pharyngitis - #18907

I’ve been experiencing a sore throat for a few days now, along with difficulty swallowing and a slight fever. My doctor mentioned that I might have pharyngitis, but I’m not sure what exactly that means or how to treat it. Could you explain what pharyngitis is, and what the common causes are? I’ve heard it can be viral or bacterial, but how can doctors determine which type I have? From what I understand, pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the throat, but I’m curious about how this affects my body and why it causes pain or discomfort when swallowing. Can pharyngitis cause other symptoms besides a sore throat, like fatigue or body aches, and how do these symptoms differ depending on whether it’s caused by a virus or bacteria? If the cause is viral, I’ve read that pharyngitis usually clears up on its own with rest and fluids, but what should I do if the pain persists for more than a week? Are there any over-the-counter remedies or home treatments that can help soothe a sore throat from pharyngitis? If the cause is bacterial, I’ve heard that antibiotics may be necessary. How do doctors confirm if the infection is bacterial, and is there a specific test that can identify this? Should I be concerned if I don’t get better without antibiotics, or can pharyngitis sometimes resolve on its own even with a bacterial infection? Lastly, I want to know how I can prevent pharyngitis in the future. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits I should adopt, like avoiding irritants or practicing good hygiene, to reduce the risk of developing pharyngitis? If anyone has experience with pharyngitis or has tips on managing symptoms, I’d appreciate hearing about your experience.