What Is Viral Pharyngitis?
10. Are There Other Diseases That Mimic Viral Pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the throat is a common symptom of viral pharyngitis, but it also indicates the possibility of a number of other conditions. This is why a doctor may conduct additional diagnostic tests so the patient gets the correct treatment recommendations. Tonsillitis mimics many of the symptoms of pharyngitis because there is a sore throat accompanied by inflammation of the tonsils. Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box and may cause a sore throat.
Throat ulcers are sores that are filled with pus, and they have symptoms that are similar to bacterial pharyngitis. Initial allergic reactions may also feel like a sore throat. Other diseases that can mimic the symptoms of pharyngitis include acute thyroiditis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lymphoma, leukemia, Behcet disease, oral mucositis and Steven-Johnson syndrome. To diagnose these other conditions, the doctor may order additional lab or imaging studies.
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