Pharyngitis

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Throat anatomy

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Pharyngitis

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Viral infections are managed with warm salt water gargles, pain relievers, and fluids. Antibiotics are needed if strep throat is diagnosed.

Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own, without complications.

• The possible complications of strep throat include rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, chorea, bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and, rarely, streptococcal shock syndrome
• In some severe forms of pharyngitis (e.g., severe mononucleosis-pharyngitis) the airway may become blocked.
• Peritonsillar abscess or retropharyngeal abscess are possible.

Notify your provider if you develop a persistent sore throat that does not resolve in several days or if you have high fevers, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or rash. If you have a sore throat and develop difficulty breathing, you must seek medical care immediately.

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