What is viral pharyngitis?

Definition

Viral pharyngitis is a sore, inflamed throat caused by infection with a virus.

Causes

The viruses most likely to cause a sore throat are adenovirus,
rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coxsackie virus,
herpes simplex
virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV).

Risk Factors

Risk factors for viral pharyngitis include cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke; living or working in close quarters (such as day care, school, or military); diabetes; lowered immunity caused by excess fatigue, poor eating habits, and poor hygiene; and recent illness. Also, children are at greatest risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of viral pharyngitis include a sore, red, swollen throat; trouble swallowing; decreased appetite; fatigue; and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears.

Screening and Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and will perform a
physical exam. Most viral sore throats are diagnosed based on the symptoms and
examination of the throat. Often, the throat will be swabbed to rule out a strep
infection, which would require treatment with antibiotics.
A viral sore throat is a diagnosis of exclusion; that is, it is made when a sore
throat is present and strep is unlikely. Even in the absence of strep, some types
of sore throats need further tests or treatment.

Treatment and Therapy

There are no treatments to cure a viral sore throat. Most cases of viral pharyngitis heal on their own within about one week. A sore throat, however, may be the initial symptom of an HIV infection.

Treatments to relieve symptoms until the infection heals include
over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin,
however, is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral
infection because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. One should consult a
doctor about medicines that are safe for children.

Other treatments are gargling with warm salt-water and using throat lozenges
every couple of hours; drinking increased amounts of fluids (including hot drinks
and soups); and running a cool-mist humidifier, which can help keep nasal passages
moist and reduce congestion, two factors that can worsen a sore throat.

Prevention and Outcomes

To reduce the chance of getting a viral sore throat, one should practice good
hygiene, including careful handwashing; should avoid sharing food or beverages;
and should avoid areas where people are smoking. One should seek medical care if
the sore throat worsens; if the sore throat is associated with new or serious
symptoms, especially difficult breathing, weakness, or chills; or if the sore
throat does not get better within the time frame predicted by a doctor.

Bibliography

Ferrari, Mario. PDxMD Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders. Philadelphia: PDxMD, 2003.

Kimball, Chad T. Colds, Flu, and Other Common Ailments Sourcebook. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2001.

Pechère, Jean Claude, and Edward L. Kaplan, eds. Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Optimal Management. New York: S. Karger, 2004.

Vincent, Miriam T. “Sore Throat-Strep Throat? When to Worry.” Pediatrics for Parents 21, no. 8 (August 1, 2004): 11-12.