What Causes Pharyngitis?
What are the Symptoms?
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny nose
- Chills and fever
- Headache and body ache
- Fatigue.
If the underlying problem is mononucleosis, in addition to the above, symptoms can also include rashes, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes.
In rare cases where pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, symptoms are:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- General malaise
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Red, patchy throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bad taste in the mouth.
Is Pharyngitis Contagious?
People are worried whether pharyngitis can spread from one person to another. The answer is yes – pharyngitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection is contagious and can easily be transmitted from one to another. Sometimes it can also be caused by a toxin or an allergy and in those cases, pharyngitis is not contagious.
Simple measures like the ones below can help prevent the spread of Pharyngitis.
- Avoid sharing drinks, food and eating utensils (if possible) with the patient.
- Avoid kissing.
- Avoid using contaminated items such as towels, clothing and brushes.
- Keep alcohol-based sanitizers handy at all times to prevent the spread of germs.
- Wash your hands many times a day, especially before and after eating. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after eating. To find out more information on how to care for your oral health, visit Evergreen Dental Clinic in Chatswood to receive some advice and guides by just clicking on the link.
Conclusion
Pharyngitis can be treated at home without any antibiotics as it is mostly caused by a viral infection. However, visiting your doctor can ensure that the underlying problem is not a bacterial infection, in which case treatment is important. If you’re suffering from a sore throat for more than a week or have developed rashes, a visit to your doctor for a thorough check-up is a good idea.
Whether pharyngitis is contagious or not, still follow the simple guides mentioned here to avoid this bacterial infection.