Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Definition Return to top
Viral pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx) caused by a virus. It produces a sore throat.
Causes Return to top
Pharyngitis is most often caused by a viral infection, but can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Viral pharyngitis is the most common cause of a sore throat.
When cultures of the throat do not reveal a bacterial cause for the symptoms, a viral pharyngitis is suspected. These illnesses are extremely common.
Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other organ systems, such as the lungs or bowel.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Usually a diagnosis is made by examining the throat. A throat swab culture will be negative for bacterial causes of sore throat (such as group A streptococcus).
Treatment Return to top
There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. Self-care measures include gargling with warm salt water (one half-teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day and taking anti-inflammatory drugs or medications, such as acetaminophen, to control fever. Excessive use of anti-inflammatory lozenges or sprays may actually make a sore throat worse.
It is important to avoid using antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection, as the antibiotics will not help, and using them in such a way contributes to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
In some cases of sore throat (for instance, in infectious mononucleosis), the lymph nodes in the neck may become extremely swollen, and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, may be needed to ease breathing and swallowing.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The symptoms usually go away within a week to 10 days.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications of viral pharyngitis are extremely uncommon.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms persist longer than expected or if symptoms do not improve with self-care measures. Always seek medical care if you have a sore throat and experience extreme discomfort or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Prevention Return to top
Most cases are not preventable, because the viruses and bacteria that cause sore throats are commonly found in the environment. However, always wash your hands after contact with a person who has a sore throat. Avoid kissing or sharing cups and eating utensils with sick individuals.
Update Date: 1/27/2008 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |