What are the Most Common Pharyngitis Symptoms?

We may have already heard of the medical term pharyngitis, but actually a lot of us are still unaware as to what this word means. What is pharyngitis? Pharyngitis is often referred to as sore throat. This is clinically defined as the inflammation of the pharynx, which is a portion of the throat that is located at the back of the roof of the mouth and goes all the way to the location of the Adam’s apple. This inflammation usually occurs due to a virus or bacteria attack coming from colds, flu or even sinus infection that affects the throat. So what are the different pharyngitis symptoms?

Pharyngitis is considered by many experts as something that is very common but is rarely serious. Most cases of pharyngitis clear up on their own after only 3 to 10 days. This doesn’t even require any therapy aside from analgesic drugs to ease up the pain it causes. Although it is seldom considered a serious ailment, there are still times when it can become life threatening. This condition can actually become life threatening especially if it swells considerably that it can already obstruct or affect breathing. Despite being able to heal on its own, pharyngitis can still be caused by a streptococcal bacterium. If this is the case, then using antibiotics is already recommended. Strep infection, if not treated properly and immediately, can lead to further health complications such as rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent damage to the valves of the heart. Diphtheria is also a rare but a very serious type or variety of bacterial pharyngitis.

What are the different symptoms of pharyngitis? The symptoms of pharyngitis are actually similar to all other types of throat infections. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pharyngitis includes the presence or a red and sore throat, problems and presence of pain in swallowing and speaking, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes or glands located in the neck area, presence of high grade fever, headache, earache, presence of lump feeling in the throat and difficulty in breathing properly. These are just some of the most common symptoms of pharyngitis. Treatment of this condition usually relies more on managing the symptoms such as drinking aspirin and pain relievers for fever and sore throat. Others can also try gargling half teaspoon of salt in warm glass of water and/or using antiseptic lozenges or sprays in order to provide relief.

Once the doctor has already diagnosed the condition as a bacterial infection, then taking antibiotics is necessary. This however, will not take effect on virus-caused pharyngitis. This is the reason why it is always better for us to let a doctor see our condition in order for the right treatment to be given. These are just some of the important details pertaining to the common illness in the name of pharyngitis.

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