pharyngitis /fer′injī″tis/ [Gk, pharynx + itis] , inflammation or infection of the pharynx, usually causing a sore throat. Some causes of pharyngitis are diphtheria, herpes simplex virus, infectious mononucleosis, and streptococcal infection. Acute pharyngitis is a sudden, severe inflammation of the pharynx. Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent throat inflammation that may be associated with the lymphoid granules in the pharyngeal mucosa. Specific treatment depends on the cause. The appearance of the mouth, nose, and throat and throat culture aid in differential diagnosis of a bacterial or viral cause. Symptoms may be relieved by analgesic medication, drinking of warm or cold liquids, or saline solution irrigation of the throat. See also strep throat.
