Pharyngitis: Understanding the Medical Term for Sore Throat

The medical term for a sore throat is "pharyngitis." Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx, which is the back of the throat. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, allergies, and irritation. Symptoms of pharyngitis include a scratchy or sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Treatment for pharyngitis depends on the cause of the inflammation.