Viral pharyngitis: main symptoms, causes and treatment

Viral pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx caused by the presence of a virus, which is why it is very common for pharyngitis to appear along with the flu or another infection of the respiratory system. However, viral pharyngitis can also appear in isolation, affecting only the pharynx.

Viral pharyngitis is a contagious situation that can be easily transmitted from person to person through breathing in small droplets suspended in the air that contain the virus, through contact with contaminated surfaces and through the consumption of food and drinks that may also be contaminated.

Viral pharyngitis symptoms

The main symptoms related to viral pharyngitis are discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Some other symptoms may vary depending on the virus related to the infection, however, in general, other symptoms that may appear are:

• Sore throat;
• Fever;
• Constant headache;
• Muscle or joint pain;
• Dry cough and runny nose.

Often, pharyngitis appears associated with another health problem and, therefore, the inflammation of the pharynx is not even identified, with only treatment being carried out for the main problem, which could be the flu or mononucleosis.

However, whenever 2 or more of the symptoms listed above and others appear, such as red spots on the skin and sore spots on the neck, it is therefore very important to go to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment. See more about pharyngitis.

Main causes

Viral pharyngitis is the most common form of pharyngitis and is typically due to colds and flu. Therefore, the main viruses related to viral pharyngitis are the Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Influenza, the latter being related to the flu. Furthermore, it is possible that the flu also occurs due to infection with the Adenovirus, which is normally related to conjunctivitis.

It is also possible that viral pharyngitis is due to the Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for mononucleosis, and can be transmitted through saliva, known as kissing disease.

How the diagnosis is made

Since viral pharyngitis usually occurs in association with another infection, it is common for only the main infection to be identified. However, as there is no specific treatment for pharyngitis caused by viruses, treatment for the main infection is usually sufficient to treat pharyngitis.

In any case, to make the diagnosis, the family doctor or ENT specialist must carry out a physical examination and evaluate the symptoms presented. In addition, tests can also be carried out to identify whether there are bacteria in the throat that could be causing an infection. If this happens, treatment may need to include the use of an antibiotic.

Treatment for viral pharyngitis

Symptoms of viral pharyngitis usually last a few days and the body is capable of eliminating the virus spontaneously within 1 week. However, it is necessary for the person to have a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and rest, as this will help resolve viral pharyngitis more quickly.

Your family doctor or otorhinolaryngologist may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to reduce the signs and symptoms of sore throat. It is important that these medications are used according to your doctor’s instructions.