Pharyngitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Pharyngitis is the medical term for infection or irritation of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx is the tube that carries air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Generally, pharyngitis is caused by viral and bacterial infections.
Children experience this disease more often than adults. Data show that children generally experience at least five pharyngitis a year.
Symptom
The main symptom of pharyngitis is a cough or runny nose. Pharyngitis caused by a viral infection is usually characterized by symptoms of a cough or runny nose that appear suddenly and may be accompanied by fever.
If the infecting virus is an adenovirus, then apart from pharyngitis, infection of the clear lining of the eye (conjunctiva) can also occur, characterized by red, watery eyes, and sometimes itching or discomfort.
Pharyngitis can also be a symptom of coxsackie virus infection. This virus causes hand-held mouth disease, or commonly known as the Singapore flu. Apart from pharyngitis, this disease also causes complaints of canker sores in the oral cavity and water-filled nodules on the skin on the hands and feet.
Meanwhile, in pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus beta-hemolytic group A, cough symptoms usually do not occur. Symptoms that appear more often are runny nose, painful swallowing, and headache. Not infrequently, vomiting or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area also occur.
If group A Streptococcus beta-hemolytic infection causes immune disorders in the kidneys, pharyngitis may be accompanied by symptoms of bloody urination and nausea and vomiting due to kidney function.
If group A Streptococcus beta-hemolytic infection causes immune disorders in the heart valves, pharyngitis can be accompanied by heart failure such as shortness of breath, especially when exercising, an enlarged abdomen, or swelling of both legs.
Reason
Most cases of pharyngitis are caused by viral and bacterial infections. The bacteria that causes it most often is Streptococcus beta-hemolytic group A. Other, less common causes are allergies, toxins, or injury.
In cases of pharyngitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection, these germs try to damage the lining of the throat, causing an inflammatory reaction. Particularly for pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus beta-hemolytic group A, besides causing an inflammatory reaction in the throat, it can also cause immune system disorders which result in the immune system damaging heart valves and/or kidneys.
Viruses or bacteria generally attack the pharynx through airborne transmission if the patient is in close contact with someone who is experiencing pharyngitis.
Diagnosis
During the initial examination, the doctor will conduct a complete interview and a thorough physical examination, especially in the throat area. The doctor will see if there are signs of inflammation in the throat and whether there are enlarged tonsils.
If the doctor suspects that the cause is a virus, then generally no further examination is needed. However, if pharyngitis is suspected to be caused by group A Streptococcus beta-hemolytic bacteria, then an examination of the throat swab under a microscope and culture of the swab is needed to confirm it. Blood tests are usually not necessary.
Treatment
Most cases of pharyngitis are harmless and generally get better on their own. But the most important thing is to get enough rest, eat nutritious food, and drink 1.5–2 liters of water per day. Antibiotics do not need to be given if there is no evidence of bacterial infection.
If through a throat swab examination, it is proven that there is a bacterial infection, the doctor will give beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, for 10-14 days to kill all bacteria.
Prevention
Some pharyngitis prevention measures that can be taken, include:
1. Avoid close contact with people with pharyngitis
2. Use a mask if you have to be in close proximity to someone with pharyngitis
3. Wash your hands with running water and soap before eating and whenever your hands come in contact with your nose