Clinical Diagnosis · Respiratory System · Medium
Pharyngitis
Meaning: Inflammation of the back of the throat, causing soreness and painful swallowing, usually from a viral infection.
In practice: Most cases of pharyngitis are viral and settle without antibiotics.
Word parts
- -itis means inflammation
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A chronic sleep disorder causing overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep.
Answer: Narcolepsy
Which word means: A congenital condition in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.
Answer: Hypospadias
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