Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis (sore throat)

Pharyngitis is swelling of the pharynx. The majority of cases are of viral origin and do not require antibiotics. Group A streptococcus is the cause in about 25% of children and 10% of adults. Other causes include bacteria such as gonorrhea, fungus, irritants such as smoke, allergies, and gastro esophageal reflux disease.  Common symptoms involves cough, throat pain. Other conditions that can produce similar symptoms include epiglottitis, thyroiditis, and retropharyngeal abscess. This has to be treated based on the etiology.