Pharyngitis is a medical term for inflammation of the pharynx, a part of the throat that is located behind the mouth and nasal cavity. The condition is commonly referred to as sore throat. It is caused mostly by bacterial or viral infections. It is a common reason for throat pain, scratchiness, and discomfort.
Depending on its cause and duration of symptoms, Pharyngitis can be majorly divided into various types such as:
Acute Pharyngitis: It is a sudden inflammation of the pharynx caused by infections, usually of viral origin such as the common cold, and bacterial origin such as Group A Streptococcus, and in immunocompromised patients by fungal infection.
Chronic Pharyngitis: It is a persistent inflammation of the pharynx, which results in long-term symptoms lasting up to several weeks. It is caused by environmental factors, allergies, GERD, chronic sinusitis, overuse of voice, smoking, and alcohol.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis: The bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus, is the one that causes streptococcal Pharyngitis, a condition also known as strep throat. It is an extremely contagious infection that primarily affects the tonsils and throat.
Mononucleosis Pharyngitis: It is a complication of infectious mononucleosis. It is caused by a herpesvirus called the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Although it can occur at any age majorly in teens and young adults are the main demographics affected by this disorder.
Pharyngitis can trigger different kinds of symptoms. Some of the general symptoms experienced are as follows:
A sore throat feels uncomfortable, itchy, or irritated.
There is pain or discomfort while swallowing.
The pain and discomfort due to Pharyngitis can lead to tension and stress which causes headache in Pharyngitis.
This is one of the most common secondary symptoms of viral Pharyngitis in which the inflamed pharynx may trigger a reflex that can lead to coughing.
The inflammation of pharynx can affect the vocal cords that are situated in the larynx which leads to change in the voice.
It may be present especially in viral or bacterial infections.
Jiva offers advanced Ayurvedic treatment for Pharyngitis or sore throat. Our treatment protocols target the root-cause of the disease and not just the symptoms, to offer lasting-relief and restore optimal vitality.
HACCP-certified Ayurvedic Medicine: The scientifically formulated mixtures consisting of active ingredients will help an individual maintain their emotional balance.
Mindfulness practice, as well as yoga and meditation: These are the approaches which will help in achieving general wellness and mental health.
Ayurvedic treatments: They involve Panchakarma massages and other therapies that will promote emotional well-being and detoxification.
Diet and Lifestyle Counseling: Make dietary and behavioral changes that will help improve health according to specialists’ recommendations.
The problems related to Pharyngitis can be treated using Ayurvedic medicines which are made using various herbs such as:
Garlic: Garlic is a powerful natural medicine for treating Pharyngitis (sore throat) due to its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties as it contains allicin.
Turmeric: It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, and antioxidant properties due to the presence of curcumin which helps in providing relief from the inflammation in the throat and killing the bacteria and viruses that are responsible for causing sore throat.
Amla: It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which boost immunity, thereby helping the body in fighting with infections. Apart from that, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which helps in reducing swelling and infection in the throat.
Fenugreek: It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which will again help in reducing the swelling and infection thereby providing relief from the pain. The mucilage in it helps soothe the throat and reduce irritation.
Cinnamon: It has antimicrobial properties which will help in fighting the infection causing bacteria and viruses. It can also provide a soothing effect to the throat which in turn will reduce the pain and discomfort.
Tulsi: It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Like all other herbs which will help in alleviating the pain and discomfort.
Pharyngitis can be effectively treated at home which will help in providing relief from the symptoms. Here are some of the home remedies for Pharyngitis, discussed below:
Warm water Gargle: The mixture of half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water should be gargled several times in a day as it will help in reducing swelling and pain within the throat.
Hydration: It will help to fight off infection and keep the throat moist which will reduce the inflammation, dryness and symptoms of irritation. Also, an adequate amount of hydration is necessary for supporting the immune system and maintaining overall health.
Humidifier: A humidifier can help relieve sore, dry throats and inflammation as it adds moisture to the air. Apart from that, the moist air will help in reducing the congestion which is linked with Pharyngitis.
Throat lozenges: They provide temporary relief from irritation and sore throats.
Pharyngeal arches are structures formed early within the embryonic stage in vertebrates, including humans. These structures are bilateral tissue enlargements, shaped like arches which are developed on the head and neck of the embryo. These growths are particularly crucial for the development of some facial, neck, and throat structures.
ICD 10 is the 10th revision done during the international classification of Diseases in which unspecified acute Pharyngitis was classified under code J02.9.
The pharyngeal isthmus, or fauces, is a narrow channel joining the oropharynx, or middle region of the pharynx, to the oral cavity, or mouth. The palatoglossal arches on either side, the base of the tongue beneath, and the soft palate (velum) above enclose it.
One such kind of Pharyngitis or sore throat that arises from an allergic reaction is the allergic Pharyngitis. It will be caused in your body when allergens such as mold, dust mites, pollen, or pet dander trigger an immunological response - irritated and inflamed in your throat.
This type of cancer occurs in the pharynx, which is the connection point between the throat and the entrance to the nasal cavity. Pharyngeal carcinoma, more commonly known as throat cancer, is classified as a head and neck cancer.
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis both are throat infections where Pharyngitis refers to infection of throat and tonsillitis is the infection of tonsils. When both occur together then it is referred to as pharyngotonsillitis.
Usually harmless, Pharyngitis, also known as a sore throat, resolves on its own in about a week. However, it can be very painful and even brings on symptoms such as pain, scratchiness, and even trouble swallowing.
Ayurvedic medications containing herbs like garlic, turmeric, amla, fenugreek, cinnamon, and tulsi are used to treat pharyngitis. These herbs formulated in the medicine helps to soothe the throat and cure Pharyngitis.
These medicines may cause several side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and can lead to some allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to take the supervision of a licensed Ayurvedic specialist before using them.
