ACUTE PHARYNGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Acute Pharyngitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation or swelling of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that lies behind the mouth and nasal cavity and connects them to the esophagus. It is commonly referred to as a sore throat.
This condition is most often caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, but can also be caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus, or other irritants like allergies or excessive vocal strain.
Symptoms of acute pharyngitis typically include a scratchy or painful throat, difficulty swallowing, redness and swelling of the throat, hoarse voice, a sensation of presence of a foreign body in the throat, and occasionally, fever.
Diagnosis of acute pharyngitis is usually done through a physical examination, where a healthcare professional examines the throat for signs of inflammation or infection. Laboratory tests, such as throat swab cultures, may be conducted to identify specific bacteria or viruses causing the infection.
Treatment for acute pharyngitis depends on the cause but often focuses on managing symptoms. This may involve resting the voice, using throat lozenges or sprays for throat pain relief, staying hydrated, and consuming warm liquids such as tea or broth. In cases caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Most individuals recover from acute pharyngitis within a week, while others may require longer recovery time, especially if caused by a more severe infection.
Etymology of ACUTE PHARYNGITIS
The word "acute pharyngitis" is composed of two parts: "acute" and "pharyngitis".
1. Acute: The term "acute" derives from the Latin word "acutus", meaning "sharp" or "pointed". In medical terminology, "acute" is used to describe a condition that has a rapid onset, is severe in nature, and is typically short-lived.
2. Pharyngitis: The word "pharyngitis" is derived from the Greek word "phárugx" which means "throat" and the suffix "-itis" meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "pharyngitis" refers to the inflammation of the throat, specifically the pharynx.
Combined, "acute pharyngitis" refers to the sudden and severe inflammation of the pharynx.
