Viral Pharyngitis
Viral pharyngitis, commonly referred to as a sore throat, is an inflammation of the throat caused by viral infection. It is often characterized by symptoms such as a red and swollen throat, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. A range of viruses can lead to this condition, including adenovirus, rhinovirus, and others, with children being at a higher risk. Diagnosis generally involves a physical examination and a review of symptoms, often ruling out streptococcal infections which require different treatment.
While there is no cure for viral pharyngitis, most cases resolve on their own within a week. Symptom relief can be achieved through over-the-counter pain medications, warm salt-water gargles, throat lozenges, and staying hydrated. Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding shared food and drinks, and steering clear of smoking environments. It's important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve, particularly if accompanied by severe signs like difficulty breathing or high fever.
Viral Pharyngitis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Pharynx, throat, upper respiratory tract
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Sore throat, viral sore throat
Definition
Viral pharyngitis is a sore, inflamed throat caused by infection with a virus.
Causes
The viruses most likely to cause a sore throat are adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coxsackie virus, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, COVID-19, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Risk Factors
Risk factors for viral pharyngitis include cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke; living or working in close quarters (such as daycare, school, or military); diabetes; lowered immunity caused by excess fatigue, poor eating habits, and poor hygiene; and recent illness. Also, children are at greatest risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of viral pharyngitis include a sore, red, swollen throat, trouble swallowing; decreased appetite, fatigue; and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and will perform a physical exam. Most viral sore throats are diagnosed based on the symptoms and examination of the throat. Often, the throat will be swabbed to rule out a streptococcal infection, which would require treatment with antibiotics. A viral sore throat is a diagnosis of exclusion; that is, it is made when a sore throat is present, and strep throat is unlikely. Even in the absence of strep, some types of sore throats need further tests or treatment.
Treatment and Therapy
There are no treatments to cure a viral sore throat. Most cases of viral pharyngitis heal on their own within about one week. A sore throat, however, may be the initial symptom of an HIV infection.
Treatments to relieve symptoms until the infection heals include over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin, however, is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. One should consult a doctor about medicines that are safe for children.
Other treatments are gargling with warm salt-water and using throat lozenges every couple of hours; drinking increased amounts of fluids (including hot drinks and soups); and running a cool-mist humidifier, which can help keep nasal passages moist and reduce congestion, two factors that can worsen a sore throat.
Prevention and Outcomes
To reduce the chance of getting a viral sore throat, one should practice good hygiene, including careful handwashing; should avoid sharing food or beverages; and should avoid areas where people are smoking. One should seek medical care if the sore throat worsens; if the sore throat is associated with new or serious symptoms, especially difficult breathing, weakness, or chills, or if the sore throat does not get better within the time frame predicted by a doctor.
Bibliography
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Kimball, Chad T. Colds, Flu, and Other Common Ailments Sourcebook. Omnigraphics, 2001.
Pechère, Jean Claude, and Edward L. Kaplan, editors. Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Optimal Management. S. Karger, 2004.
"Sore Throat." Mayo Clinic, 10 June 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Vincent, Miriam T. "Sore Throat-Strep Throat? When to Worry." Pediatrics for Parents, vol. 21, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2004, pp. 11-12.
Vorvick, Linda J. "Pharyngitis - Viral." MedlinePlus, 10 Jan. 2016, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001392.htm. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.