Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Many different viruses can cause pharyngitis.
Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat in some cases. Other, less-common bacteria that cause sore throats include corynebacterium, arcanobacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months. The illness often spreads among family members.
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and look at your throat.
Tests to rule out strep throat may be done. Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment
It is important to avoid antibiotics when a sore throat is due to infection with a virus. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps strengthen bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
Strep throat (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.Pharyngitis- streptococcal; Streptococcal pharyngitis.Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although ...Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/14/2009
Pharyngitis - viral (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Viral pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx(the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx).Viral pharyngitis is the most common cause of a sore throat.Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other org...Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/12/2008
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