Inflammation of pharynx. Can cause chronic sore throat, halitosis, and pharygeal ulcers. See Sore Throat, and Halitosis programs.Encyclopedia Entry for Pharyngitis :Pharyngitis - sore throat. Pharyngitis is caused by swelling in the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx). Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Throat anatomy Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus. Less commonly, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause sore throat. Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months. The illness often spreads among family members and close contacts.The main symptom is a sore throat. Other symptoms may include: Fever Headache Joint pain and muscle aches Skin rashes Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and look at your throat. A rapid test or throat culture to test for strep throat may be done. Other laboratory tests may be done, depending on the suspected cause.Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help viral sore throats. Using these medicines when they are not needed leads to antibiotics not working as well when they are needed. Sore throat is treated with antibiotics if: A strep test or culture is positive. Your provider cannot diagnose strep throat by symptoms or a physical exam alone. A culture for chlamydia or gonorrhea is positive. Sore throat caused by the flu (influenza) may be helped by antiviral medicines. The following tips may help your sore throat feel better: Drink soothing liquids. You can either drink warm liquids, such as lemon tea with honey, or cold liquids, such as ice water. You could also suck on a fruit-flavored ice pop. Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water). Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges. Young children should not be given these products because they can choke on them. Use of a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can moisten the air and soothe a dry and painful throat. Try over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen.Complications may include: Ear infection Sinusitis Abscess near the tonsils.Call your provider if: You develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days You have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash Seek medical care right away if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing.Pharyngitis - bacterial; Sore throat.Throat anatomy Throat anatomy.Flores AR, Caserta MT. Pharyngitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Pharyngitis :Pharyngitis - viral. Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other organs, such as the lungs or bowel. Most sore throats are caused by viruses.Symptoms of pharyngitis may include: Discomfort when swallowing Fever Joint pain or muscle aches Sore throat Tender swollen lymph nodes in the neck.Your health care provider usually diagnoses pharyngitis by examining your throat. A lab test of fluid from your throat will show that bacteria (such as group A streptococcus , or strep) is not the cause of your sore throat.There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. You can relieve symptoms by gargling with warm salt water several times a day (use one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in a glass of warm water). Taking anti-inflammatory medicine, such as acetaminophen, can control fever. Excessive use of anti-inflammatory lozenges or sprays may make a sore throat worse. It is important NOT to take antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. With some sore throats (such as those caused by infectious mononucleosis ), the lymph nodes in the neck may become very swollen. Your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, to treat them.Symptoms usually go away within a week to 10 days.Complications of viral pharyngitis are extremely uncommon.Make an appointment with your provider if symptoms last longer than expected, or do not improve with self-care. Always seek medical care if you have a sore throat and have extreme discomfort or difficulty swallowing or breathing.Most sore throats cannot be prevented because the germs that cause them are in our environment. However, always wash your hands after contact with a person who has a sore throat. Also avoid kissing or sharing cups and eating utensils with people who are sick.Oropharynx Oropharynx.Melio FR. Upper respiratory tract infections.