Viral Pharyngitis


What is Viral Pharyngitis?

Viral pharyngitis is the inflammation and irritation of the pharynx. Pharynx is the portion that extends between the tonsils and the larynx. Inflammation of the pharynx due to viral infections can lead to sore throat. Viral pharyngitis can also induce problems in lungs and bowels with time

Symptoms of Viral Pharyngitis

Common symptoms of viral pharyngitis can range from difficulty in swallowing food, mild fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, muscle pain and joint aches.,

Diagnosis

When your medical practitioner asks you to take the culture test or a throat swab test or a strep test, it is likely that your result could come out as negative. Strep test turns to be negative since the viral pharyngitis is not causes by streptococci bacteria.

In spite of negative results in these tests if you continue to have 2 or more of the above symptoms, you are likely to suffer from viral pharyngitis.

Effective and Powerful Remedies for Viral Pharyngitis

There is no definite treatment that is effective against viral pharyngitis. You can try gargling wit salt water. Add Epson salt to warm water and gargle multiple times in a day. This can alleviate the sore throat problem.

Antibiotics may not be effective since this is a viral infection. Drugs like acetaminophen can help in reducing the fever that is contracted during viral pharyngitis. Rarely, the sore throat becomes worse that the lymph nodes are abnormally swollen. Prednisone taken in such circumstances can help reducing the swelling. Try to keep away from too many antibiotics since excessive intake can induce a high resistance to bacteria.

Consulting your medical practitioner and taking medications suggested is important. Never opt for self medication for that might prove to be deleterious with time.

Complications

Complications in case of viral pharyngitis are usually rare. The symptoms are likely to disappear within 7 -10 days time. If they don’t go away within the expected time, it is vital that you call and schedule an appointment with your medical practitioner to get treated on time.

Prention

Personal hygiene is very important for preventing this ailment. Since this is contagious and can spread through the secretions of the infected person, it is vital to wash hands frequently. It is better not to share utensils and other items with infected patients.

Infected patients can also avoid going to public places if your really want to keep away from transmitting this disease.


3 responses to “Viral Pharyngitis”

  1. I’ve always confused this with strep throat. I am thankful that the swab test can detect the difference. My child has had strep 4 times this winter already. Praise the lord for insurance.

  2. I’ve had viral pharyngitis for 2 days now and I have a very important competition tomorrow. I have a slight fever and I wanted to know if I can take acetaminophen and be alright out of the house for a day. Also will I still be contagious?

  3. I’ve had viral pharyngitis for 2 days now and I have a very important competition tomorrow. I have a slight fever and I wanted to know if I can take acetaminophen and be alright out of the house for a day. Also will I still be contagious?

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