Learn About Viral Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is swelling in the throat at and just below the tonsils that causes discomfort, pain, or scratchiness. It is often called a "sore throat".
Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other organs, such as the lungs or bowel.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses.
Symptoms due to or associated with pharyngitis may include:
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Fever
- Joint pain or muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Tender swollen lymph nodes in the neck
There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. You can relieve symptoms by gargling with warm salt water several times a day (use one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in a glass of warm water). Taking acetaminophen, or an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, can control fever. Excessive use of anti-inflammatory lozenges or sprays may make a sore throat worse.
It is important to NOT take antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection. The antibiotics will not help. Using them to treat viral infections helps bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
With some sore throats (such as those caused by infectious mononucleosis), the lymph nodes in the neck may become very swollen. Your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, to treat them.
Albert Tejada is a Family Medicine provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Tejada and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Viral Pharyngitis. His top areas of expertise are Tracheitis, Flu, Ethmoiditis, and Cellulitis.
Banner Hospital Based Physicians Arizona LLC
Gerard Chamberlin is a Pediatrics specialist and an Internal Medicine provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Chamberlin and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Viral Pharyngitis. His top areas of expertise are Opisthotonos, Muscle Spasms, Primary Orthostatic Tremor, Pacemaker Implantation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Chamberlin is currently accepting new patients.
Circle The City
Phillip Pileggi is a Family Medicine provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Pileggi and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Viral Pharyngitis. His top areas of expertise are Common Cold, Tracheitis, Chronic Cough, and Vertigo. Dr. Pileggi is currently accepting new patients.
Symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days.
Complications of viral pharyngitis are extremely uncommon.
Make an appointment with your provider if symptoms last longer than expected, or do not improve with self-care. Always seek medical care if you have a sore throat and have extreme discomfort or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Most sore throats cannot be prevented because the germs that cause them are in our environment. However, always wash your hands after contact with a person who has a sore throat. Also avoid kissing or sharing cups and eating utensils with people who are sick.
Published Date: February 08, 2024
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Flores AR, Caserta MT. Pharyngitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59.
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Tanz RR. Acute pharyngitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 409.