PHARYNGITIS

inflammation and infection of the pharynx (throat), usually as a result of infections with bacteria or viruses. A streptococcal infection of the throat may be a complication arising from a common cold. Many viral infections closely mimic the symptoms of a streptococcal infection. The symptoms of pharyngitis caused by streptococci are generally redness and swelling of the throat, a pustulant fluid on the tonsils or discharged from the mouth, extreme soreness of the throat that is felt during swallowing, swelling of lymph nodes, and a slight fever; sometimes in children there are abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and irritability. Within approximately three days the fever leaves; the other symptoms may persist for another two to three days. Treatment is with antibiotics. Viral pharyngitis infections also occur. They can produce raised whitish to yellow lesions in the pharynx that are surrounded by reddened tissue. They cause fever, headache, and sore throat that lasts for 4 to 14 days. Lymphatic tissue in the pharynx may also become involved. A number of other infectious diseases may cause pharyngitis, including tuberculosis, syphilis, diphtheria, and meningitis.