Commonly known as a sore throat, pharyngitis is a condition of discomfort in the throat. It is usually a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus or sometimes may also occur without an infection or due to a viral infection.

You will get the following symptoms in pharyngitis: redness of the throat; swelling of the throat; irritation and pain in the throat; difficulty in swallowing; dryness in throat; mild cough; scratchy throat; swelling of the neck glands; and loss of appetite.

Pharyngitis can either be infectious or noninfectious. The following are the possible causes: bacterial or a viral infection of the throat; infection in the tonsils; allergies; pollution; smoking; gastroesophageal reflux; and complications of conditions such as rheumatic fever (heart valves are affected).

Many times pharyngitis gets cured without going to the doctor. However, if you have more discomfort, you may see your family doctor. The doctor will examine your throat thoroughly and prescribe medicines. You may take your child to a pediatrician.

Complications of pharyngitis are as follows: inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap that avoids entry of food in the windpipe; ear infection; mastoiditis (swelling and infection behind the ear); sinusitis; acute rheumatic fever; inflammation and infection in the kidneys due to the streptococcus bacteria that caused sore throat; toxic shock syndrome (fever, rash and low blood pressure).