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Pharyngitis - viral - Overview

Definition of Pharyngitis - viral:

Viral pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Viral pharyngitis is the most common cause of a sore throat.

Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other organ systems, such as the lungs or bowel.

Oropharynx

Reviewed last on: 8/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hayden GF, Turner RB. Acute Pharyngitis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 378.

Jenson HB. Epstein-Barr Virus. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 251.

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