection of the throat, nose, or ears
  • Your family and medical history
• This physical exam may include:
  • Examining your ears
  • Gently touching the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck to check for swelling
  • Taking your temperature
  • Using a small instrument to look inside the nose, ears, and mouth

Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. Treatment options include:

Here are ways to reduce your chance of getting a sore throat:

• If a toddler with a sore throat has been sucking on toys, wash the toys in soap and water.
• If someone in your home has a sore throat, keep his eating utensils and drinking glasses separate from those of other family members. Wash these objects in hot, soapy water.
• If you have hay fever or another respiratory allergy, see your doctor. Avoid the substance that causes your allergy.
• Immediately get rid of used tissues, and then wash your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or after caring for a child with a sore throat.