Table of Contents
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.
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.