Viral pharyngitis is a sore, inflamed throat caused by a virus.

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation

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Causes

The following viruses are most likely to cause a sore throat:

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of getting viral pharyngitis include:

  • Age: children
  • Cigarette smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
  • Living or working in crowded places such as:
    • Daycares
    • Schools
    • Military bases
  • Diabetes
  • Lowered immunity due to:
    • Excess fatigue
    • Poor eating habits
    • Poor hygiene
    • Recent illness
Symptoms

Symptoms of viral pharyngitis include:

  • Sore, red, swollen throat
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears
Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Most viral sore throats are diagnosed based on the symptoms and an examination of the throat. Sometimes, the throat will be swabbed to make sure that the sore throat isn't due to a strep infection. Strep infections require treatment with antibiotics.

Treatment

There are no treatments to cure a viral sore throat. Most cases of viral pharyngitis heal naturally within about one week.

Treatments to relieve symptoms include:

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Sore throat pain can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

  • Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.
Self-Care
  • Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat.
  • Using throat lozenges every couple of hours can help relieve sore throat and cough.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Hot drinks and soups can be very soothing for a sore throat.
  • Consider running a cool-mist humidifier. It can help keep your nasal passages moist and reduce congestion.
Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting a viral sore throat:

  • Practice good hygiene, including careful hand washing.
  • Don't share food or beverages with other people.
  • Avoid areas where people are smoking.

Viral sore throat is diagnosed when a sore throat is present and strep is considered unlikely. Even in the absence of strep, some types of sore throats need further tests or treatment.

Be sure to seek care if your sore throat is worsening. Call your doctor if you have new or serious symptoms, especially difficulty breathing, weakness, chills, or a sore throat that lasts longer than you or your doctor expect.