pharyngitis INFLAMMATION and irritation of the
pharynx (the top part of the THROAT), often due to
viral or bacterial INFECTION. Seasonal allergies,
environmental irritants such as smoke, and
uncontrolled GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISORDER
(GERD) are also common causes of pharyngitis,
often called sore throat.
Pharyngitis that interferes with BREATH-
ING or swallowing requires emergency
medical care.Many pathogens can cause infections. Doctors
estimate that viruses cause about 60 percent of
pharyngitis and BACTERIAcause about 30 percent.
Distinguishing the responsible PATHOGEN guides
treatment, as bacterial pharyngitis requires treat-
ment with ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. It is difficult to
determine the cause of pharyngitis on the basis of
symptoms. The only conclusive diagnostic meas-
ure is a throat culture to identify what pathogens
are present.
The primary symptom of pharyngitis is a
scratchy or sore throat. Other symptoms may
occur, depending on the cause, such as FEVER,
HEADACHE, COUGH, and SNEEZE. Most viral pharyngi-
tis runs its course in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial
pharyngitis greatly improves within 2 days of initi-
ating antibiotic therapy, though it is essential to
take the antibiotic medication until it is gone.
Reducing or eliminating exposure to irritants such
as cigarette smoke and pollen helps with nonin-
fectious pharyngitis. A doctor should evaluate
acute pharyngitis (pharyngitis that comes on sud-
denly) that continues longer than 10 days, and
chronic pharyngitis (ongoing or recurrent) on a
regular basis. Chronic pharyngitis can signal other
health problems, such as laryngealCANCER.
See also ALLERGIC RHINITIS; LARYNGITIS; POSTNASAL
DRIP; SINUSITIS; SMOKING AND HEALTH; STREP THROAT.
postnasal drip Mucus from the NOSEthat flows
down the back of the THROAT. Postnasal drip is a
common complaint and may accompany various
health conditions, including COLDS, ALLERGIC RHINI-
TIS, SINUSITIS, and OTITISmedia. Postnasal drip is a
common cause of PHARYNGITISbecause it irritates
the tissues at the back of the throat (pharynx) and
can cause COUGH, especially when lying down or
asleep. Swallowed postnasal drip often causes
NAUSEA.
Mucus production is the body’s natural mecha-
nism for removing pathogens and debris from the
nasal passages, and it is normal for it to increase as
a protective measure when there is irritation to
the nasal passages. Treatment focuses on identify-
ing the underlying cause of continued excessive
production. ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS are helpful
only when the cause is bacterial INFECTION. Med-
ications to reduce INFLAMMATIONin the nasal pas-
sages, such as oral ANTIHISTAMINE MEDICATIONSor
nasal sprays, can help reduce mucus production;
however, overuse of nasal sprays results in
rebound congestion (increased mucus production
when not using the spray). Drinking plenty of flu-
ids helps keep mucus thin, making it easier for the
body to expel. Humidified air may reduce irrita-
tion to the nasal passages to slow mucus produc-
tion.
See also BACTERIA; BLOWING THE NOSE; FOREIGN
OBJECTS IN THE EAR OR NOSE; RHINORRHEA; SNEEZE.presbycusis The natural diminishment of hear-
ing ability that occurs with aging. HEARING LOSS
affects both ears, is sensorineural, and progresses
in a predictable pattern, beginning with sounds in
the high frequency range (2,000 Hz to 4,000 Hz).
Researchers do not know the precise mechanisms
through which presbycusis takes place, though
most believe it occurs through a cumulative loss of
cells from the inner EAR, the NERVEpathways to
the BRAIN, and within the brain itself. Many factors
influence the rate of progression. One third of
adults between age 65 and 74 and half of those
beyond age 74 have age-related hearing loss.
Health conditions that affect blood circulation and
nerve function, such as ATHEROSCLEROSISand DIA-
BETES, intensify the effects of age-related changes.
Noise exposure can exacerbate the rate and nature
of hearing loss. Older adults also are more likely to
take medications that have ototoxic side effects,
such as loop diuretics and certain antihypertensive
medications.
Early indications of presbycusis, which may
become apparent when a person is in his or her
late 50s or early 60s, include difficulty hearingpresbycusis 45