Acute Pharyngitis

Information about acute pharyngitis

What is acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is a very painful inflammation of the pharynx.

Causes

The causes of acute pharyngitis are similar to those of the common cold. It may be due to an infection with an adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus or herpes virus. Pharyngitis caused by group A streptococcus is of great importance. If it occurs due to bacteria, there is a risk of developing a peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute pharyngitis are similar to those of the common cold, such as fever, fatigue, dysphagia, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and sometimes cervical lymphadenopathy.

Diagnostic

The diagnosis of acute pharyngitis relies on a throat swab culture and special urine tests.

Treatment

Acute pharyngitis treatment includes, among others, medications, gargles and lozenges for the throat. In addition, the patient is advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers if necessary. When it comes to a bacterial infection, the patient should take antibiotics.

What specialty

The doctor to treat acute pharyngitis is the ENT

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