How to Recognize Symptoms of Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore, inflammed or infected throat. The pharynx is located at the back of the neck, and heads toward the nose at one end and the mouth at the other. While anyone is likely to acquire pharyngitis, it is most commonly found in children, especially those who play in large groups and school and at day care centers. Pharyngitis is caused by a viral infection or even a bacterial infection such as streptococcus. This virus or bacteria is spread from person to person. The risk of contracting pharyngitis increase with seasonal allergies, colds and the flu. Others include diabetes and smoking.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for the first sign of pharyngitis, which is a sore throat. The sore throat may be hard, scratchy, loose or aching.

• 2

  Check to see if you have difficulty swallowing food or water. Sometimes, individuals remark that swallowing is painful and feels almost awkward.

• 3

  Take the time to assess how your throat feels. In many cases of pharyngitis, you feel as if your throat "tickles" or feels like there is a lump in the throat.

• 4

  Feel the glands in your neck, just below your jawbone. Are they large and swollen? This means that the body is working hard to fight off the unknown invaders.

• 5

  Look at your throat. It may be a deep red color or it may look like it's covered with a filmy membrane that appears white or gray in color.