Pharyngitis: everything you need to know about sore throats

We often hear about pharyngitis, but actually what is it?

The term pharyngitis refers to the common sore throat; it is usually caused by viruses such as cold or flu, but it can also have a bacterial origin.

Pharyngitis manifests itself with sensations of pain, discomfort or itching in the throat, often causing discomfort when swallowing. Pharyngitis is thus like a 'burning' in the throat caused by an inflammation of its inner part.

Do you know what causes pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis can occur due to several causes, including:

• Viral infections: among the most common causes of sore throat are viruses, particularly those associated with chickenpox, influenza, mononucleosis and colds.
• Bacterial infections: mainly from group A beta haemolytic streptococcus.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux: inflammation of the oesophagus, larynx and pharynx can be caused by rising stomach acid from the stomach.
• Diseases of the nose and sinuses: rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nasal respiratory obstruction.

Or irritations caused by:

• Allergic reactions: allergies to pollen, mould, dust and animal hair can cause irritation of the pharynx.
• Pollution.
• Environments with a dry climate or the presence of dusts or vapours.
• Abuse of smoking and alcohol.

What symptoms might accompany pharyngitis?

Local pain in the pharynx is the main symptom of pharyngitis, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing (odynophagia) and hoarseness. Other symptoms include:

• Pain and itching in the back of the throat.
• Reddened and enlarged tonsils and possible presence of plaques.
• Weak or completely missing voice.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
• High fever.

In chronic pharyngitis, symptoms may be milder and occasional. Usually, one notices persistent hoarseness over time, while during the worsening stages one may feel a tightness in the back of the throat, often accompanied by coughing and the presence of phlegm.

How can pharyngitis be prevented?

To prevent pharyngitis, it is useful to follow some simple hygiene rules:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or, alternatively, with alcohol-based disinfectant wipes.
• Humidify rooms.
• Avoid exposure to irritating substances.
• Avoid direct contact with people with viral or bacterial diseases.
• Avoid smoking.
• Follow a proper diet.

How long can pharyngitis last?

Pharyngitis usually presents itself as a short-term problem, lasting from a few days to a week at most. However, if not treated properly, it can develop into a chronic form that can persist for months.

What are the treatments and remedies for pharyngitis?

Viral pharyngitis occurs suddenly and rapidly (acute) and usually heals within a short time, usually within a week.

To alleviate the discomfort (symptoms) you can:

• Sprays and throat gels based on natural ingredients: in case of irritation and burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, dryness of the oropharyngeal cavity caused by external irritants or environmental factors.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid very hot drinks.
• Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol intake.

If the infection and pain become prolonged over time, it may not be of viral origin and therefore it is strongly advised to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and plan appropriate treatment.