Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynix, which is usually caused by either a viral or bacterial infection (or sometimes both). It can be accompanied by fever and fatigue, as well as other upper respiratory symptoms.

Acute pharyngitis can be quite painful, but usually lasts only a few days. In many cases, Dr. Alexander will do a throat culture to determine if there is also a bacterial infection. If so, antibiotic treatment will be prescribed.

Chronic pharyngitis is less painful than acute pharyngitis and is caused by allergies, nasal obstructions, irritants or pollutants, or sometimes acid reflux. This ongoing form of pharyngitis requires treatment of its underlying cause. This may mean getting allergies under control, eliminating exposure to irritants, or sometimes surgery to clear nasal passages of obstructions.