Pharyngitis is a condition characterized by discomfort, pain, or itching in the throat. This condition makes swallowing painful. Pharyngitis occurs due to swelling or inflammation at the back of the throat.  The most common causes of pharyngitis  are viral infections such as the flu and the common cold.

Certain viruses can cause certain types of sore throats, such as coxsackievirus infection or mononucleosis.

There are also certain groups of bacteria that can cause pharyngitis. Group A streptococcal bacteria can also cause strep throat in some cases. Pharyngitis most often occurs during the colder months and is often spread among family members. Because the condition is usually viral, it does not respond to antibiotic treatment.

Pharyngitis is divided into two types: chronic and acute:

• Acute pharyngitis is common and is usually caused by a viral infection. The viral infection that causes the common cold is usually the same as the one that causes acute pharyngitis. Acute pharyngitis lasts a week or less.
• Chronic pharyngitis causes a persistent sore throat. Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis last longer than those of acute pharyngitis.

What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat. Other symptoms may include:

• Fire
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• skin rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

What are the complications caused by pharyngitis?

• In severe cases, the airway may become obstructed (blocked).
• An abscess may form around the tonsils or at the back of the throat.

If;

• If you experience persistent sore throat, high fever, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck that do not go away within a few days, you should consult a doctor.
• If you experience breathing difficulties, you should seek medical attention immediately.