Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Acute viral pharyngitis (approximately 50-80% of cases) is usually caused by viruses in the setting of a general upper respiratory tract infection, most commonly rhino, adeno, influenza, or parainfluenza viruses. Herpes simplex, Coxsackie, Echo, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, measles, or rubella viruses can also cause pharyngitis.
Acute bacterial pharyngitis is most commonly caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (= GAS; A-streptococci, Streptococcus (S.) pyogenes = GABHS (= group A beta-hemolytic streptococci); 15-30% of cases in children; approximately 5-10% in adults).
Chronic pharyngitis can be caused by various external influences such as dust and dry air. In addition, smoking and dependence on alcohol are also among them. However, various underlying diseases also increase the risk of chronic pharyngitis.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Age of life – children and the elderly are more at risk due to lower immune system defenses
- People who are in contact with many other people, such as teachers or school children, are at increased risk of transmitting viruses that can lead to pharyngitis
Behavioral causes
- Nutrition
- Malnutrition and undernutrition – weakens the immune system.
- Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see prevention with micronutrients.
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol
- Tobacco (smoking) – favors upper respiratory tract infections.
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress (due toweakening of the immune system).
- Lack of hygiene – simple hand washing with soap can already help to reduce the rate of infection.
Causes related to disease
- Allergies
- Diabetes mellitus
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (synonyms: GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux disease); gastroesophageal reflux; reflux esophagitis; reflux disease; Reflux esophagitis; peptic esophagitis) – inflammatory disease of the esophagus (esophagitis) caused by the pathological reflux (reflux) of acid gastric juice and other gastric contents.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
- Infections
- Immunodeficiencies – e.g., HIV disease.
Radiotherapy
- Radiatio (radiotherapy) in the neck area.
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).
