Pharyngitis - viral

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Oropharynx

There is no specific treatment for viral pharyngitis. Self-care measures include gargling with warm salt water (one half-teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs or medications such as acetaminophen, that control fever. Excessive use of anti-inflammatory lozenges or sprays may actually make sore throat worse.

It is important to avoid using antibiotics when a sore throat is due to a viral infection, as the antibiotics will not help, and using them in such a way contributes to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.

In some cases of sore throat (for instance, in infectious mononucleosis), the lymph nodes in the neck may become extremely swollen, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone may be needed to ease breathing and swallowing.

The symptoms usually go away within a week to 10 days.

Complications of viral pharyngitis are extremely uncommon.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms persist longer than expected, or if symptoms do not improve with self-care measures. Medical care should always be sought if there is extreme discomfort, or difficulty swallowing or breathing in association with a sore throat.

Review Date: 11/21/2005
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.