Pharyngitis Doctor In Indore

Pharyngitis is the medical name for sore throat due to inflammation of the pharynx, the area behind the mouth and nasal passages.

It's one of the most frequent throat issues, particularly in young adults and children, and may be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Causes

• Viral infections (most frequent):

• Common cold (rhinovirus)

• Influenza (flu virus)

• Adenovirus

• Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)

• Bacterial infections:

Group A Streptococcus (Strep throat) is the most frequent bacterial cause.

Other causes:

• Allergies (dust, pollen, pet dander)

• Dry air

• Smoking or pollution

• Acid reflux (GERD)

Symptoms of Pharyngitis

Symptoms will depend on the cause (bacterial or viral), but the most frequent are:

• Sore, scratchy, or painful throat

• Pain on swallowing or speaking

• Throat redness

• Swollen tonsils or uvula

• Fever and chills

• Swollen lymph nodes (in the neck)

Headache and body aches

Loss of appetite

Cough and runny nose (common in viral pharyngitis)

White patches or pus on tonsils (common in bacterial pharyngitis)

Viral pharyngitis: Typically mild, with symptoms of a cold.

Bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat): Sudden onset of sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, no cough.

Prevention of Pharyngitis

While not everyone can be prevented, the following steps can lower your risk:

1. Prevent Infections

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Stay away from close contact with individuals who have sore throats, colds, or flu.

Don't share utensils, cups, or toothbrushes.

Sneeze or cough by covering your mouth and nose.

Maintain a healthy immune system with food, sleep, and exercise.

2. Practice Good Throat Hygiene

Drink lots of warm fluids (water, soup, tea).

Don't smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.

Run a humidifier to maintain moist air.

Don't shout or strain your voice.

Gargle with warm salt water to calm the throat and eliminate germs.

3. Control Allergies and Environmental Conditions

Regulate dust and allergens indoors.

Avoid chemical fumes and pollution exposure.

Treat acid reflux (GERD) if it irritates the throat.

Treatment (if infected)

Viral pharyngitis:

Rest, fluids, warm saline gargles, and lozenges.

Pain medications (paracetamol or ibuprofen).

Usually resolves in 5–7 days without antibiotics.

Bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat):

Needs antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin).

Finish the entire course to avoid complications such as rheumatic fever.