The inflammation of the pharynx that is known as sore throat or pharyngitis is a common health disorder. There are several types of pharyngitis, which vary in their causes and symptoms. While most types of pharyngitis are caused due to viral infections, there are a few rare types that are caused due to bacterial infections. The most common types of pharyngitis include acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, bacterial pharyngitis, viral pharyngitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, etc. Among all types of pharyngitis, the strep throat is considered quite dangerous and can cause severe damage to human body.
The acute pharyngitis is a condition where the inflammation of the pharynx is acute. It is usually caused either due to a virus or a bacterium. The term `Acute` indicates about the fact that the problem has not been around for very long, usually less than two or three weeks. Burning and dryness in the throat followed by chills, fever and some hoarseness or laryngitis are the common symptoms of acute pharyngitis. There are two steps for curing acute pharyngitis that include eliminating the agent that is causing the inflammation and taking other steps to improve the health of the lining of the throat (mucosa).
The chronic pharyngitis is a chronic inflammation of the mucous surfaces of the pharynx and adjacent tissues. This is actually an advanced stage of acute pharyngitis and may result from repeated attacks of the acute form. It may also come gradually as a result of continued irritation from smoking or drinking. Sometimes, very hot drinks or highly spicy food cause chronic pharyngitis. The other common causes of chronic pharyngitis include the frequent and injudicious use of the voice as noted in street fakirs, campaign orators, etc. Chronic pharyngitis can be found among those who strain their voice, especially in the open air as well. In chronic pharyngitis, a person experiences a sense of stuffing up in the upper part of the throat. The patient may also have a short, dry, hacking cough that reveals laryngeal complications. The patient`s voice remains more or less husky. This type of pharyngitis can be diagnosed through inspection and history of case.
Strep throat is considered one of the most dangerous types of sore throat or pharyngitis. Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It is the streptococcal bacterial throat infection and its common symptoms include red throat, sore throat, white patches on tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck, fever, etc. The other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. may also be seen among the children affected by strep throat. Strep throat is more commonly found among children compared to the adults. It is considered dangerous as it can cause severe complications like scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the kidneys called glomerulonephritis, etc., if not treated in time. Strep throat is less commonly found among children below 3 years of age and is most common among children in the age group of 5 to 15 years. This type of pharyngitis is more common in late winter and spring and is uncommon in summer. It can be transmitted by oral and nasal secretions.
Apart from the above mentioned types of pharyngitis, there may be some other types that are not commonly found. Generally, acute pharyngitis does not require any kind of treatment and chronic pharyngitis can also be treated without difficulties. However, strep throat requires immediate medical care and timely treatment of this type of pharyngitis can prevent one from further serious complications.
