Throat
Pharyngitis and Throat Infections
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, the area at the back of the throat. It commonly causes soreness, irritation and pain when swallowing. Most acute throat infections improve within about a week, but severe, persistent or recurring symptoms need assessment.
What Causes Throat Infections?
Viruses are the most common cause, including those responsible for colds and flu. Bacteria, particularly group A streptococcus, can also cause throat infections.
Not every sore throat is an infection. Smoke and other irritants can produce similar discomfort. Identifying the likely cause helps avoid unnecessary treatment.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- A sore, dry or scratchy throat.
- Pain when swallowing.
- Redness at the back of the throat.
- Fever and feeling unwell.
- Tender glands in the neck.
- Swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches.
A cough, runny nose or hoarseness often accompanies a viral illness. White patches alone do not establish that an infection is bacterial or that antibiotics are needed.
How Is It Assessed?
Your clinician will ask about symptom duration, fever, swallowing, recent contact with illness and any repeated episodes. Examination includes the throat and neck, with attention to hydration and signs of complications.
When streptococcal infection is suspected, a rapid test or throat culture may be recommended. Testing is not usually necessary when symptoms clearly suggest a viral infection. Additional tests may be appropriate if another illness, such as glandular fever, is suspected.
Treatment and Symptom Relief
Rest, adequate fluids and suitable pain relief can help while the illness settles. Cool or soft foods may make swallowing more comfortable. Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
A pharmacist or clinician can advise on age-appropriate medicines and whether they are suitable for your health conditions. Lozenges and hard sweets are unsuitable for young children because of choking risk.
If pain prevents adequate drinking, seek medical advice rather than relying on home treatment alone.
When Are Antibiotics Needed?
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. They may be prescribed when assessment and, where appropriate, testing indicate a bacterial infection that benefits from treatment.
For confirmed group A streptococcal infection, antibiotics help reduce transmission and the risk of complications. Take prescribed medication exactly as directed; do not use leftover antibiotics or share them with others.
Persistent or Recurring Symptoms
Arrange a review if symptoms have not improved after a week or if sore throats keep returning. Keeping a record of episodes and their effect on everyday life can help assessment.
Surgery is not a routine treatment for pharyngitis. It may be discussed for a separate, clearly identified problem, such as recurrent severe tonsillitis, after specialist evaluation.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, high-pitched breathing or severe symptoms that worsen quickly.
Prompt assessment is also needed for dehydration, marked one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth or a muffled voice. These symptoms may indicate a complication such as an abscess.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Contact the clinic to arrange an assessment for persistent or recurring throat discomfort and discuss appropriate treatment. Severe swallowing or breathing problems require urgent care.
This information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
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