Pharyngitis

Acute or chronic inflammation of the pharynx, causing a sore throat. Causes of pharyngitis include viral and bacterial infections. Swallowing substances that scald, corrode, or scratch the lining of the throat, and smoking, may also cause pharyngitis. As well as a sore throat, there may be discomfort when swallowing, slight fever, earache, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Gargling with warm salt water and taking analgesic drugs is usually the only treatment needed. If the sore throat is severe or prolonged a doctor may take a throat swab and prescribe antibiotic drugs.