When you have pharyngitis, you may have pain and discomfort in your throat. The sore throat symptoms can last for up to one week. Normally, this happens when viruses cause your pharynx to become inflamed.
Your pharynx is a tube that sits in the back of your throat and connects your tonsils to your voice box. Inflammation in the pharynx makes it swollen, tender and red. It’s also likely to be covered in white or gray patches, and there could be swelling in your nose, ears and throat.
Sore throats usually come on suddenly and are caused by viruses or bacteria. If you have a sore throat that’s been on and off for more than two weeks, you may need medical attention.
Viral infections are the most common causes of pharyngitis. A viral infection, such as the common cold, usually goes away on its own within five to seven days.
Bacterial infections are less common. In bacterial pharyngitis, you can have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat. Antibiotics can help cure bacterial pharyngitis and prevent the spread of the infection to other areas of your body.
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and fever. You can also use a throat lozenge to soothe the sore throat.
If you have a fever or other severe symptoms, such as a rash or swollen glands, contact your doctor. Your doctor may order blood work to find out if you have another infection.
Your doctor may take a look at your throat, including your tonsils and voice box. He or she will also examine your nose and ears to see if the sore throat is caused by other things. A quick test, called a rapid strep test, may be done to look for signs of strep throat.
The doctor will also take a throat swab, which is like a small needle that sucks up a sample of your throat tissue. If the swab shows signs of strep, your doctor will do a culture on the swab to identify the type of bacteria that’s infecting you.
A swab can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your sore throat quickly and effectively. Whether it’s strep throat or another type of infection, your doctor will recommend treatment based on the type of bacteria and how serious your condition is.
Symptoms of a sore throat that last more than a week can indicate chronic pharyngitis. Chronic pharyngitis is often caused by a recurring virus or bacteria, or by stomach acid reflux. People with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can experience a sore throat and heartburn, which can cause other problems.
Other conditions that can lead to sore throat include fungal pharyngitis, which occurs when the immune system is suppressed by cancer therapy or other treatments. Infections or allergies that affect the pharynx, such as hay fever or rhinitis, can also lead to a sore throat.
Symptoms of a sore throat can be a sign of a serious health issue, such as cancer. If you have a sore throat and are experiencing other serious symptoms, such as high fever or trouble breathing, talk with your doctor.
