Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Symptoms

  • sore throat
  • additional symptoms are dependent on the underlying microorganisms
  • step throat may be accompanied by fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • viral pharyngitis may be associated with runny nose (rhinorrhea) and postnasal discharge
  • severe cases of pharyngitis may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and rarely difficulty breathing

Signs and Tests

  • A physical exam with attention to the pharynx to assess whether drainage/coating (exudates) are present, as well as skin, eyes, neck lymph nodes is frequently done.
  • If there is suspicion for strep throat a streptococcal screen and/or throat swab culture may be performed. Additional throat cultures and/or blood tests may be done depending on the suspected organism (e.g., mononucleosis, gonorrheae, etc).

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pharyngitis

[an error occurred while processing this directive]