Pharyngitis

One speaks of an inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) when the mucous membranes of the throat become inflamed. This clinical picture is one of the most common health complaints for which patients consult a doctor. Particularly in the winter months, sore throats often occur in connection with colds. A sore throat can be caused by various pathogens and can vary considerably in its form, intensity and duration. In addition, an acute sore throat can be distinguished from a chronic sore throat.

Causes

The most common cause of an acute sore throat is an infection with cold viruses. These include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses. Such an infection is not uncommon, especially in winter, as the conditions for the reproduction of pathogens on the human mucous membranes are particularly favorable at that time.

The cold, dry winter air leads to reduced blood circulation in the mucous membranes. The dry, warm heating air additionally dries them out. As a result, viruses can colonize the now more susceptible mucous membranes better and multiply in the mucosal cells.

This also makes the mucous membranes more susceptible to a bacterial infection, which in the worst case can occur in addition to the viral infection. In this case one also speaks of a bacterial superinfection. In most cases, the corresponding bacteria belong to the group of streptococci.

Due to certain symptoms, a distinction can be made between a viral and a bacterial sore throat (see below). Chronic sore throat has other causes than acute sore throat. A chronic sore throat is considered to be chronic if the symptoms persist for more than three months.

Possible causes are long-term excessive nicotine and/or alcohol consumption, as well as radiation or chemotherapy. These factors lead to long-term damage to the mucous membrane of the throat, which reacts with inflammation. Accordingly, pathogens are not the cause of chronic sore throat.

Rather, this form is caused by chronic damage to the mucous membranes by exogenous factors. A further cause of chronic sore throat in women can be the onset of menopause. The change in the hormone balance can lead to drying of the mucous membranes, which can also lead to a chronic sore throat.