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Pharyngitis Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, the muscular passage behind the nose and mouth that connects to the larynx and esophagus. It is the medical term most people mean when they say "throat infection." When the tonsils are mainly involved, it is called tonsillitis; often both are inflamed together.

Pharyngitis can be acute, lasting days, or chronic, with persistent irritation over months.

Acute pharyngitis is among the most frequent reasons adults see a doctor, particularly in autumn and winter. Chronic pharyngitis is less dramatic but can be just as frustrating, because the irritation lingers long after any infection would have cleared.

Symptoms

• Sore throat, scratchiness or burning
• Pain when swallowing
• Red throat with visible swollen lymphoid tissue on the back wall
• Fever, headache and body aches with infection
• Runny nose and cough (more typical of viral causes)
• In chronic pharyngitis: dryness, throat clearing and a feeling of mucus

Causes

Acute pharyngitis

Most acute pharyngitis is viral, including rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza and coronaviruses. Group A streptococcus is the main bacterial cause. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea can occasionally cause pharyngitis and should be mentioned if relevant, in confidence.

Chronic pharyngitis

Ongoing irritation is common with postnasal drip, mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction, laryngopharyngeal reflux, smoking, alcohol, and dry or polluted air. Seoul's dry winters and spring yellow dust season can aggravate symptoms.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim examines the throat, tonsils, nose and neck lymph nodes. Features such as fever, tonsillar exudate, tender neck nodes and absence of cough make a bacterial cause more likely. In flu season a rapid influenza test can guide treatment. For chronic or unexplained symptoms, he uses laryngoscopy to view the lower pharynx and larynx and nasal endoscopy to check for nasal or sinus drainage that keeps the throat irritated.

Treatment options

Acute pharyngitis

• Rest, warm fluids, throat lozenges and gargling with salt water
• Pain relievers to ease swallowing
• Antibiotics only when bacterial infection is likely
• Antiviral medication for confirmed influenza when appropriate

Chronic pharyngitis

• Treating rhinitis, sinusitis or nasal obstruction that causes mouth breathing
• Reflux control through diet, sleep position and medication
• Humidifying indoor air and staying well hydrated
• Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if a sore throat lasts longer than a week, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by high fever. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, severe one-sided pain, trouble opening the mouth, or a stiff, swollen neck.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk trained in endoscopic sinus surgery in Japan and skull base surgery in the United States and taught at Yonsei and Ajou universities. His nose expertise is useful here, because chronic throat irritation frequently starts in the nose, but he treats all ENT conditions. Consultations are in English; see our guide for international patients.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back wall of the throat, while tonsillitis mainly involves the tonsils. They often occur together and share causes. Treatment is similar, but tonsillitis that keeps recurring may lead to discussion of tonsillectomy.

Why do I always have a dry, irritated throat?

Chronic throat irritation is often caused by mouth breathing from a blocked nose, postnasal drip, reflux or dry indoor air. Treating the nose and reflux, and using a humidifier, usually helps more than repeated antibiotics.

Is pharyngitis contagious?

Infectious pharyngitis caused by viruses or bacteria spreads through droplets and close contact. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and avoid sharing utensils. Chronic pharyngitis caused by reflux or irritants is not contagious.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.