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Pharyngitis (sore throat)

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

This factsheet is for people who have pharyngitis, or who would like information about it.

Pharyngitis is inflammation of your throat (pharynx), usually caused by an infection. The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat.

The pharynx
What is pharyngitis?
Types of pharyngitis
Symptoms of pharyngitis
Complications of pharyngitis
Causes of pharyngitis
Diagnosis of pharyngitis
Treatment of pharyngitis
Questions and answers
Related topics
Sources

The pharynx

Your pharynx is commonly known as your throat. It starts at the back of your mouth and nose and connects them to your oesophagus (the pipe that goes from your mouth to your stomach).

Your pharynx is split into three parts - your nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. Your nasopharynx connects the back of your nose to the back of your mouth. Your oropharynx is just behind your mouth and connects your mouth to the top of your throat. Your laryngopharynx (also known as your hypopharynx) is the lower part of your pharynx, which connects it to your oesophagus.

What is pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is inflammation of your throat, usually caused by an infection. The infection can sometimes cause inflammation of your tonsils as well.

Pharyngitis is a common condition, particularly in children and young adults.

Types of pharyngitis

There are two types of pharyngitis - chronic and acute.

Acute pharyngitis is common and is usually caused by a viral infection. It's often caused by the same viral infection that causes the common cold. The symptoms of acute pharyngitis usually last for a week or less.

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat. The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis last for longer than those of acute pharyngitis.

Symptoms of pharyngitis

Symptoms of pharyngitis include:

a sore throat (pain at the back of your mouth)
difficulty and pain when swallowing
earache
enlarged and tender lymph nodes in your neck
a slight fever
enlargement of your tonsils
generally feeling unwell

Complications of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis caused by a bacterial infection can occasionally cause an abscess to develop at the back of your throat (a retropharyngeal abscess) or behind your tonsils (a peritonsillar abscess).

A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus at the back of your throat. This usually only happens in children. If you have a retropharyngeal abscess, your GP will refer you to an ENT surgeon (a surgeon who specialises in conditions of the ear, nose and throat).

A peritonsillar abscess (also known as quinsy) is a collection of pus behind your tonsils. This usually only happens in adults. Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include a sore throat and swelling in your neck, sometimes on only one side. You may be unable to swallow saliva, causing you to dribble. A peritonsillar abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you have a more developed abscess you may need a small operation to drain away the pus. This can be done using a needle or through a small cut. You will be given a local anaesthetic before the procedure to numb the area.

Causes of pharyngitis

Most cases of acute pharyngitis are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, more commonly a viral infection. One cause of bacterial infection is streptococcus. If pharyngitis is caused by this type of bacteria, it's commonly referred to as strep throat. Strep throat occurs most often in children.

Other, less common causes of pharyngitis include:

allergies
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease - a condition where stomach acid leaks up into your oesophagus
scalding your throat by drinking hot fluids
physical irritation, for example if you have had a nasogastric intubation - a medical process involving a plastic tube being inserted into your nose, through your throat and into your stomach

You may be more likely to get chronic pharyngitis if you:

smoke
drink lots of alcoholic spirits
breathe through your mouth
have chronic sinusitis - inflammation of the lining of the sinuses that surround your nose
have chronic periodontal disease - inflammation of the tissues that surround and support your teeth
have been exposed to certain industrial fumes

Diagnosis of pharyngitis

Your GP will look at the inside of your throat. If you have pharyngitis, the lining of your throat will appear red. Your tonsils may also appear red and inflamed. There may be some white discharge or some pus at the back of your throat. Your GP may also feel your neck to see if your lymph nodes are enlarged.

If your GP thinks that a bacterial infection has caused pharyngitis, he or she may take a swab sample from the back of your throat. This will be sent to a laboratory for testing. The results will show whether a bacterial infection has caused pharyngitis, and if so what type of bacteria is responsible.

Treatment of pharyngitis

Self-help

Pharyngitis caused by a virus will usually get better on its own. It can be treated at home with over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and fever. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions. Gargling with salt water or using an anaesthetic throat spray may also help to reduce the pain. Most people feel better within a week.

Medicines

Pharyngitis caused by a bacterial infection is less common. If your pharyngitis has been caused by a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Your GP may use the results of your throat swab sample to decide what type of antibiotic to prescribe you. Strep throat is usually treated with an antibiotic called penicillin.