farüngiit

Farüngiit, or pharyngitis, is an inflammation of the pharynx, the back of the throat. It is most often acute and caused by viral infections, but bacterial causes, especially group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), are clinically important because they may require antibiotic treatment. Chronic farüngiit refers to a prolonged irritation of the pharynx, often linked to irritants, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, or smoking.

Acute farüngiit has a viral origin in the majority of cases. Common viral agents include adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, and occasionally other respiratory viruses. Bacterial acute pharyngitis is most frequently due to Streptococcus pyogenes. Less common bacterial causes include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Fungal pharyngitis is rare and typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms and signs typically include sore throat, painful swallowing, redness of the pharynx, and sometimes fever, swollen cervical lymph nodes, headache, and malaise. Tonsillar exudates may be present. In chronic farüngiit, symptoms are more persistent and can include throat irritation, postnasal drip, chronic cough, and a need to clear the throat.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by tests when bacterial pharyngitis is suspected. The Centor criteria or similar clinical decision tools may guide management. A throat swab with rapid antigen detection or throat culture helps identify Group A Streptococcus. Mononucleosis and other causes may mimic pharyngitis and may require additional testing.

Treatment is supportive for viral pharyngitis (analgesics, fluids, rest). Antibiotics are recommended for confirmed or highly suspected GAS pharyngitis to reduce symptom duration and transmission; penicillin V or amoxicillin is first-line, with alternatives such as cephalexin or macrolides for penicillin allergy. Complications can include peritonsillar abscess or, rarely, non-suppurative sequelae like rheumatic fever.

Prevention focuses on hygiene, avoiding close contact with the ill, and addressing underlying factors in chronic cases. Most cases resolve within a week.