What is Acute Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis, or acute pharyngitis, colloquially sometimes called cobblestone throat, is an inflammation of the back of the throat, otherwise known as the pharynx. The condition generally causes pain and a sensation of scratchiness in the region of the throat, as well as difficulty swallowing.^[1] The condition is typically referred to as a sore throat.

Pharyngitis is a very common complaint, usually caused by a viral infection, or, more rarely, a bacterial infection. In the majority of cases, it will disappear within a week, though can last longer. Treatment will usually focus on managing the symptoms. However, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial form of the condition. Generally, it is a non-serious condition, though in some instances it can cause severe symptoms or a serious infection.

Chronic pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is usually a temporary condition, lasting for roughly one week. In a small number of cases, however, a sore throat can be recurring, becoming a condition known as chronic pharyngitis. The chronic form of the condition has a variety of possible causes, including persistent infection and stomach acid reflux. If pharyngitis lasts for weeks, it is probably chronic rather than acute pharyngitis. Smoking, vaping, and exposure to other forms of smoke, such as industrial or woodsmoke, can all cause a chronic sore throat.

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

A variety of symptoms are associated with pharyngitis, with some of the most common including:^[2]

• Sore throat
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing or talking
• Swollen, sore glands in the neck or throat
• Red throat and red, swollen tonsils
• A hoarse voice
• White or grey patches on the back of the throat

A sore throat is the characteristic symptom of pharyngitis and – in some cases – may be the only symptom. A cobblestone appearance at the back of the throat, colloquially known as “cobblestone throat”, is in some cases present. This is a distinctive lumpy, irritated appearance of the back of the throat, caused by enlarged lymphatic tissue. It is visible on visual inspection. It can also be caused by a post-nasal drip, in which mucus that accumulates in the back of the nose and throat drips down from the back of the nose.

Commonly, pharyngitis is caused by an underlying condition such as a common cold or flu. If this is the case, it may be accompanied by symptoms of these conditions, such as fever, coughing, or a runny nose. If you think that you or a loved one may have a cold, flu, or pharyngitis, contact your doctor’s Find My doctor location now.

Causes of acute pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is usually caused by viruses that also cause the common cold or flu. In rare cases, the condition can be caused by bacteria. It is difficult to determine whether a case of pharyngitis has a viral or bacterial cause since the symptoms are similar.[3] Smoking, vaping, and exposure to airborne irritants can also cause a sore throat.

Viral infection

Viral conditions that can lead to pharyngitis include:

• Flu
• Common cold (adenovirus infection)
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Mononucleosis (mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus)
• Croup (a childhood illness)
• Herpes simplex infection
• Enterovirus infection

The viruses that cause the condition are contagious, normally spread by discharge from the nose or mouth. A virus can also survive on objects or clothing and be spread in this way.

Pharyngitis and Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis

A sore, scratchy throat is a major symptom of mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis of this kind is most common among teenagers and younger adults. Other symptoms include:^[4][5]

• Severe fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

Some people may also develop a rash. Tonsillitis can often occur in mononucleosis.

HIV-related pharyngitis

In acute HIV infection, pharyngitis is a common symptom. The symptoms of pharyngitis associated with HIV infection are the same as those of mononucleosis-related pharyngitis (see above), and also often present with tonsillitis. Symptoms that may occur in people affected by pharyngitis accompanying HIV infection are:^[4]

• Fever
• Sweats
• Malaise and lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Swollen lymph glands.

Bacterial infection, such as strep throat

A number of bacterial infections can also cause pharyngitis, most commonly Streptococcal bacteria, otherwise known as Group A streptococcus. In these cases, the condition is known as strep throat. Other bacteria that far less frequently cause pharyngitis include:^[5]

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Corynebacterium
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Group C, G or F Streptococcus

Group A streptococcus is the most common cause of tonsillitis (15-30% of cases).

Good to know: Group B streptococcus is not usually associated with strep throat or other upper respiratory tract infections. However, group B strep can cause pharyngitis, with tonsillitis and swollen lymph glands in the neck.^[6]

Pharyngitis and strep throat

Strep throat is typically spread through person-to-person contact, commonly through bacteria in saliva or nasal discharge. Symptoms and signs of strep throat include:^[7]

• A sore throat and pain when swallowing which is more severe than with a normal sore throat.
• Fever, weakness and headache.
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, especially in children.
• White or grey patches visible on the back of the throat.
• Swollen, sore glands in the neck (lymph nodes).
• A widespread red rash.

If the strep throat symptoms occur after several days of coughing and a runny nose, it’s more likely that they are the result of a viral infection rather than Group A streptococcus.^[3] If you’re concerned that you may have strep throat or tonsillitis rather than pharyngitis, contact your doctor Find My doctor location now.

Diagnosing pharyngitis

A doctor will usually diagnose the condition through a physical examination that may include:

• A close look at the throat, ears and nasal passageway
• Checking for swollen glands
• Listening to a person’s breathing using a stethoscope

If bacterial pharyngitis is suspected, a doctor may also take a swab from the throat and have it tested for the presence of bacteria.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Pharyngitis is a common symptom in tonsillitis, so much so that the condition is sometimes known as tonsillopharyngitis. Tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils in the throat become inflamed. It can be caused by viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, or bacteria, such as Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. Most cases of acute tonsillitis are viral, but chronic or recurring tonsillitis is usually bacterial in origin.^[8][9]

The symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis usually develop suddenly. They include:^[8][9]

• A red and swollen throat that is painful
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• Foul breath
• Painful lymph nodes in the neck

In viral tonsillitis, the affected person may also have:^[9]

• A headache
• An earache
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• A cough

Very swollen tonsils may cause airway obstruction. The symptoms of airway obstruction include:^[8]

• Breathing through the mouth
• Snoring
• Disordered breathing during sleep
• Lethargy and a general feeling of unwellness

If the affected person has difficulty opening their mouth, or their voice takes on a muffled quality as if they are speaking with a hot potato in their mouth, they may have a peritonsillar abscess. This is an abscess around the region of the tonsils and is a medical emergency because it can cause sepsis and airway obstruction.

For more information on the symptoms and treatment of this painful throat condition, see this resource on tonsillitis. If you’re concerned that you may have strep throat or tonsillitis rather than pharyngitis, Why not check the List of doctor Adoctor now?

Pharyngitis and laryngitis

Laryngitis is a condition where the larynx, or voice box, becomes inflamed due to overuse or a viral infection. The most common cause is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract; bacterial laryngitis is rare.^[10] It is often found in conjunction with a sore throat or pharyngitis.

Coughing is linked to laryngitis, and therefore it often occurs in conjunction with diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, measles, whooping cough, or diphtheria.

Symptoms of laryngitis include:^[10]

• Hoarseness or other changes in voice
• Tickling sensations in the throat
• A raw throat
• An urge to clear the throat

If a severe viral infection is present, the affected person may also have:^[10]

• Fever
• Malaise
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore throat.

In some cases, a sore throat and voice changes might be caused by laryngeal cancer. This cancer is, however, quite rare. Important risk factors include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Human papillomavirus infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease can also increase a person’s risk of laryngeal cancer.

For more information, see this resource on laryngitis.

Pharyngitis treatment

Most cases of pharyngitis will go away without treatment in a week or less. Antibiotics are not helpful in cases of pharyngitis caused by viral infections and are only used in cases where a bacterial infection is lingering. Most treatments for pharyngitis can be carried out at home, using over-the-counter products.

Home remedies for pharyngitis

There are a number of ways to help manage the symptoms of the condition:^[11]

• Drinking plenty of fluids is key to avoiding dehydration, which can make the symptoms of pharyngitis worse.
• Taking over the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, is a good way of managing pain, headaches and fever. These medicines should be taken according to the instructions on the packet.
• Lozenges can be useful in easing pain.
• Other over-the-counter products, such as anesthetic sprays, which can be bought from pharmacies and stores, can also help alleviate certain symptoms.

Antibiotics for pharyngitis

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral pharyngitis, though, they may be prescribed for those with a bacterial infection.

Doctors are often reluctant to prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis due to the fact that they are not always effective and may cause side effects. To decide if an individual should be prescribed antibiotics, doctors will sometimes use a test known as the Center score. They will look for:^[11]

• Pus on the tonsils
• Painful or tender glands on the neck
• The absence of a cough
• Fever

If three or more of these features are present, a doctor will often prescribe a delayed prescription, whereby antibiotics will be prescribed for two or three days in the future, to be used if symptoms have not disappeared or have gotten worse.

Pharyngitis prevention

Pharyngitis is contagious, meaning there are a number of ways to reduce the risk of contracting the condition. These include:^[12]

• Avoiding sharing utensils, food and drink
• Avoiding contact with people experiencing the condition
• Thorough and frequent washing of the hands, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating

Complications of pharyngitis

In the vast majority of cases, pharyngitis is a relatively harmless condition that will clear quickly without complications. Very rarely, however, the condition can progress and cause complications. It can also be a warning sign for a range of more serious conditions.^[11]

Possible complications include the infection spreading from the throat to nearby locations, causing, for example, an ear infection, sinus infection, or less frequent pneumonia. However, this is unlikely to happen if the pharyngitis is appropriately managed. If symptoms persist or are particularly severe, a doctor’s diagnosis should be sought.

Pharyngitis FAQs

• Fever, weakness and headache.
• White or grey patches visible on the back of the throat.
• Swollen, sore glands in the neck (lymph nodes).
• A widespread red rash.
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Feeling unwell? Please check With your doctor Find my doctor.

Other names for acute pharyngitis

• Acute throat infection

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1. Healthline. “Pharyngitis.” October 20, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩

2. Mayo Clinic. “Sore throat – Symptoms and causes.” August 8, 2017. August 23, 2017. ↩

3. Medscape. “Pediatric Pharyngitis.”.= 25 August 2017. Accessed 14 July 2018. ↩ ↩

4. Medscape. “Viral Pharyngitis Clinical Presentation.” 24 June 2017. Accessed 19 July 2018. ↩ ↩

5. Healthline. “Pharyngitis.” Accessed 14 July 2018. ↩ ↩

6. Open Journal of Clinical and Medical Care Reports. Group B Streptococcus and upper respiratory tract infection – report of S. agalactiae associated with bacteraemic tonsillitis.“ 2016. Accessed 16 July 2018. ↩

7. American Osteopathic Association. “Sore Throat? Know When to Call the Doctor.” Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩

8. Medscape. “Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess.” 19 March 2018. Accessed 16 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

9. AMBOSS. “Acute Tonsillitis.” 27 March 2018. Accessed 12 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

10. MSD Manuals Professional Version. “Laryngitis.” June 2017. Accessed 12 July 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

11. Patient. “Sore Throat.” October 19, 2016. Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩ ↩ ↩

12. Healthline. “Pharyngitis prevention.” October 20, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩

13. Patient. “Laryngitis.” Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩

14. Patient. “Tonsillitis.” Accessed August 23, 2017. ↩

15. John Hopkins Medicine. “Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis” Accessed September 8, 2017. ↩

**What is⁣ Pharyngitis?**



**Q: What is pharyngitis?**



**A:** Pharyngitis, also known as sore ⁢throat, is an inflammation of the pharynx, ‌the⁤ part of ⁤the throat⁣ that begins behind the nose and ends at the top of the⁣ windpipe. ‍It can ⁢be ​caused by viruses, ⁤bacteria, or other ‍factors such as allergies or smoking.



**keywords:** pharyngitis, sore throat, pharynx, inflammation, viruses, ‌bacteria, allergies, smoking



**Q: What are the symptoms‍ of pharyngitis?**



**A:** ​Symptoms of pharyngitis can include:



* Sore throat

* Difficulty or ‍pain while Swallowing

* Swollen lymph nodes ⁢in‌ the neck

* Fever

* Headache

* Muscle‌ aches

* Cough



**keywords:**⁢ symptoms, sore throat, difficulty⁣ Swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches,‍ cough



**Q: What are the causes of ⁢pharyngitis?**



**A:** The ‌most common cause of pharyngitis is viral‌ infection, with the rhinovirus being ⁤the most common cause. Bacterial infection, such⁤ as Streptococcus pyogenes⁢ (strep throat), is ⁤another common cause.​ Pharyngitis can also be caused by:



*⁣ Allergies

* Smoking

* Gastroes PPEphageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

* Trauma to the throat

* Infections such as Epstein-Barr virus or human immunogenicity virus (HIV)



**keywords:** causes, viral infection, bacteria, strep​ throat, allergies, smoking, GERD, trauma, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV



**Q: How ‌is pharyngitis diagnosed?**



**A:** Pharyngitis ⁢is diagnosed through a⁤ physical examination‌ of⁢ the throat.‍ The doctor will look for signs of inflammation, swelling, and‍ pus.A throat culture‍ or rapid strep test may‌ be ⁢performed ‍to determine the cause of ⁤the ​infection.



**keywords:** diagnosis, physical⁢ examination, throat culture, rapid strep test



**Q: How is pharyngitis‌ treated?**



**A:** Treatment for pharyngitis⁣ depends‌ on the cause of ⁣the infection.



* **Viral pharyngitis:** There‌ is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. Treatment​ focuses ⁤on relieving symptoms such‌ as pain and⁤ fever.

* **Bacterial pharyngitis:** Bacterial pharyngitis is typically treated with antibiotics.



**keywords:** ​treatment, antibiotics



**Q: How can pharyngitis be prevented?**



**A:**​ There is no sure ⁣way ⁤to prevent pharyngitis, ​but ⁢there are some steps that can help reduce your⁤ risk:



* Wash your ​hands⁤ frequently

* Avoid contact with people who are sick

* Get⁢ enough rest

* Eat a healthy diet

*⁢ Don’t smoke

* Control allergies



**keywords:** prevention, hand washing, avoid contact⁣ with sick people,⁣ rest, ⁢healthy diet, smoking, allergies