Overview

Pharyngitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the oropharynx's mucous membranes, often resulting from bacterial or viral infections, with a sore throat being the most common symptom. If pharyngitis is left untreated, it may lead to sinusitis or acute otitis media.

Causes

• Viral infections such as the rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza, and Epstein-Barr virus. A common virus called mononucleosis spreads through saliva and causes symptoms similar to those of the flu.

• Bacterial infections like Group A Streptococcus.

Risk factors include 

• Aging

• Smoking 

• Allergies  

• Frequent sinus infections 

• Being around infected individuals 

• Exposure to certain chemicals.

Symptoms

Symptoms include  

• Sore or scratchy throat

• Fever 

• Cough 

• Runny nose 

• Headache 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Loss of appetite 

• Fatigue  

• A hoarse or muffled voice.

Ayurvedic View

Gala roga- here dosha, namely vata dosha and pitta dosha, along with agni mandhya (low digestion power), results in low immunity. These doshas reach to gala (throat) and cause soreness, discomfort, etc This is pharyngitis. The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct agni (metabolism), bring doshas back to prakruta awastha (balance state), reduce the symptoms of acute or chronic manifestation by Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and treatment done to the throat. Prevent the recurrence of this disease by improving immunity and guiding towards the follow of pathya (healthy) ahara (food).