Pharyngitis Symptoms
Acute Pharyngitis is an inflammatory disease of the throat (pharynx) that are acute (sudden and quickly become heavy). This is also called Strep Throat. The inflammation attacks the mucous lining (mucous membranes) and sub mucosal of the pharynx.
When inflammation was already lasted a long time is called chronic pharyngitis, and usually not accompanied by severe symptoms.
This inflammation can be caused by viruses or bacteria, bacteria that often cause pharyngitis usually is Group A Streptococcus. However, other bacteria such as N. gonorrhoeae, C. diphtheria, H. Influenza also can cause pharyngitis.
If caused by a viral infection usually by Rhinovirus, Aadenovirus, Para influenza virus and Coxsackie virus.
Pharyngitis may also arise from irritation of dry air, smoke, allergies, trauma to the throat (e.g. due to intubation), gastric acid reflux disease, fungus, swallowing poison, and tumors.
Transmission can occur through the air (air borne disease) or touch.
Droplets entering through the airways or mouth and then enter the pharyngeal lining. Pharyngeal react to the process of infection, and occurs inflammation.
Symptoms and signs that often appear in pharyngitis are:
1. Sore throat and painful swallowing.
2. Enlarged tonsils.
3. Experiencing severe or mild inflammation on mucosa lining of the pharynx and covered by a whitish membrane or release the pus.
4. High fever.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
If the bacteria or virus reaches the systemic will appear symptoms:
1. Lethargic and weak, pain in muscle joints, no appetite and pain in the ear.
2. White blood cells will increase.
Diagnosis can take based on symptoms and physical examination.
On physical examination there is redness and inflammation of the back wall of the mouth mucosa, mucosal swelling, also there are membrane, freckles, and pus in the mucosa.
By using a specific assessment of symptoms and signs, can predict the cause of pharyngitis is viral or bacterial.
To reduce the sore throat can be administered analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen, inhaler or gargling with warm salt solution.
Aspirin should not be given to children and adolescents under the age of 18 years because it can cause Reye’s syndrome.
To avoid further irritation of the pharyngeal tract, the patient can be recommended to reduce oily food and heat, are also advised to rest as much as possible so that your metabolism is more devoted to improving stamina.
If the fever does not go down with the administration of drugs can be helped by using the compress with ice cubes and enough fluid intake (water), avoid drinks that are too cold and fizzy.
Avoid cigarette smoke, dust, and other pollutants. Honey can help accelerate healing.
If caused by a virus then the treatment is symptomatic (only treat the symptoms), antibiotics aren’t given. Could be assisted with immuno modulatory drugs.
If the suspected cause is bacterial, antibiotics are given. It is important for patients to take antibiotics as recommended by doctor, to avoid resistance to the bacteria that cause pharyngitis.