Overview
Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx, which is the back of the throat, causing sore throat, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. It is one of the most common causes of throat pain, affecting people of all ages. While most cases are viral and self-limiting, bacterial pharyngitis, particularly group A Streptococcus infection, requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
In Korea, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinics and hospitals provide accurate diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care for pharyngitis, ensuring rapid relief, infection control, and overall throat health.
➤ Inflammation of the back of the throat
➤ Sore throat, pain on swallowing, possible fever
➤ Early diagnosis distinguishes viral from bacterial causes
Key Facts
➤ Pharyngitis accounts for up to 30% of outpatient visits for sore throat in children and up to 10% in adults.
➤ Most cases are viral, caused by adenoviruses, influenza, or common cold viruses.
➤ Bacterial pharyngitis, often caused by group A Streptococcus, can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever if untreated.
➤ Korean medical centers use throat swabs, rapid antigen tests, and PCR testing for accurate diagnosis.
➤ Early treatment prevents spread of infection and long-term complications.
What is Pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the pharynx. The inflammation can be:
➤ Acute Pharyngitis:
➤ Lasts less than two weeks.
➤ Usually caused by viral infections.
➤ Symptoms include sore throat, mild fever, and runny nose.
➤ Chronic Pharyngitis:
➤ Persists for more than three months.
➤ Often caused by environmental irritants, allergies, smoking, or chronic infections.
➤ Symptoms include throat discomfort, mild pain, and persistent cough.
What Symptoms Are Related To
Pharyngitis can present with a variety of throat-related and systemic symptoms:
➤ Sore throat and pain on swallowing (odynophagia)
➤ Redness and swelling at the back of the throat
➤ White or yellow patches on tonsils in bacterial cases
➤ Fever, chills, or fatigue
➤ Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
➤ Hoarseness or change in voice
➤ Cough, runny nose, or nasal congestion in viral infections
Recognizing the pattern of symptoms helps differentiate viral from bacterial pharyngitis.
What Causes / Possible Causes
Pharyngitis can result from infectious, environmental, or systemic factors:
➤ Viral Causes (most common)
➤ Rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and coronavirus.
➤ Often associated with cold or flu symptoms.
➤ Bacterial Causes
➤ Group A Streptococcus (Strep throat)
➤ Less common: Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, or Corynebacterium species.
➤ Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
➤ Dry air, pollution, or smoke exposure.
➤ Allergens or chronic irritation from acid reflux.
➤ Excessive voice strain.
➤ Other Causes
➤ Fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
➤ Rare systemic infections or autoimmune conditions.
When Should I See My Doctor
Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
➤ Severe or persistent sore throat lasting more than a week
➤ Difficulty breathing or swallowing
➤ High fever or chills
➤ White or yellow patches on tonsils indicating bacterial infection
➤ Swelling in the neck or signs of peritonsillar abscess
➤ Recurrent or chronic throat infections
Prompt medical assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Care and Treatment
Management depends on the cause, severity, and patient age:
➤ General Care and Home Remedies
➤ Hydration and warm fluids to soothe the throat
➤ Saltwater gargles for relief of inflammation
➤ Rest and avoidance of irritants like smoke or strong perfumes
➤ Humidifiers in dry environments
➤ Medical Treatment
➤ Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections (e.g., penicillin or amoxicillin)
➤ Analgesics and antipyretics for pain and fever
➤ Throat lozenges or sprays for symptomatic relief
➤ Preventive Measures
➤ Good hand hygiene to prevent viral spread
➤ Avoid sharing eating utensils or drinking vessels
➤ Maintain clean indoor air and proper hydration
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea offers advanced ENT and infectious disease care for pharyngitis:
➤ Top Hospitals and Clinics
➤ Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH): Accurate diagnosis using throat swabs, PCR, and bacterial cultures
➤ Asan Medical Center: Rapid evaluation and targeted treatment for bacterial pharyngitis
➤ Samsung Medical Center: Specialized ENT care for chronic or recurrent pharyngitis
➤ Yonsei Severance Hospital: Multidisciplinary approach including pediatric and adult ENT care
➤ Diagnostic Tools
➤ Throat culture and rapid antigen testing for Streptococcus
➤ PCR for viral pathogens
➤ Blood tests for infection markers if systemic symptoms present
➤ Modern Interventions
➤ Prescription antibiotics for bacterial cases
➤ Topical anti-inflammatory sprays and analgesics
➤ Patient education for prevention, hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments
