I pharangitis the same as strep? Generally, what is the treatment for both? What are the symptoms?
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Pharyngitis refers to an infection or inflammation of the throat (pharynx). The anatomic region called the pharynx is located between the mouth and the "voice box" (larynx) and includes the tonsils and adenoids. Pharyngitis may be infectious (due to bacteria or viruses) or it may be non-infectious (exposure to mucosal irritants, allergy, cigarettes, reflux of acid secretions from the stomach, etc.). The symptoms of pharyngitis may range from severe soreness of the throat combined with fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck (as in bacterial pharyngitis); to mild persistent scratchiness of the throat associated with thick secretions often referred to as "phlegm". The treatment of pharyngitis depends upon the cause - the determination of infection may require a culture of the throat. Bacterial pharyngitis usually requires an antibiotic such as penicillin. Antibiotics are not useful in the treatment of viral pharyngitis. Viral pharyngitis is usually treated only with symptomatic measures such as saline (mild salt water) gargles, saline-baking soda solution gargles, lozenges, aspirin or tylenol. The treatment of non-infectious pharyngitis requires identification of the offending mucosal irritant and elimination, as well as symptomatic measures as described for viral pharyngitis.
"Strep" refers to a specific bacteria (streptococcus) which is a common bacterial cause of pharyngitis or tonsillitis ("strep throat"). Streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis is usually associated with moderate to severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The condition is treated with antibiotics (penicillin, erythromycin, cephalosporins), fluids, and tylenol.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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