Pharyngitis PDF Print E-mail
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Your pharynx is the area that is commonly referred to as your throat. Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx. Inflammation is most commonly caused by an infection by a virus, bacteria or fungi. However, inflammation may also be caused substances that have been swallowed or inhaled and have caused irritation.

The most common symptoms of pharyngitis are a sore and red throat. Other symptoms may occur, depending on the cause of the inflammation. During an infection the lymph nodes in your neck generally swell and you may develop a fever. You may also experience headaches and general muscle and joint pain. An infection may in your pharynx may spread to your tonsils and cause tonsillitis.

Most throat infections will heal by themselves after a few days. Gargling with salt water will help speed up the healing process. If you are experiencing symptoms of a throat infection that have not eased after a few days then it is advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner in order to prevent spreading of the infection.