Pharyngitis Pathophysiology

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat. It is most
often referred to simply as sore throat. Pharyngitis can also cause scratchiness in the throat and
difficulty in swallowing. There are numerous viral and bacterial agents that can cause
pharyngitis these viruses and bacteria include the adenovirus, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr
virus, herpes simplex virus and Group A Streptococcus. Viruses are the most common cause of
sore throats. Pharyngitis is most commonly caused by viral infections such as the common cold,
influenza, or mononucleosis. Viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics, and treatment is only
necessary to help relieve symptoms. Less commonly, pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial
infection. Bacterial infections require antibiotics. The most common bacterial infection of the
throat is strep throat, which is caused by group A streptococcus. This can be spread easily in
droplets of coughs and sneezes, as well as from unclean hands that have been exposed to the
contaminated fluids. Once it enters in our body through mouth/nose the pathogen will penetrate
to the tissues in the pharynx which causes the release of chemical mediators of inflammation,
the histamine and prostaglandin. And the body will respond by triggering an inflammatory
response such as fever and pain. Prostaglandins are made at sites of tissue damage or
infection, where they cause inflammation, pain and fever as part of the healing process. If the
inflammation is persistent it become chronic in which it is common in adults who work in dusty
surroundings or habitually use of tobacco and alcohol.