Pharyngitis

Overview

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat (the pharynx), usually causing sore throat and fever. Other symptoms may include runny nose, cough, headache, hoarseness, vomiting, and abdominal pain (especially in children), sometimes with patchy exudate, swollen tender lymph nodes, and a red swollen uvula. It usually lasts 3 to 5 days, and most cases are caused by viral infection.

Symptoms

• Sore throat
• Dry throat
• Foreign body sensation in throat
• Cough
• Hoarseness

Treatment

Management focuses on symptomatic treatment, drinking plenty of water and avoiding irritants, with lozenges or gargles for relief and medication under medical guidance for bacterial infection.

Dietary advice

Drink plenty of warm water, eat a light, easily digestible diet, and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy foods.