Pharyngitis
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Pharyngitis (fair-in-JI-tis) is an infection (in-FECK-shun) of the pharynx (FAIR-inks) that is commonly called "sore throat". The pharynx is the area between the tonsils and the larynx (LAIR-inks). The larynx is also called the voice box. This whole area is called the throat. Pharyngitis may be the first sign that you have an illness like a cold or the flu.
Causes: Pharyngitis is caused by either a bacteria (bak-TEER-e-uh), a virus, or a fungus. It is spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, touching, or sharing food and drinks. It is easily spread in schools, daycare centers, work, and at home. You may be at higher risk of getting pharyngitis if you smoke, are very tired (run down), or have been in cold, wet weather.
Signs and Symptoms: The following are signs and symptoms that you may have when you have pharyngitis:
- Your throat feels raw and looks red or swollen.
- You have a fever.
- You feel like you have a lump in your throat.
- Areas on one or both sides of your neck may feel tender and look swollen.
- You have breathing, swallowing, or talking problems because your throat is sore.
- You have an earache, or you feel achy and tired.
- You have whitish-yellow patches or blisters in the back of your throat.
Care: Your caregiver will look at your throat. Your caregiver may rub a cotton swab against the back of your throat. This is called a throat culture. A throat culture may help your caregiver learn which germ is causing the sore throat. You may also need to have blood drawn to check for germs in your blood.
- If streptococcus (strep-toe-KAH-kus) bacteria is causing your sore throat, you have "strep throat". You will need antibiotic (an-tih-bi-AH-tik) medicine to treat the strep throat. If you have strep throat, other family members may need to have a throat culture too. You should feel better in about 24 hours if you are taking antibiotics for strep throat.
- No special treatment is needed if your sore throat is caused by a virus. Antibiotic medicine does not help a viral sore throat. If your sore throat is caused by a virus, you should feel better in about 5 days. If your sore throat is caused by a fungus, you will need medicine to kill the fungus.
- To help ease the pain in your throat, you should rest. Do not smoke while your throat hurts. Gargle with warm salt water or tea. Drink plenty of liquids to help your throat feel better.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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