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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
Viral pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx).
Causes Return to top
Viral pharyngitis is the most common cause of a sore throat.
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 the health care provider makes a diagnosis 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. You can relieve symptoms by 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 make a sore throat worse.
It is important to avoid antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps strengthen bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
In some sore throats (such as infectious mononucleosis), the lymph nodes in the neck may become extremely swollen. They may be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
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 last longer than expected or do not improve with self-care. Always seek medical care if you have a sore throat and have 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.
References Return to top
Hayden GF, Turner RB. Acute Pharyngitis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 378.
Jenson HB. Epstein-Barr Virus. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 251.
Update Date: 8/12/2008 Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
