
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx).
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx).
Causes
• Many germs can cause pharyngitis. • Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Many different viruses can cause pharyngitis.
• Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat in some cases. Other, less-common bacteria that cause sore throats include corynebacterium, arcanobacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
• Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months. The illness often spreads among family members.
Symptoms
• The main symptom is a sore throat. Other symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Skin rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.