What are throat infections called?

What are throat infections called?

A sore throat, also called a throat infection or pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the back part of the throat (pharynx).

What does pharyngitis mean?

Pharyngitis — commonly known as sore throat — is an inflammation of the pharynx, resulting in a sore throat. Thus, pharyngitis is a symptom, rather than a condition.

What causes of pharyngitis?

The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

What is the medical term for a sore throat?

Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. It often makes it painful to swallow.

What does it mean when you have a throat infection?

What is throat infection? A throat infection, sometimes called pharyngitis, can be either a bacterial or a viral infection leading to inflammation of the tissues of the throat that causes redness, pain and swelling of the walls or structures of the throat. Your throat, or pharynx, is the tube-like structure that carries both food to …

What’s the name of the disease that causes a sore throat?

Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment. The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), tonsils and epiglottis.

Which is an example of a viral throat infection?

Examples of viral causes of sore throat include the flu ( influenza) and infectious mononucleosis. Bacterial and viral throat infections are usually contagious. What are the risk factors for throat infection?

What causes a sore throat with a strep infection?

Sore throats are usually caused by a virus, while group A strep bacteria cause strep throat. Not all sore throats are a result of a strep infection. Other illnesses can cause a sore throat too.

What is differential diagnosis for sore throat?

Differential diagnosis. A sore throat is usually from irritation or inflammation. The most common cause (80%) is acute viral pharyngitis, a viral infection of the throat. Other causes include other infections (such as streptococcal pharyngitis ), trauma, and tumors. Gastroesophageal (acid) reflux disease can cause stomach acid…

What is the medical term for sore throat?

The medical term for a “sore throat” is pharyngitis. We owe the word “pharyngitis” to gifts from the Greeks: “pharynx” meaning “the throat” + the suffix”-itis” denoting inflammation. So pharyngitis literally means inflammation of the pharynx.

What is the medical term meaning strep throat?

Medical Definition of Strep throat Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Strep throat : Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus , which can lead to serious complications if not adequately treated.