What is the difference between pharyngitis and sore throat? How to distinguish the symptoms of sore throat and pharyngitis? What is a sore throat

The throat hurts in different ways. Sometimes slightly and only in the morning before the first sip of hot coffee, or so much that it is impossible to open your mouth. Or vice versa, before breakfast there are no unpleasant sensations, but with the very first bite of food it begins to hurt, so much so that eating is not a joy. It happens that it hurts slightly, but then it’s constantly itchy, or hoarseness suddenly appears, lasts a long time and suddenly goes away on its own. And then you completely lose your voice...

No, we are not going to the doctor. For what? We already know that this is chronic pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis - or something like that. But what difference does it make if you sit under the air conditioning, take a sip of cold food, wet your feet or swim in the cool sea-ocean and throat problems immediately begin. It’s okay, let’s drink something hot, suck on a lemon or a dissolving tablet, or at the very least, rinse with something before going to bed. In general, such a plan of action is acceptable, unless, of course, the temperature rises.

Sore throat, pharyngitis or laryngitis?

The place that we perceive as a single whole and call the “throat” is actually a complex organ made up of several parts. The border passes at the root of the tongue. On either side of it are the pharyngeal tonsils or tonsils. When they become inflamed, it begins sore throat or tonsillitis, and it becomes difficult to swallow. Behind the tonsils is the pharynx, also known as the pharynx, which resembles a cone. Its narrow end “looks” into our mouth, and its wide end “looks” into the back of our heads. And if the pharynx becomes inflamed, then a diagnosis is made pharyngitis.

The pharynx has three parts: first there is the nasopharynx, which closes the nose from food. The middle part - the windpipe allows air into the trachea. And all the problems that arise in it are called tracheitis. And at the very bottom of the pharynx, the swallowing throat begins, which passes into the esophagus. The throat is lined with a mucous membrane; if microbes have proliferated on it, then we are talking about laryngitis.

General rule

All sections of the throat are located in a very small area, and therefore germs and viruses that enter the mouth easily and quickly move from one compartment to another. And it’s difficult for us to understand exactly where it hurts, itches, tickles or itches. Only the doctor sees the battlefield, finds the epicenter and, depending on where it is located, makes a diagnosis.

Normally, a person’s throat always contains a certain number of pathogenic microbes, also staphylococcus, and viruses, but they behave quietly. True, only until special conditions arise. You and I are usually the culprits of change when we drink or eat something very cold, hot or spicy, breathe through our mouths and not through our noses, become hypothermic, smoke, wash our hands poorly, do not treat caries, etc.

From changes in temperature, hot spices or tobacco smoke, microscopic blood vessels in the mucous membrane of one or several parts of the throat burst, pathogenic microbes enter the hole, and we get sick. During an influenza epidemic, the same result is achieved by the invasion of the virus.

Air conditioning - friend or foe

Sore throat or tracheitis due to air conditioning or climate control is an exclusively summer story. We are so accustomed to devices that change the temperature in the office or inside a car that we no longer notice them. When used wisely, the mechanisms make life much easier in the heat and clean the air. But if it’s +35°C outside (or, on the contrary, -15°C), and indoors it’s a comfortable +20, then when moving, even for a couple of seconds from one place to another, a sharp temperature difference occurs.

There is another side effect of the air conditioner: it dries out the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and they crack. It’s easy to avoid the unpleasant consequences of encountering the fruits of progress; all you have to do is learn how to use them correctly. Get into the habit of turning on the air conditioner only when you are not in the room, and if this is not possible, adjust the dampers so that cooled air blows along the ceiling. And watch the temperature difference; a gap of more than 5–7 degrees is dangerous.

Acute form

The tonsils are an outpost for pathogenic bacteria and viruses entering the body with air flow. If they are not removed in childhood and cope with their duties, then the “pests” do not penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract - bronchi and lungs. But, having stopped at the first border, the “enemies” do not deny themselves anything, provoking a sore throat or tonsillitis in full. When the wall of the pharynx behind the tonsils has already turned red, they say about tonsillopharyngitis.

The disease manifests itself rapidly: high fever, weakness, sore throat, and sometimes hoarseness. We don't want to eat or drink because it's impossible to swallow anything. Sometimes the pain is so strong that it even radiates to the sides of the neck, which means inflammation of the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes, which become dense and painful. Gives several sore throats per season chronic tonsillitis, in which the structure of the tonsils is disrupted: areas of softer tissue with impaired blood circulation appear in them.

What to do?

When examining the throat, which is well acquainted with diseases, the doctor notices enlarged, swollen tonsils, permanently “reddened” due to dilated blood vessels. Acute ailments will have to be treated with pills, and sluggish ailments will have to be treated with preventive procedures. If a small bacterial infection occurs, the doctor sees purulent plaque or plugs.

In case of chronic problems with the throat, you should spare it, for example, stick to a diet: prepare pureed soups, thin porridge, avoid too spicy and salty foods, drink tea with lemon, jelly, non-acidic juices and fruit drinks more often.

Get used to gargling with decoctions of chamomile, eucalyptus, sage, St. John's wort or irrigating with sea water spray. Master the yoga lion pose or its simplified analogue: simply extend your tongue as low as possible to your chin. At the same time, the muscles of the larynx tighten, and blood circulation in its mucosa improves. And, of course, you need to quit smoking.

With the onset of the autumn-winter period, people begin to suffer en masse from inflammation of the ENT organs. We used to call any inflammation of the nasopharynx a cold. Meanwhile, there are many diseases of the throat and nose. Many of them are so similar in symptoms that only a specialist can distinguish them.
Why is it so important to see a doctor when the first signs of a cold appear? The fact is that the treatment of the disease is selected depending on the causes, which are impossible to determine without special knowledge. And if you do not treat correctly and on time, for example, a sore throat (acute tonsillitis), then this can result in serious complications that will have to be treated for the rest of your life. With tonsillitis, the palatine tonsils are predominantly affected. If the inflammation has spread beyond the tonsils, pharyngitis occurs. What are the differences between a sore throat and pharyngitis, besides the localization of the inflammatory process?

Distinctive signs of sore throat

In acute tonsillitis, the main focus of inflammation is localized in the palatine tonsils. If a secondary infection occurs, the pathological process extends beyond the lymphoid glands. Sore throat is the most common disease of the nasopharynx for two reasons. Firstly, the disease has a high index of contagiousness and can be very easily contracted from an infected person or through contaminated household items. Secondly, the tonsils are the first to take the blow when attacked by pathogenic microflora in the nasopharynx.
The acute course of the disease is a sore throat or acute tonsillitis, the chronic course is chronic tonsillitis. According to localization, the process is unilateral with damage to one tonsil and bilateral with damage to two glands. There are 5 main forms of pathology:

1. Catarrhal.
2. Lacunarnaya.
3. Fibrous (peritonsillitis, intratonsillar abscess).
4. Phlegmonous.
5. Herpetic.

The most severe form is phlegmonous, it is characterized by the development of an abscess in the tonsils, a high risk of an abscess breaking into the tissue or into the oral cavity. Urgent surgical care is required.
In addition, there are rare atypical forms of acute tonsillitis: ulcerative-membranous (ulcerative-necrotic, necrotic) form, syphilitic, laryngeal (submucosal laryngitis), fungal, monocytic (infectious mononucleosis), agranulocytic (manifestation of agranulocytosis).

The tonsils are the most vulnerable organ in the nasopharynx to colds

Causes

The causative agents of the disease are in most cases streptococci. In other cases - staphylococci, pneumococci, fungi of the genus Candida, Escherichia coli and fusiform coli, spirochete, viruses of various groups, including the Kosaki virus, which is activated in the summer and causes herpetic sore throat. In order for inflammation to develop, certain factors are needed: hypothermia of the body, exposure to allergic irritants on the pharynx, burns or trauma to the pharynx, poor personal hygiene, smoking, the presence of a permanent source of inflammation in the nasopharynx (chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, caries, periodontitis).

Symptoms

Treatment

Bacterial tonsillitis is treated with antibiotics, unlike viral tonsillitis, in which antibiotic therapy is not prescribed. Symptomatic therapy is used, gargling, inhalations, and physiotherapeutic procedures are required.
A sore throat that is not treated on time has a very high risk of developing serious complications, the most common of which is rheumatism.
If timely medical care is not provided, some consequences can be fatal. These are sepsis (blood poisoning), meningitis, brain abscess, laryngeal edema, myocarditis. In principle, after acute tonsillitis, any organs and systems of the body can be affected. The complications themselves are much more dangerous than a sore throat.
Conditions such as glomerulonephritis, pericarditis, endocarditis, rheumatism and others lead to permanent disability.

Distinctive signs of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the lymphoid tissue and mucous membrane of the pharynx, which is located between the esophagus and the oral cavity.

Classification and reasons

According to the process, pharyngitis occurs:

• spicy;
• chronic, develops as a complication of acute.

The causative agents of the disease are the same as those of sore throat: a group of various bacteria and viruses. The only difference in terms of etiology is the prevalence of viral pharyngitis is higher than bacterial pharyngitis. In acute tonsillitis, on the contrary, the bacterial form is more common than the viral form. To activate pathogenic microflora, the same factors are needed as for angina: hypothermia, irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa by allergens.

Symptoms

• intoxication: fever, body aches, weakness;
• pain and sore throat;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• coughing.

Treatment

Treatment of pharyngitis and sore throat is similar: a gentle diet, plenty of fluids, antiseptics under the tongue, symptomatic therapy, inhalations, sprays, gargling. In the case of a bacterial nature of the disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.

Complications

The consequences of pharyngitis if untimely treatment can be peritonsillar abscess, tracheitis, laryngitis, rheumatism.

Differences between sore throat and pharyngitis

The main difference between the two diseases is in local manifestations. Pharyngitis does not cause severe sore throat, like acute tonsillitis. Very severe pain when swallowing, significant enlargement of the tonsils, plaque and plugs in the tonsils - the main feature of tonsillitis, which distinguishes it from other infectious diseases of the ENT organs.

Pharyngitis is characterized by moderate tolerable pain in the throat, worsening after sleep, which can be relieved by warm drinks.

The same cannot be said about sore throat, in which drinking only increases the pain.
Infectious diseases of the nasopharynx require differential diagnosis, which cannot be done independently at home. Correct treatment depends on the correct diagnosis, which will eliminate the development of dangerous complications of sore throat and pharyngitis.

Every person has experienced a sore throat at least once in their life. The reasons for it may be different. The most common and dangerous include and - two infectious diseases with similar initial symptoms.

Despite similar symptoms, these are completely different diseases that require a specific approach to treatment. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment can cause worsening of the disease and complications. Therefore, it is very important to know the difference between sore throat and pharyngitis, and the principles of their treatment.

To find out how to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis, you need to understand what the first disease is.

A condition known as tonsillitis or is an inflammatory process of the larynx, characterized by damage to the tonsils. It is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

External unfavorable factors often act as a catalyst for the disease. Thus, due to hypothermia or sudden changes in temperature, microbes living on the mucous membranes of the tonsils can be activated (they were in the throat before, but did not manifest themselves in any way and did not cause harm to health).

Various substances that systematically affect the throat can also provoke an exacerbation:

• dust particles;
• alcohol, etc.

Adenoids and other pathologies of the nasopharynx, which force one to breathe through the mouth rather than the nose, increase the risk of disease.

The most common symptoms of sore throat are:

• febrile state with a strong increase in temperature;
• aggravated by eating and swallowing;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• change in color of the palatine tonsils, arches and uvula - one of the first signs of tonsillitis is their sharp redness;
• appearance on the tonsils.

Important. At the same time, the sick person feels “ache” in the joints, experiences constant fatigue and a general loss of strength.

How to distinguish these two diseases

Many people wonder whether pharyngitis is a sore throat or not. We repeat, these are two different diseases. Knowing the symptoms and causes, it will be much easier to identify the disease.

The first difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis is in the types of pathogens. Thus, the first is mainly caused by pathogenic bacteria from the groups of streptococci and staphylococci.

The second, on the contrary, almost always has a viral origin. Its causative agents can be influenza virus, rhinovirus, herpes, etc.

However, we must not forget about exceptions. Sore throat can also be triggered by viruses. And sometimes there is bacterial pharyngitis. In addition, severe allergic reactions and previous injuries can provoke the latter.

How the disease develops

When you have pharyngitis, inflammatory processes appear in the back of the pharynx. In this case, the tonsils are affected very rarely.

Important! With prolonged sore throat, the inflammatory process can also affect the back wall of the pharynx. Thus, two diseases are combined into one. Experts call this condition pharyngotonsillitis.

Start

The first signs of a sore throat occur against the background of a general weakening of the immune system, hypothermia and stressful situations.

Pharyngitis is included in the group of acute respiratory viral infections. Infection with the latter occurs mainly through airborne droplets.

Symptoms

With pharyngitis, the throat does not hurt as much as with a sore throat. Instead of acute pain, there is dryness, soreness and a feeling of a stuck piece in the throat.

Intoxication with pharyngitis is also less pronounced, so the patient feels quite well. In this case, the temperature can rise to 38°C.

It is also distinguished from a sore throat by the fact that it is accompanied by a dry, unproductive cough and runny nose. With pharyngitis, the mucous membrane swells and the follicles become inflamed.

Pharyngitis can be confirmed by the patient’s reaction to a warm drink. With a sore throat, any liquid increases the pain in the throat. With pharyngitis, pain and soreness after a warm drink, on the contrary, weaken.

Possible complications

Streptococcus, which causes a sore throat, can affect the kidneys, heart muscle, and joints.

Pharyngitis “expands” the zone of action to nearby organs and systems (larynx, trachea, respiratory tract).

Therapy

Due to differences in causes and clinical manifestations, treatment methods for sore throat and pharyngitis also have significant differences.

In most cases, you can relieve inflammation with pharyngitis using simple folk remedies, gargling, and drinking plenty of fluids.

If concomitant diseases occur, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators and antibiotics.

As for sore throat, antibiotics are required when treating it! In addition, complex therapy includes anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs.

Their intake is supplemented by bed rest and treatment of the throat with antiseptic agents.

Considering all these factors, it becomes clear how important it is to know and distinguish between the symptoms of these diseases.

Conclusion

Even having “found out” the diagnosis on your own, you should not self-medicate. It is definitely worth remembering that there are a number of other diseases that may have similar symptoms, at least at the initial stage.

We must not forget that any disease without appropriate treatment can lead to the most dire consequences. Therefore, only a doctor can help determine the disease.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis have similar symptoms at first glance. And yet, these two diseases have different origins. The location of the inflammatory process will also be different. Upon closer examination, you can find differences in symptoms. To get rid of the disease, you need to know how to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis.

Sore throat, or otherwise acute tonsillitis, is a disease of an infectious nature. The causative agent of the inflammatory process in most cases is streptococcal bacteria. Tonsils are a habitat and breeding ground for bacteria. From here, bacteria spread through the blood vessels throughout the body and can affect the cardiac system, kidneys, and joint tissue.
Causes of sore throat

Additional sources of the disease are:

• adenoids;
• caries;
• insufficient oral hygiene.

Sore throat is considered a contagious disease. A person suffering from this disease poses a danger to others.

Causes of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis affects the mucous membranes of the pharynx. The main cause of the disease is parainfluenza infection, rhinovirus, herpetic virus. In some cases, the disease develops under the influence of:

• pathogenic microorganisms: streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus;
• fungal infection.

Prolonged inflammation in the throat can cause chronic pharyngitis. The chronic form of pharyngitis is not contagious. But the acute form, provoked by bacteria and viruses, can be transmitted from one person to another by airborne droplets.

Pharyngitis, unlike tonsillitis, is characterized by damage to the entire mucous membrane of the throat. Sore throat affects only the tonsils. This is one of the main differences between the diseases.

The characteristic causes of these two diseases are different. But there are also common provoking factors by which the disease can be recognized. Both diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of a sore throat

Acute tonsillitis is characterized by high body temperature. Temperatures can reach 39 degrees. This is how the body reacts to the action of infectious agents. An elevated temperature causes the body to shiver. The entire body is exposed to general intoxication. The person is concerned about:

• headache;
• weakness;
• pain in the lymph nodes;
• increased fatigue;
• aching joints.

Sore throat is accompanied by a sore throat, which becomes more acute when swallowing. Lymph nodes become enlarged, hard and painful. The stronger the disease, the more the lymph nodes suffer.

How does pharyngitis manifest?

The temperature with pharyngitis will not be very high, as happens in cases of tonsillitis. It will fluctuate between 37.5–38 degrees. This is an important factor that distinguishes one disease from another.

Interesting video: Dr. Phil will briefly explain what pharyngitis is and what to do about it:

Sore throat and pharyngitis are accompanied by a sore throat. Pharyngitis is characterized by a dry throat.

Acute pharyngitis has more severe symptoms. A burning sensation and sore throat appears. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the disease will begin to spread to nearby tissues. The mucous membranes of the nose, trachea, and larynx will be affected. As a result, accompanying symptoms will appear:

• runny nose;
• cough;
• congestion in the ears.

When examining the throat, you will notice that the walls of the pharynx have turned red and the mucous tissues have become loose.

Chronic pharyngitis has less pronounced symptoms. A characteristic sign of the disease will be the sensation of a foreign body, a “lump” in the throat.

Sore throat and pharyngitis have common symptoms. Both diseases manifest themselves as pain in the throat. But with a sore throat, the pain worsens in the afternoon. And acute pharyngitis makes itself felt in the morning.

If the disease affects both the tonsils and the walls of the pharynx, in this case pharyngotonsillitis is diagnosed.

Complications

Sore throat poses a danger to the entire body. Lack of treatment or incorrect therapy can lead to serious consequences.

Acute tonsillitis most often affects the heart and leads to rheumatic damage to the cardiac system. Children aged 5 to 15 years are most susceptible to this type of complication. After a sore throat, the kidneys can also suffer; this disease becomes the cause of pyelonephritis. Already two weeks after suffering from a sore throat, the disease begins to show the first signs: chills, lower back pain, frequent urination. Arthritis may develop after a sore throat. The joints swell, increase in size, and pain occurs when moving.

The most dangerous complication after a sore throat is swelling of the larynx, which leads to a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract. It becomes difficult for the patient to take a breath, and later it becomes difficult to exhale. This condition requires urgent measures, otherwise the risk of death is high.

Complications that occur after pharyngitis are less dangerous. An untreated disease becomes chronic. In this case, the patient will periodically be bothered by exacerbations of the disease. It is almost impossible to get rid of chronic tonsillitis.

Viruses spreading inside the body cause the development of diseases such as:

• Chronical bronchitis;
• tracheitis;
• laryngitis;
• otitis;
• lymphadenitis.

If not treated correctly, sore throat and pharyngitis lead to complications. At the same time, acute tonsillitis can cause serious illnesses, some of which are fatal.

The difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis

Sore throat and pharyngitis have a similar clinical picture. But these two diseases have distinctive features, the main ones of which were discussed above. There are other nuances that cannot be ignored.
4 main differences

The difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis is in the following points:

• tonsillitis becomes the cause of severe intoxication of the whole body, while pharyngitis, if it is not accompanied by influenza, is more easily tolerated;
• with angina, the pain may be uneven, one tonsil will suffer more than the other, and pharyngitis is characterized by uniform pain;
• A sore throat is very rarely accompanied by a cough, but with pharyngitis it appears from the very beginning of the development of the disease;
• Warm drinking helps with pharyngitis, it reduces pain, but with a sore throat, on the contrary, warm water only irritates the throat, which begins to hurt even more.

Elena Malysheva talks about the main differences between a sore throat and pharyngitis:

A specialist can easily identify pharyngitis or a sore throat that is troubling the patient. An experienced doctor diagnoses the disease based on visual signs alone. Examination of the throat for a sore throat will give the following results:

• edema;
• redness and enlargement of the tonsils;
• plaque;
• purulent formations.

Pharyngitis is characterized by moderate redness of the mucous tissues of the throat, on which an enhanced pattern of blood vessels can be discerned. Inflammatory processes will be concentrated on the back wall of the throat. Mucus may run down the throat. The tonsils are usually not enlarged.

Treatment of acute tonsillitis is based on antibacterial drugs. And they also prescribe medications that will help relieve intoxication of the body, and local drugs to relieve pain.

To get rid of pharyngitis you will need to drink more fluids, gargle, and inhale. The doctor prescribes medication treatment, including immunomodulators and antiviral drugs.

In this video, Elena Leonova will talk about how to cure pharyngitis at home:

If you have a sore throat, you should not try to diagnose yourself. You need to see a doctor. The specialist knows the difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis. The doctor will prescribe a course of treatment. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable; it can lead to serious consequences and even death.

When a person has a sore throat, it may be acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

And the question arises: “How to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis?” In order to do this, you need to know the signs and characteristics of each of these diseases.

Characteristics of diseases

Pharyngitis is manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx in response to exposure to viral, bacterial, and allergic agents.

Inflammation manifests itself as redness (hyperemia), granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx.

Pharyngitis in most cases has a viral etiology, rarely a bacterial etiology.

More often, bacterial inflammation develops as a complication of viral pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis can be:

• Acute – the disease lasts no more than two weeks.
• Chronic - in this case, the disease lasts more than two weeks. Occurs in cases of untreated acute pharyngitis or with constant exposure to irritating agents.

Chronic pharyngitis occurs with periods of remission and exacerbations. During periods of remission there may be only a slight dryness in the throat, and during exacerbation all the symptoms characteristic of acute inflammation appear.

The disease occurs when exposed to predisposing factors:

• Frequent hypothermia of the body;
• Passive and active smoking;
• The presence of foci of chronic infection (rhinitis, dental caries);
• Inhaling air through the mouth during the cold season;
• Eating spicy, sour foods;
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.

Sore throat, unlike pharyngitis, is an acute infectious disease. It is a bacterial disease.

Under the influence of bacteria, inflammation develops in the pharyngeal tonsils.

This is manifested by swelling, redness (hyperemia) of the tonsils, there may be purulent follicles, lacunae, or the tonsils are completely covered with a purulent film.

If a sore throat is treated untimely or poorly, complications may develop. The infection spreads to the valve apparatus of the heart, kidneys, and large joints.

Sore throat is a contagious disease spread by airborne droplets. It is more severe in people with reduced immunity. The disease is provoked by hypothermia of the body.

Features in clinical manifestations

Since pharyngitis is most often of a viral nature, in addition to the symptoms of pharyngitis, there are signs of rhinitis (runny nose), tracheitis (cough).

The most characteristic signs of pharyngitis:

• Dryness of the mucous membranes of the pharynx;
• Sensation of a foreign object (lump) in the throat;
• Redness (hyperemia) and granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx;
• Increase in body temperature within 37.0-38.0 degrees;
• General intoxication is moderate;
• Moderate pain when swallowing;
• Rare dry non-productive cough.

Sore throat is characterized by the appearance of the following clinical signs:

• Sharp, acute onset;
• Expressed by an increase in body temperature to 39.0-40.0 degrees;
• Severe pain in the throat, radiating to the ears and neck. Even liquid drinks cause severe pain;
• Headaches;
• Aches all over the body;
• Severe general weakness;
• Bad breath;
• Upon examination, enlarged tonsils are visible, swollen, hyperemic. Plaques on the tonsils in the form of purulent follicles, purulent lacunae or films.
• Enlargement of regional lymph nodes. Palpation of these nodes causes severe pain.
• Due to severe intoxication, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Judging by the symptoms, the diseases are similar in some ways, but in others there are clear differences.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have a sore throat, you should consult a doctor, and even during the examination, the doctor may suspect a sore throat. Since pharyngitis does not involve damage to the pharyngeal tonsils, inflammation of only the mucous membranes of the pharynx develops.

And with a sore throat, purulent plaque on the tonsils is immediately visible, which can be easily removed with a spatula.

To clarify the pathogen, a throat smear is performed, followed by inoculation on nutrient media.

The test determines the pathogen (most often streptococcus) and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Now it is possible, if you suspect a sore throat, to do a streptococcal test; if streptococcus is detected, antibacterial therapy is immediately prescribed.

In a general blood test for pharyngitis, there may be a slight increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

And with angina, there is a pronounced increase in leukocytes (inflammatory cells) and a significant increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Treatment of diseases

As already mentioned, if signs of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) are detected, you must urgently consult a general practitioner, pediatrician, or otolaryngologist.

This is necessary so that competent antibacterial therapy is prescribed as quickly as possible. If this is not done, the disease progresses and causes damage to internal organs and joints.

Treatment of angina in most cases is outpatient; if signs of complications appear, the patient is hospitalized.

For pharyngitis, antiviral drugs are first prescribed, since in most cases the inflammation is caused by a viral effect.

The following drugs are used:

• Kagocel;
• Arbidol;
• Ergoferon;
• Ingavirin.

To increase the body's defenses, the following are prescribed:

• Immunal;
• Human leukocyte interferon;
• Cycloferon;
• Multivitamins.

Local treatment is the same for sore throat and pharyngitis.

Gargling with herbal decoctions is used:

• Chamomile decoction;
• Calendula decoction;
• Sage decoction.

Rinsing with antiseptic solutions:

• Furacillin;
• Miramistin;
• Chlorhexidine.

Treating the pharynx with anti-inflammatory sprays, the following are often used:

• Hexoral;
• Inhalipt;
• Kameton;
• Tantum verde;

The mucous membrane of the pharynx and tonsils is also lubricated with Lugol's solution.

It is used during the first three days.

For pharyngitis, antibacterial therapy is prescribed only in the case of bacterial inflammation. Antibacterial therapy for angina is prescribed for at least 10 days.

The prognosis for both diseases is favorable, subject to timely and competent treatment. It is necessary to strictly follow all treatment recommendations given by the doctor.

There are many ENT diseases that may be accompanied by similar symptoms, but are treated differently. In addition, mistaking a sore throat for a common cold, a person is not aware of the threat of complications: development, phlegmon, rheumatism or damage to the heart muscle. Timely detection of the disease is what underlies successful treatment, and in order to recognize the disease, you should know what symptoms it is accompanied by.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, which can be caused by various pathogens - viral or bacterial. It is distinguished from a sore throat by a milder course, however, without timely treatment, acute pharyngitis becomes chronic. In addition, the disease can be complicated by concomitant diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract, including tonsillitis. The acute form of the disease develops in the following cases:

• with local or general hypothermia;
• against the background of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity;
• with regular irritation of the mucous tissues of the pharynx (irritants can be tobacco smoke, spicy food, dusty air, etc.);
• with frequent consumption of strong drinks;
• when the body is infected with staphylococcus or streptococcus;
• against the background of diseases caused by viruses;
• when infected with mycoplasma;
• against the background of advanced caries;
• with damage to the hearing organs, for example, otitis media.

Symptoms of pharyngitis depend on the form of the disease.

How does the disease manifest itself?

If we are talking about an acute form of pharyngitis, then the patient is concerned about the following phenomena:

• the throat begins to feel sore;
• uncomfortable and painful sensations in the throat that accompany swallowing (especially evident during empty swallows);
• fever and general weakness inherent in sore throat can also occur, but this happens infrequently.

If the inflammatory process spreads to the tubopharyngeal ridges, then the pain may radiate to the ear area. When palpated, another sign of acute pharyngitis is revealed - the upper cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. Pharyngoscopy shows that the posterior wall of the pharynx and palatine arches are hyperemic, and the appearance of individual inflamed lymphoid granules is detected. But the symptom that distinguishes tonsillitis - the inflammatory process in the tonsils - is absent.

Experts warn: the appearance of acute pharyngitis may be a signal that a serious infectious process is developing in the body, such as measles, scarlet fever, and rubella. In the chronic form of pharyngitis, there are no pronounced symptoms, and the patient does not experience a significant deterioration in his condition. The first sign of the disease is discomfort in the throat:

• begins to irritate frequently;
• dryness occurs;
• there is a feeling that there is a lump stuck in the throat;
• A dry, persistent cough develops; it can be easily distinguished from the cough that occurs with tracheobronchitis.

Discomfortable sensations are associated with the fact that the patient often has to swallow mucous formations from the back walls. This phenomenon leads to irritability of a person - sleep is disturbed, and this condition does not go away during the day.

With the development of atrophic pharyngitis, the mucous surfaces of the pharynx are severely damaged, becoming dry, thinned, and covered with a layer of dried secretions. In some cases, dilated vessels with minor hemorrhages can be found on the mucous membrane.

Hypertrophic pharyngitis is accompanied by the formation of foci of hyperplastic lymphoid tissue, which are randomly located on the surface of the posterior walls of the pharynx. There may be an increase in the tubopharyngeal ridges, which are located behind the posterior arches of the palate. During the period of exacerbation, the above symptoms are accompanied by redness and swelling in the mucous membranes.

Why does a sore throat develop?

This disease is also called acute tonsillitis; it occupies a leading position among infectious pathologies of the nasopharynx. In most cases, tonsillitis occurs due to infection with streptococci and staphylococci, and this determines the risk of complications. The pathogen affects not only the pharyngeal mucosa, but also the tonsils, mucous and connective tissues of the nasopharynx, joints and heart muscle. Experts take the latter fact into account, so people who have suffered acute tonsillitis are recommended to have a cardiogram.

Not all diseases of the nasopharyngeal region are contagious, but sore throat is dangerous, as it is transmitted by airborne droplets. Predisposing factors for the development of the disease are hypothermia and a weakened immune system, as they provoke the activation of pathogenic microorganisms. Before considering the difference between angina and other diseases, it is worth considering that there are several subtypes of the disease, each of which has a number of features:

1. Primary tonsillitis, it is also called simple or ordinary. In this form, the lesion affects only the surface of the tonsils.
2. The symptomatic form of tonsillitis (secondary tonsillitis) occurs as a result of infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, etc. Secondary disease can develop against the background of pathologies of the circulatory system: leukemia, leukocytosis, lymphoma, etc.
3. A specific form of tonsillitis is caused by a specific disease, such as fungi.

Features

Acute tonsillitis is an insidious disease that can take a variety of forms. Some resemble pharyngitis, while others have pronounced differences:

1. It has a mild course, the damage to the tonsils is superficial. Body temperature rises, but not higher than 38°C. Usually the symptoms of the disease disappear on the third day, and the disease takes on a different form.
2. With follicular angina, the follicles are affected, pus appears in them, and they increase in size. Afterwards they are opened, and a coating of pus covers the tonsil. Unlike pharyngitis, in which a grayish coating forms on the tongue, during a sore throat it does not spread beyond the tonsils.
3. It is diagnosed when the lacunae of the tonsils are covered with a whitish purulent coating, which is easily removed, there is no ulceration or bleeding underneath. The disease is accompanied by high temperature - up to 40°C.
4. it is difficult to mistake for pharyngitis, since the patient experiences a steady increase in temperature and strong vomiting. The tonsils are covered with a dirty gray or greenish coating, sometimes it is saturated with fibrin. After removing the plaque, bleeding wounds remain on the surfaces of the tonsils.
5. - a disease that is diagnosed in children. The symptoms are pronounced: the patient’s temperature may rise to critical levels, as with pharyngitis, a sore throat occurs, pain is felt in the abdomen, the child vomits, and diarrhea develops. The throat becomes covered with small reddish papules, which burst and go away after 4 days.
6. The main symptom of diphtheroid tonsillitis is the formation of a whitish-yellowish fibrinous coating on the surface of the tonsils. The disease is accompanied by a critical increase in temperature, the person shudders, and symptoms of damage to brain cells and severe toxic poisoning appear.
7. (acute paratonsillitis) is a severe pathology accompanied by purulent melting of the tonsil. Often occurs as a complication of pharyngitis, and the lesion extends only on one side. The disease causes a certain discomfort, its symptoms are a putrid odor from the mouth, severe pain affecting the throat, difficulty swallowing and speech functions, the patient cannot even open his mouth. The body temperature rises to critical levels, and a delusional state may occur. The lymph nodes are significantly enlarged.

By assessing the symptoms, you can find out what kind of disease has arisen - pharyngitis or tonsillitis, but it is still better to entrust this matter to a specialist. Treatment is required in both cases, and it varies depending on the disease, its causative agent and the form of the course.

What is the difference between the treatment of the two ailments?

Usually, homemade gargles are not enough to cure tonsillitis or pharyngitis. For angina, in most cases, topical agents are also prescribed. On average, therapy lasts 14 days, after which the patient fully recovers.

If a patient is diagnosed with purulent tonsillitis, then conservative therapy will not help. In this case, surgical intervention is prescribed - mechanical removal of pus or a more radical procedure - tonsillectomy - excision of the affected tonsils.

Treatment of pharyngitis is an even more difficult task, since in this case taking antibiotics will not give a positive result, since they are useless in the fight against viruses. Medicines in this group are prescribed only when infections begin to develop during the course of the disease. The following procedures are used to treat pharyngitis:

1. Rinsing the mouth. Antiseptic agents are used: Furacilin, saline solution, which is diluted with water; herbal preparations - tinctures of calendula, propolis, Rotokan.
2. The use of lozenges containing sulfonamides - Neo-angin, Faringosept, Septolete, Septifril;
3. Purpose of a special diet: the diet is enriched with fortified foods, food that can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat is excluded.

Pharyngitis, sore throat and other diseases of the oropharynx can be both independent ailments and complications of other diseases. Their symptoms may be similar, but in most cases it is possible to distinguish between them.

Every person has experienced a sore throat at least once in their life. The reasons for it may be different. The most common and dangerous include and - two infectious diseases with similar initial symptoms.

Despite similar symptoms, these are completely different diseases that require a specific approach to treatment. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment can cause worsening of the disease and complications. Therefore, it is very important to know the difference between sore throat and pharyngitis, and the principles of their treatment.

To find out how to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis, you need to understand what the first disease is.

A condition known as tonsillitis or is an inflammatory process of the larynx, characterized by damage to the tonsils. It is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

External unfavorable factors often act as a catalyst for the disease. Thus, due to hypothermia or sudden changes in temperature, microbes living on the mucous membranes of the tonsils can be activated (they were in the throat before, but did not manifest themselves in any way and did not cause harm to health).

Various substances that systematically affect the throat can also provoke an exacerbation:

• dust particles;
• alcohol, etc.

Adenoids and other pathologies of the nasopharynx, which force one to breathe through the mouth rather than the nose, increase the risk of disease.

The most common symptoms of sore throat are:

• febrile state with a strong increase in temperature;
• aggravated by eating and swallowing;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• change in color of the palatine tonsils, arches and uvula - one of the first signs of tonsillitis is their sharp redness;
• appearance on the tonsils.

Important. At the same time, the sick person feels “ache” in the joints, experiences constant fatigue and a general loss of strength.

How to distinguish these two diseases

Many people wonder whether pharyngitis is a sore throat or not. We repeat, these are two different diseases. Knowing the symptoms and causes, it will be much easier to identify the disease.

The first difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis is in the types of pathogens. Thus, the first is mainly caused by pathogenic bacteria from the groups of streptococci and staphylococci.

The second, on the contrary, almost always has a viral origin. Its causative agents can be influenza virus, rhinovirus, herpes, etc.

However, we must not forget about exceptions. Sore throat can also be triggered by viruses. And sometimes there is bacterial pharyngitis. In addition, severe allergic reactions and previous injuries can provoke the latter.

How the disease develops

When you have pharyngitis, inflammatory processes appear in the back of the pharynx. In this case, the tonsils are affected very rarely.

Important! With prolonged sore throat, the inflammatory process can also affect the back wall of the pharynx. Thus, two diseases are combined into one. Experts call this condition pharyngotonsillitis.

Start

The first signs of a sore throat occur against the background of a general weakening of the immune system, hypothermia and stressful situations.

Pharyngitis is included in the group of acute respiratory viral infections. Infection with the latter occurs mainly through airborne droplets.

Symptoms

With pharyngitis, the throat does not hurt as much as with a sore throat. Instead of acute pain, there is dryness, soreness and a feeling of a stuck piece in the throat.

Intoxication with pharyngitis is also less pronounced, so the patient feels quite well. In this case, the temperature can rise to 38°C.

It is also distinguished from a sore throat by the fact that it is accompanied by a dry, unproductive cough and runny nose. With pharyngitis, the mucous membrane swells and the follicles become inflamed.

Pharyngitis can be confirmed by the patient’s reaction to a warm drink. With a sore throat, any liquid increases the pain in the throat. With pharyngitis, pain and soreness after a warm drink, on the contrary, weaken.

Possible complications

Streptococcus, which causes a sore throat, can affect the kidneys, heart muscle, and joints.

Pharyngitis “expands” the zone of action to nearby organs and systems (larynx, trachea, respiratory tract).

Therapy

Due to differences in causes and clinical manifestations, treatment methods for sore throat and pharyngitis also have significant differences.

In most cases, you can relieve inflammation with pharyngitis using simple folk remedies, gargling, and drinking plenty of fluids.

If concomitant diseases occur, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators and antibiotics.

As for sore throat, antibiotics are required when treating it! In addition, complex therapy includes anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs.

Their intake is supplemented by bed rest and treatment of the throat with antiseptic agents.

Considering all these factors, it becomes clear how important it is to know and distinguish between the symptoms of these diseases.

Conclusion

Even having “found out” the diagnosis on your own, you should not self-medicate. It is definitely worth remembering that there are a number of other diseases that may have similar symptoms, at least at the initial stage.

We must not forget that any disease without appropriate treatment can lead to the most dire consequences. Therefore, only a doctor can help determine the disease.

Regardless of whether it is pharyngitis or a sore throat, the disease occurs due to the development of an infection in the body and is accompanied by inflammation of the pharynx. Common symptoms include sore throat, rapid development, redness of the mucous membrane, and intoxication. Since the pathologies begin very similarly, it is difficult to distinguish them on your own. Incorrect diagnosis entails incorrect therapy, progressive deterioration of the sick person’s condition and the manifestation of complications. To minimize the risk of negative consequences, it is important to understand the differences between pathologies.

To answer the question of how a sore throat differs from pharyngitis, it is necessary to list a considerable number of factors. The difference is significant and primarily lies in the causes of the pathology. Although sore throat or pharyngitis are infectious diseases, various pathogens trigger the process of their development in the body.

Tonsillitis is most often provoked by streptococci. Bacteria and viruses concentrate on the tonsils, where they continue to multiply. Later, the infection affects nearby body systems, spreading through the blood vessels.

Additional reasons why sore throat differs from pharyngitis include infection of the adenoids, dental diseases, and lack of proper hygiene.

In addition, sore throat is contagious. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets and household routes.

Pharyngitis causes inflammation in the mucous membranes of the throat. The main causes include influenza infection, herpes, rhinovirus. There are cases when pathology occurs due to harmful bacteria and fungi.

The duration of the disease and lack of therapy form a chronic course. Then, usually, a contagious pathology ceases to be so.

Unlike sore throat, pharyngitis affects the entire throat, not just the tonsils.

Although both diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses, the process by which the pathogens spread differs. That’s why it’s so important to know how a sore throat differs from pharyngitis.

Clinical differences

The difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis lies not only in the causes, but also in the symptoms. Although the general signs are similar, a detailed analysis of the clinical picture helps determine the disease. An experienced doctor can recognize and distinguish between sore throat and pharyngitis, referring to the main symptoms.

Tonsillitis is characterized by pain in the throat from the first day of pathology. The discomfort increases very quickly. It becomes unpleasant to swallow. The temperature rises to 39. A feeling of general weakness appears. Lymph nodes may become inflamed and change in size. Often enlargement and swelling of the tonsils is accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth. The tonsils become bright red and expand. If the disease occurs in a purulent form, the tonsils become covered with small pustules (follicular type) or a whitish-yellow coating (lacunar tonsillitis). Often the patient complains of pain in the ears and jaw. Sometimes even swallowing saliva brings terrible discomfort. A unilateral form of the disease is possible, especially when it is chronic.

Sore throat is fraught with necrosis, abscesses and the spread of pus to other areas. Therefore, it is important to know how pharyngitis differs from a sore throat and to prevent the possibility of developing negative consequences immediately.

In the case of the second pathology, the pain is not so severe. Basically, the patient feels morning discomfort in the throat. The temperature reaches 38 degrees. The characteristic signs of intoxication are not so pronounced. Although the symptoms are similar, the course of this particular sore throat and pharyngitis are different. Moreover, the disease is often accompanied by a dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. The entire mucous membrane of the throat swells, and there may be inflammation of the follicles. The tonsils do not change.

The distinguishing sign of sore throat and pharyngitis is a reaction to warm liquid. Swallowing it in the case of the first pathology intensifies pain attacks, in the case of the second, on the contrary, it dulls it.

What is the difference between pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

To understand how to distinguish a sore throat and pharyngitis, it is not enough to understand the symptoms and causes of the disease. There are several other signs and features that influence the course of a particular pathology.

Firstly, the localization of the inflammatory process in diseases is different. Sore throat infects the tonsils and arches of the palate. The walls of the throat rarely become inflamed. The difference is characteristic of tonsillitis specifically and thereby distinguishes the pathology from other diseases of the nasopharynx.

Pharyngitis affects the entire mucous membrane of the throat, especially the back wall of the pharynx. The tonsils and palate remain healthy in most cases.

However, the spread of infection from the tonsils to the wall of the throat has its own name in medical practice - pharyngotonsillitis, something in between the two diseases.

Secondly, the development of sore throat is promoted not only by an infection that has entered the body, but also by the presence of background pathologies, incomplete recovery from previous diseases, and weakened immunity.

Pharyngitis is often compared with acute respiratory infections. It can easily be caught from someone who is already sick.

The differences between pharyngitis and tonsillitis also appear during the course of the disease. The difference is noticeable because:

• Tonsillitis is characterized by symptoms of severe general intoxication. Pharyngitis that develops separately, not against the background of ARVI, has less acute symptoms.
• Pain with tonsillitis can be either bilateral or unilateral. Pharyngitis causes uniform discomfort throughout the entire throat.
• A severe cough is not typical for a sore throat. Pharyngitis is accompanied by symptoms from the first days of development.
• Even simple warm water aggravates a sore throat with a sore throat. On the contrary, in case of pharyngitis, such drinking helps relieve the symptoms.

Diagnostic differences

Often the unnoticed difference between pharyngitis and sore throat leads to incorrect therapy. For example, the symptoms of the first disease are treated with antibacterial agents. As a result, the body gets used to the drugs, and they cease to be effective.

Pathogenic microorganisms cease to be vulnerable and do not die when treated with antibiotics. Infectious diseases that justify therapy are becoming more difficult to treat. The sore throat does not go away, the course of treatment becomes more complicated and prolonged.

On the other hand, incorrect diagnosis of sore throat causes the opposite effect. Folk remedies and home treatment replace the necessary antibacterial therapy. The pathology progresses and complications arise. Against the background of a harmless disease, dangerous ailments develop and the most important systems of the body suffer.

Treatment methods for viral and bacterial forms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis differ. Therefore, high-quality diagnostics is a matter of first necessity. Starting therapy without a preliminary diagnosis of the disease by a doctor is not only ineffective, but even dangerous.

Treatment of pharyngitis and tonsillitis

The main method of therapy is the use of antibiotics for sore throat. In addition, doctors prescribe gargling with solutions of Miramistin or Furacilin. Medicines with analgesic and antiseptic effects are also used. Local treatment drugs include Doctor Mom and Lizak. It is recommended to periodically irrigate sore tonsils with Orasept in spray form. An increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees requires taking antipyretic medications, for example, Nurofen. Intramuscular administration of drugs is practiced.

The chronic form of angina is treated with various types of procedures. Inhalations and gargling have a good effect. To strengthen the body's protective functions, doctors advise taking a complex of immunomodulators. To prevent the development of sinusitis, you should regularly rinse your sinuses. The most commonly used product for physical therapy is sea salt.

Therapy for pharyngitis during acute inflammation should include rinsing with herbal decoctions or soda solution. In addition, inhalations and throat sprays (Chlorphilipt, Angilex) are often used. Septifril lozenges are a good remedy for obsessive pain.

To make the recovery process faster, the patient should drink a lot and monitor the air humidity in the apartment. If there is no symptom of fever and purulent plaque, you can ease the course of the disease with the help of warm compresses. Both sore throat and pharyngitis require exclusion of fatty, hard, spicy foods from the diet.

Often chronic pathology develops as a background disease. A long period of symptoms indicates the need to diagnose the body as a whole.

Antibiotics are taken only if the lymph nodes are hypertrophied. Antihistamines are prescribed as decongestant medications. Codelac or Bromhexine relieve the accompanying cough. You should rinse your throat at least 4 times a day.

Complications and effects on other organs

Much more dangerous than the sore throat itself are the complications caused by the disease. Incorrect or absent therapy leads to negative consequences.

The acute form of tonsillitis affects the functioning of the heart. Most often, the complication affects the system in children from five to fifteen years old. Even complete recovery does not eliminate the risk of kidney dysfunction and the development of pyelonephritis. Symptoms do not appear immediately - several weeks after the main pathology of the throat has subsided. The patient feels pain in the lower back, has chills and urinates too often. In addition, joint swelling and discomfort during movement may occur.

However, swelling of the laryngeal region is much more dangerous. The development of pathology causes disruption of respiratory functions. The patient suffers from difficulty when inhaling, and later also when exhaling. The disease requires immediate medical intervention, as there have been cases of death.

Pharyngitis leads to less risky consequences. Among others, there is a chronic course of the disease with periodic alternation of periods of calm and relapses. Alas, this form is practically not completely curable.

An infection that enters the body, if treated incorrectly, causes the development of bronchitis, tracheitis, otitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, and leads to enlarged lymph nodes.

Preventive actions

Diseases are transmitted through household and airborne transmission. Therefore, first of all, you should avoid contact with sick people. However, infection is not the only cause of sore throat and pharyngitis.

Basic preventive measures include increasing immunity, fortifying the body, timely treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases, and avoiding hypothermia.

If it happens that one of the household members gets sick, the rest should follow the following rules:

• Use protective masks;
• Arrange regular ventilation of the apartment;
• Disinfect items frequently used by healthy and sick residents (for example, door handles);
• Apply oxoline ointment;
• Gargle with infusion of calendula or eucalyptus;
• Take antiviral drugs in prophylactic doses.

Sore throat and pharyngitis are similar diseases at first glance. In fact, they are completely different. However, timely diagnosis and correct treatment will help cope with both the first and second pathologies.

There are several forms of sore throats, which differ in the type of pathogenic microflora, as well as symptoms. During illness, inflammation of the tonsils always occurs. Treatment is selected only after the study has been completed.

Clinical picture

A sore throat is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common cause is streptococci and staphylococci, which often enter the throat with household items used by the patient. Microbes can also become active under the influence of a number of other reasons, for example, during hypothermia or a sudden change in temperature.

Various irritating substances entering the pharynx, as well as purulent inflammatory processes in the nasal and oral cavity, also lead to the development of the disease. Sore throat can be an independent disease or appear against the background of other infections.

Symptoms of a sore throat

Features of diseases of different etiologies

The doctor can guess the type of sore throat at the first examination, since the clinical picture is always different. With ordinary sore throat, pathology develops only in the tonsils, and in the presence of ulcers, the tissues near the tonsils are never affected

Herpes

Unlike ordinary sore throat, which is caused by bacteria, the herpes form appears against the background of the development of viruses. Papules appear outside the tonsils, affecting:

• sky,
• palatine arches,
• language.

A rash in the throat is the main difference from true tonsillitis. Characteristic formations are transparent blisters that appear on days 3-5 of illness. Each formation is surrounded by a small cushion of inflamed tissue. When the bubbles burst, the contents flow out, forming crusts.

How to distinguish herpes sore throat from streptococcal sore throat, see our video:

Viral

This form is accompanied by aches throughout the body, sometimes abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. One of the signs of a viral infection is a runny nose. It can last 2-3 days, but the development of the disease in the throat is always no less than a sore throat. With a viral infection, pus does not appear. The posterior wall may remain uninflamed with a normal healthy color.

viral sore throat

possible using a rapid test for streptococcus. If it is not there, then there is a high probability of a viral disease.

Bacterial

Bacterial sore throat is more insidious, since lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences. It is characterized by the formation of purulent foci consisting of dead immune cells. With bacterial sore throat, high fever is difficult to reduce with antipyretics.

The sore throat is pronounced, tissue swelling and breathing problems occur. There may be problems with the heart. There is pain in the lymphatic system. Aches in the joints develop.

Fungal

First, the tonsils are affected by fungi. Gradually they spread to the cheeks, throat and palate. This is the hallmark of the disease. The white spots look like cereal or cottage cheese. In places where there is a large accumulation of plaque, detachment of the thin epithelial layer is detected.

If the infection is caused by Candida fungi, the plaque will be white or beige in color. When infected with Aspergillus fungi, the shade can reach a faded green. With this type of sore throat, the pain in the throat radiates to the ear. Noted:

• slight rise in temperature (up to 37.5 degrees),
• weakness,
• muscle pain,
• burning sensation in the throat.

With fungal sore throat, there cannot be a cough or runny nose.

How to distinguish a sore throat from other diseases

A high temperature and severe sore throat are not always a sign of a sore throat. Therefore, during the examination, the diagnosis must be clarified and differential diagnostics carried out.

For diphtheria

Diphtheria is caused by Leffer's bacillus, which releases dangerous toxins during the reproduction process. It differs from a sore throat in that a web of plaque appears on the tonsils. After some time it turns into film. When swallowing, the pain is not very strong, the temperature is within 38 degrees.

There is a very high fever, which is associated with increasing intoxication.

White plaque

Unlike sore throat, it appears not only on the tonsils, but also on the entire pharynx. Due to the risk of severe complications, the disease can only be treated in hospital.

How does a sore throat differ from diphtheria?

Infectious mononucleosis

This disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Inflammation of the tonsils in mononucleosis is a secondary symptom along with other manifestations of benign lymphoblastosis. The disease rarely develops in adults. Features of symptoms:

• A rash appears on the child's body. The main areas for localization are the stomach and back.
• The tonsils become enlarged and covered with a yellow overlay, which also affects the palate.
• Tumors may appear on the bridge of the nose and brow ridges.

Laboratory testing reveals atypical cells characteristic only of infectious mononucleosis.

How to distinguish infectious mononucleosis from a sore throat, says Dr. Komarovsky:

For pharyngitis

With this disease, the pain is especially severe after waking up. Intoxication is less pronounced compared to sore throat. With pharyngitis, the inflammatory process is evenly distributed throughout the pharynx, and the temperature does not exceed 38 degrees.

There may be a feeling of a lump in the throat, which leads to a dry cough.

The differential sign is the reaction to a warm drink - the burning sensation becomes weaker, the pain in the throat subsides. With a sore throat, any drink causes pain.

For the flu

Both diseases develop quickly. Symptoms increase over several hours. Temperatures up to 40 degrees appear. With the flu, a cough and hoarseness appear on the first day. After 3-4 days it becomes moist. The sore throat is less intense than with a sore throat, and there is no plaque on the tonsils. With the flu, the lymph nodes may remain normal, and the nasal discharge is more mucous in nature.

Flu always leads to painful sensations throughout the body and in the head. Fever and fever may persist for a long time. It is very difficult to bring down the temperature. Nasal congestion does not go away, the eyes become red and begin to water.

For tonsillitis

The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis are similar to a sore throat, but are not very pronounced. There is an unpleasant odor from the mouth. General malaise is not always associated with an increase in body temperature. Caseous plugs form on the tonsils. The main difference is nasal congestion. A sore throat is characterized by a sharp sore throat and aching joints. With tonsillitis, such manifestations are absent or mild. Often the plugs with it have a cheesy character.

What is the difference between a sore throat and tonsillitis?

For ARVI and colds

With a cold, the temperature is rarely higher than 38 degrees. A runny nose, cough and watery eyes appear. Catarrhal phenomena are weakly expressed. If the lymph nodes become inflamed, they are not as painful as with a sore throat.

Inflammatory processes during ARVI can be located in any part of the pharynx. The main symptom of the disease depends on this. There is also no plaque on the tonsils. The latter may simply be slightly inflamed. The onset of a cold is always slow, and symptoms increase gradually. With angina, the course is always severe and requires bed rest.

For stomatitis

This pathology most often affects the cheeks, gums, tongue, throat, and palate. A single, but very painful ulcer may appear. Unlike sore throat, stomatitis is characterized by bleeding.

If both diseases appear simultaneously (stomatitis tonsillitis), then differences are found by the location of the affected areas. The temperature when ulcers appear does not exceed 37 degrees.

Diagnostics

During diagnosis, an examination by an ENT doctor is performed. He examines the tonsils using a spatula. Upon examination you may find:

• sores and blisters,
• enlarged tonsils,
• plaque on the tonsils, the presence of purulent plugs.

The doctor then examines the lymph nodes closest to the tonsils. With angina they are enlarged. A general blood test shows an increase in the number of leukocytes with a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left.

To determine the type of sore throat, a study is carried out:

• Bacterioscopic. It allows you to identify the causative agent of the disease. Detects the presence of streptococci, which are arranged in chains and stain blue according to Gram.
• Bacteriological. A smear is taken. In favorable conditions, microflora begins to multiply. After a few days, it is possible to determine exactly what led to the development of sore throat.
• Serological. Allows you to identify the inflammatory process in the body and the presence of autoimmune reactions.

When studying viral forms, the PCP and ELISA methods are prescribed, which determine the presence of viral antigen in the smear. Additionally appointed

echocardiogram

and x-rays of bones and joints to identify complications.

Review of medications for the treatment of sore throat:

Forecast

A sore throat can lead to serious complications, such as an abscess or cellulitis. Pus accumulates in large quantities around the tonsils and can spread to surrounding tissues. There is a high probability that the disease will spread through the blood and lymphatic vessels.

Dangerous complications are edema, scarlet fever, lymphadenitis and otitis. But with timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.

The child has a sore throat. Grandmothers with the air of experts claim that this is a cold due to an extra portion of ice cream eaten the day before. Moms suspect a sore throat. The last word belongs to the doctor, who is urgently taken to see the child or who is called to the house. However, the doctor does not share the points of view of the parents and representatives of the older generation and confidently declares that the baby has pharyngitis. Authoritative children's doctor Evgeny Komarovsky will talk about pharyngitis in children.

About the disease

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous and lymphoid tissue of the pharynx. If the inflammatory process moves and invades the nasopharynx, this is already rhinopharyngitis (its other name is nasopharyngitis). Inflammation of the pharynx occurs for a variety of reasons:

• viral infection caused by influenza viruses, adenoviruses;
• bacterial infection with streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, fungi of the Candida family;
• allergies that develop specifically in the larynx– due to inhalation of poisonous, toxic substances, dust.

Pharyngitis can be acute or chronic. Acute develops immediately after a negative impact or infection, and chronic develops against the background of constant or sometimes recurring unfavorable factors that haunt the child for quite a long time. Sometimes chronic pharyngitis is generally an independent disease, not viral or allergic, and in no way related to ARVI, influenza or manifestations of an allergic reaction. Moreover, such “independent” pharyngitis can have full periods of exacerbation and remission.

Evgeny Komarovsky claims that there is nothing unusual about pharyngitis - the disease occurs in childhood more often than parents are used to thinking. There are children who receive this diagnosis 3-4 times a year, but this can no longer be considered the norm. Quite often, inflammation of the pharynx and nasopharynx can be caused by too dry air inhaled by a child, whose parents are very fond of closing all the windows and maintaining a hot microclimate in the apartment.

Symptoms

Viral pharyngitis is usually acute. It develops against the background of ARVI or influenza, which means that it is characterized by all the symptoms of these diseases - runny nose, running snot, headaches, fever up to 38.0 degrees. With such pharyngitis, the child will complain of pain or a sore throat, and it will be painful for him to swallow. An infant who cannot complain about anything will begin to refuse food, cry and worry.

Another distinctive sign of pharyngitis is a dry cough that torments the child, especially at night. The lymph nodes in the neck often become inflamed. Evgeny Komarovsky claims that this is not surprising, because it is through these nodes that the outflow of lymph from the inflamed larynx occurs. Sometimes large red granular granules can be seen on the tonsils or walls of the larynx. Then pharyngitis will be called granulosa (with damage to lymphoid tissue).

Allergic pharyngitis most often develops acutely, too, a short time after inhaling chemicals or allergens. There are no symptoms of ARVI, but there may well be a runny nose. The temperature rises slightly - up to 37.0-37.5, higher - extremely rarely. A dry, unproductive cough and pain when swallowing are also quite intense.

Bacterial pharyngitis is severe, with a temperature rise above 38.5 degrees, with severe pain in the throat. Upon visual examination, purulent formations may be noticeable in the larynx and tonsils, which are often confused with sore throat.

The main difference between acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) and acute pharyngitis (for the information of parents) is that with angina, the tonsils are affected, and with pharyngitis, the inflammatory process is more diffuse, it spreads to the walls of the larynx. With tonsillitis, the child complains of pain when swallowing; with pharyngitis, a dry cough will certainly be observed, as well as other symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Chronic pharyngitis is less pronounced, and sometimes it is noticed only during periods of exacerbation. A child with a chronic form of the disease often has a sore throat, a feeling of dryness in the mouth and larynx, and a dry cough often appears, but the temperature does not rise (at least until the next exacerbation). An exacerbation will resemble ordinary acute pharyngitis like two peas in a pod.

Treatment

The choice of treatment tactics depends on what kind of illness the child has developed - viral, bacterial or allergic. It should be noted that even a very experienced doctor will not be able to answer this important question solely on the basis of a visual examination of the child and an assessment of all accompanying symptoms. The doctor, of course, will say that the baby has pharyngitis, but only two simple tests will help determine its origin: a clinical blood test and a throat smear for flora and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Without these studies, says Evgeniy Komarovsky, there can be no talk of any normal, responsible and conscious treatment of pharyngitis. After all, all three types of illness are treated with completely different methods and medications.

You should not rush to follow the recommendations of a doctor who, having looked into the throat and established the presence of a disease, immediately prescribes antibiotics or prescribes several types of antiviral drugs. Such a doctor should be asked to write out a referral for tests, which should show how and what is best to treat.

Viral pharyngitis is more common than other types, since children get sick with viral infections more often than all others. Approximately 85% of acute pharyngitis are viral. Such pharyngitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, says Evgeny Komarovsky. Antimicrobial agents are completely inactive against viruses, but increase the risk of developing a bacterial complication by 7-8 times.

The only correct treatment for viral pharyngitis is drinking plenty of warm fluids., sufficiently humidified air in the apartment where the sick child is, irrigation of the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx with saline solution (1 teaspoon of salt per liter of water). If the child’s age allows, you can gargle the sore throat with the same saline solution. An antiseptic (for example, Miramistin), as well as lozenges with an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, are used locally for an inflamed throat. Komarovsky warns that there is no need to use “Lugol” (and even more so to cauterize the tonsils and larynx with iodine), since this is much more harmful to the child than pharyngitis, which is not smeared with anything, not treated or cauterized.

Allergic pharyngitis will require a more detailed approach. Antibiotics are strictly contraindicated in the treatment of such a disease. The doctor may prescribe antihistamines, depending on the allergen (if its type can be quickly determined). Salt rinses of the nose and larynx, as well as local antiseptics (except iodine), are relevant.

In addition, you will need to remove from the room all objects that can accumulate dust - carpets, soft toys, books. The air is humidified to a level of 50-70%, ventilated, and the child’s room is often wet cleaned.

For bacterial pharyngitis, according to Evgeny Komarovsky, the issue of the need to use antibiotics is decided on an individual basis. Not in all cases are antimicrobial agents needed at all. If there is a need for them, drugs of the penicillin group are most often used.

A child is contagious until he is given antibiotics. Usually, a day after this, the child can easily attend school or kindergarten if he does not have a fever. Bed rest is optional.

If a child's laboratory tests confirm streptococcal pharyngitis, then all family members should take similar throat swabs. If necessary, all household members should undergo antibiotic treatment to avoid re-infection of the baby.

Advice from Dr. Komarovsky

The best antiseptic for the throat, which even the most expensive pharmaceuticals cannot compare with, is saliva. If there is enough of it, it may well protect the child from pharyngitis. To prevent saliva from drying out, it is advisable to have a humidifier in the house and use it for its intended purpose. In addition, the child should drink enough fluids (to maintain the consistency of saliva). There are no vaccinations against pharyngitis. The main prevention is taking care of the quality of saliva and strengthening the immune system.

In the next video, Dr. Komarovsky will talk about sore throats in children.

Hello! Help, please, whoever can! A month ago, my son got sick; I noticed white dots on his tonsils in his throat. The doctor diagnosed Pharyngitis, lubricate the points with chlorophyllipt. They did everything, the child felt better, after a week they began to walk quietly, but after 10 days he suddenly became ill - his temperature rose to 39.9, and there were huge white plugs in his throat. The doctor diagnosed a sore throat and prescribed Sumamed. After three days, the temperature subsided and everything began to return to normal. Coughed...
Two weeks have passed since my son’s temperature dropped, as in yours - yesterday my daughter’s temperature rose sharply to 38. No snot, no cough... There is a white coating in the throat. WHAT TO DO? Last year, everything developed according to a similar scenario, the children got sick 4 times each at intervals of a week, 4 courses of antibiotics, it all ended with pneumonia in my son...
What do we have? If there is no snot or cough, but there is a white coating, is it a sore throat or what? They took my son to a paid clinic, where they said that it was not a sore throat, but an acute respiratory viral infection. Now I don’t understand anything - we treat a sore throat with antibiotics, but how do we treat ARVI? And how to distinguish them??

Added after 1 minute 56 seconds:

It’s still not clear - could it be that my daughter had such a long incubation period? Or is this a completely different infection?

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis have similar symptoms at first glance. And yet, these two diseases have different origins. The location of the inflammatory process will also be different. Upon closer examination, you can find differences in symptoms. To get rid of the disease, you need to know how to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis.

Causes of sore throat

Sore throat, or otherwise acute tonsillitis, is a disease of an infectious nature. The causative agent of the inflammatory process in most cases is streptococcal bacteria. Tonsils are a habitat and breeding ground for bacteria. From here, bacteria spread through the blood vessels throughout the body and can affect the cardiac system, kidneys, and joint tissue.

Causes of sore throat

Additional sources of the disease are:

• adenoids;
• caries;
• insufficient oral hygiene.

Sore throat is considered a contagious disease. A person suffering from this disease poses a danger to others.

Causes of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis affects the mucous membranes of the pharynx. The main cause of the disease is parainfluenza infection, rhinovirus, herpetic virus. In some cases, the disease develops under the influence of:

• pathogenic microorganisms: streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus;
• fungal infection.

Prolonged inflammation in the throat can cause chronic pharyngitis. The chronic form of pharyngitis is not contagious. But the acute form, provoked by bacteria and viruses, can be transmitted from one person to another by airborne droplets.

Pharyngitis, unlike tonsillitis, is characterized by damage to the entire mucous membrane of the throat. Sore throat affects only the tonsils. This is one of the main differences between the diseases.

The characteristic causes of these two diseases are different. But there are also common provoking factors by which the disease can be recognized. Both diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of a sore throat

Acute tonsillitis is characterized by high body temperature. Temperatures can reach 39 degrees. This is how the body reacts to the action of infectious agents. An elevated temperature causes the body to shiver. The entire body is exposed to general intoxication. The person is concerned about:

• headache;
• weakness;
• pain in the lymph nodes;
• increased fatigue;
• aching joints.

Sore throat is accompanied by a sore throat, which becomes more acute when swallowing. Lymph nodes become enlarged, hard and painful. The stronger the disease, the more the lymph nodes suffer.

How does pharyngitis manifest?

The temperature with pharyngitis will not be very high, as happens in cases of tonsillitis. It will fluctuate between 37.5–38 degrees. This is an important factor that distinguishes one disease from another.

Interesting video: Dr. Phil will briefly explain what pharyngitis is and what to do about it:

Sore throat and pharyngitis are accompanied by a sore throat. Pharyngitis is characterized by a dry throat.

Acute pharyngitis has more severe symptoms. A burning sensation and sore throat appears. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the disease will begin to spread to nearby tissues. The mucous membranes of the nose, trachea, and larynx will be affected. As a result, accompanying symptoms will appear:

• runny nose;
• cough;
• congestion in the ears.

When examining the throat, you will notice that the walls of the pharynx have turned red and the mucous tissues have become loose.

Chronic pharyngitis has less pronounced symptoms. A characteristic sign of the disease will be the sensation of a foreign body, a “lump” in the throat.

Sore throat and pharyngitis have common symptoms. Both diseases manifest themselves as pain in the throat. But with a sore throat, the pain worsens in the afternoon. And acute pharyngitis makes itself felt in the morning.

If the disease affects both the tonsils and the walls of the pharynx, in this case pharyngotonsillitis is diagnosed.

Complications

Sore throat poses a danger to the entire body. Lack of treatment or incorrect therapy can lead to serious consequences.

Acute tonsillitis most often affects the heart and leads to rheumatic damage to the cardiac system. Children aged 5 to 15 years are most susceptible to this type of complication. After a sore throat, the kidneys can also suffer; this disease becomes the cause of pyelonephritis. Already two weeks after suffering from a sore throat, the disease begins to show the first signs: chills, lower back pain, frequent urination. Arthritis may develop after a sore throat. The joints swell, increase in size, and pain occurs when moving.

The most dangerous complication after a sore throat is swelling of the larynx, which leads to a narrowing of the upper respiratory tract. It becomes difficult for the patient to take a breath, and later it becomes difficult to exhale. This condition requires urgent measures, otherwise the risk of death is high.

Complications that occur after pharyngitis are less dangerous. An untreated disease becomes chronic. In this case, the patient will periodically be bothered by exacerbations of the disease. It is almost impossible to get rid of chronic tonsillitis.

Viruses spreading inside the body cause the development of diseases such as:

• Chronical bronchitis;
• tracheitis;
• laryngitis;
• otitis;
• lymphadenitis.

If not treated correctly, sore throat and pharyngitis lead to complications. At the same time, acute tonsillitis can cause serious illnesses, some of which are fatal.

The difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis

Sore throat and pharyngitis have a similar clinical picture. But these two diseases have distinctive features, the main ones of which were discussed above. There are other nuances that cannot be ignored.

4 main differences

The difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis is in the following points:

• tonsillitis becomes the cause of severe intoxication of the whole body, while pharyngitis, if it is not accompanied by influenza, is more easily tolerated;
• with angina, the pain may be uneven, one tonsil will suffer more than the other, and pharyngitis is characterized by uniform pain;
• A sore throat is very rarely accompanied by a cough, but with pharyngitis it appears from the very beginning of the development of the disease;
• Warm drinking helps with pharyngitis, it reduces pain, but with a sore throat, on the contrary, warm water only irritates the throat, which begins to hurt even more.

Elena Malysheva talks about the main differences between a sore throat and pharyngitis:

A specialist can easily identify pharyngitis or a sore throat that is troubling the patient. An experienced doctor diagnoses the disease based on visual signs alone. Examination of the throat for a sore throat will give the following results:

• edema;
• redness and enlargement of the tonsils;
• plaque;
• purulent formations.

Pharyngitis is characterized by moderate redness of the mucous tissues of the throat, on which an enhanced pattern of blood vessels can be discerned. Inflammatory processes will be concentrated on the back wall of the throat. Mucus may run down the throat. The tonsils are usually not enlarged.

Treatment of acute tonsillitis is based on antibacterial drugs. And they also prescribe medications that will help relieve intoxication of the body, and local drugs to relieve pain.

To get rid of pharyngitis you will need to drink more fluids, gargle, and inhale. The doctor prescribes medication treatment, including immunomodulators and antiviral drugs.

In this video, Elena Leonova will talk about how to cure pharyngitis at home:

If you have a sore throat, you should not try to diagnose yourself. You need to see a doctor. The specialist knows the difference between a sore throat and pharyngitis. The doctor will prescribe a course of treatment. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable; it can lead to serious consequences and even death.