Viral pharyngitis: main symptoms, causes and treatment.
Viral pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx caused by the presence of a virus, so it is very common for pharyngitis to appear with the flu or another infection of the respiratory system. However, viral pharyngitis can also appear in isolation, affecting only the pharynx.
- Viral pharyngitis is a contagious situation that can be easily transmitted from person to person by breathing in small droplets in the air that contain the virus.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces.
- And consumption of food and beverages that may also be contaminated.
The main symptoms associated with viral pharyngitis are discomfort and difficulty swallowing, some other symptoms may vary depending on the virus related to the infection, however, in general, the other symptoms that may appear are:
Pharyngitis is often associated with another health problem and, as a result, inflammation of the pharynge is not even identified, it is only the main problem, which can be flu or mononucleosis.
However, whenever 2 or more of the symptoms of the above appear and others, such as red spots on the skin and painful sores on the neck, so it is very important to go to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment. . Learn more about pharyngitis.
Viral pharyngitis is the most common form of pharyngitis and is usually caused by colds and flu. Therefore, the main viruses related to viral pharyngitis are rhinovirus, coronavirus, paranfluenza and influenza, the latter linked to influenza. In addition, flu may also occur due to adenovirus infection, which is usually related to conjunctivitis.
Viral pharyngitis may also be caused by epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for mononucleosis, and can be transmitted through saliva, known as kissing disease.
Since viral pharyngitis is usually associated with another infection, it is common for only the main infection to be identified. However, since there is no specific treatment for pharyngitis caused by viruses, treating the main infection is usually sufficient to treat pharyngitis.
In any case, to make the diagnosis, the FAMILY doctor or the otolary, should perform a physical examination and evaluate the symptoms presented, in addition tests may also be done to identify if there are bacteria in the throat that may be causing infection If this happens, treatment may need to include the use of an antibiotic.
Symptoms of viral pharyngitis usually last a few days, and the body can spontaneously clear the virus within a week. However, for this it is necessary for the person to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and rest, as in this way the resolution of viral pharyngitis occurs more quickly.
Your family doctor or otolaryngologist may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory and pain reliever medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to reduce the signs and symptoms of a sore throat. . It is important that these medications are used according to the doctor’s recommendations.