Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series with Dr. Josef Schenker, the Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. With decades of experience in internal medicine and emergency medical services, Dr. Schenker has helped thousands of patients take charge of their health—and now he’s here to help you do the same.
In this series, Dr. Schenker dives into important health concerns, from everyday illnesses to seasonal ailments, sharing trusted advice you can actually use. Whether you’re trying to prevent a cold or manage an ongoing condition, each blog is packed with practical insights to help you make smart decisions about your well-being.
Pharyngitis Management
If you’ve ever had a sore throat that made it hard to swallow, speak, or even sleep, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced pharyngitis. In fact, pharyngitis is responsible for more than 12 million doctor visits in the United States each year. It’s especially common during colder months but can strike any time of year.
While many cases clear up on their own, some forms of pharyngitis require medical treatment to avoid complications. That’s why recognizing the symptoms early and understanding how to manage them is essential. Dr. Schenker’s goal is to help you understand when you can treat pharyngitis at home—and when it’s time to see a professional.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains What is Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of your throat just behind your mouth and nasal cavity. When this area becomes swollen or irritated, it can cause pain, scratchiness, and discomfort—especially when swallowing.
Josef Schenker, MD says to think of pharyngitis as a symptom rather than a condition on its own. It can be caused by many different things, and the treatment often depends on what’s behind it.
Here are the most common types of pharyngitis:
- Viral pharyngitis: Caused by viruses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. It’s the most common type and often clears up without antibiotics.
- Bacterial pharyngitis: Often due to Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat). This type may need antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
- Allergic pharyngitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, leading to throat inflammation.
- Irritant-related pharyngitis: Caused by exposure to smoke, pollution, or chemicals, irritating the throat lining.
- Fungal pharyngitis: Less common, usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems or those using inhaled steroids.
Understanding the type of pharyngitis is key to managing it correctly. Let’s move on to spotting the symptoms.
Symptoms of Pharyngitis
When your throat starts feeling off, it’s easy to brush it off as “just a sore throat.” But knowing the specific signs of pharyngitis can help you catch it early and treat it properly—before it gets worse.
Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Sore throat: That raw, scratchy feeling in your throat—especially when you swallow—is usually the first sign something’s not right.
- Redness in the throat: If you take a peek in the mirror and notice the back of your throat looks red or inflamed, that’s a common sign of irritation.
- Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes: You might feel tenderness around your neck or jaw. This swelling is your immune system at work, trying to fight off an infection.
- Dry throat: That parched, tight feeling often shows up before the soreness gets worse. It can also make talking or swallowing uncomfortable.
- Hoarseness or a muffled voice: If your voice sounds raspy or different than usual, the inflammation may be affecting your vocal cords.
- Fever: When your body’s battling an infection, a fever may tag along—especially in bacterial cases like strep throat.
- Coughing or sneezing: These are more likely if your pharyngitis is triggered by a virus or allergy.
- Headache or fatigue: Feeling worn out? Pharyngitis can come with general achiness or tiredness, especially if it’s part of a larger viral infection.
Dr. Josef Schenker advises that if you notice a few of these symptoms hanging around—or getting worse—it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. The sooner you act, the faster you can start feeling better.
Causes of Pharyngitis
Here are the most common culprits:
- Viruses: Most cases of pharyngitis are viral. That includes common colds, the flu, mononucleosis (mono), and even COVID-19. These typically clear up on their own with rest and fluids.
- Bacteria: If you’ve ever had strep throat, you’ve experienced bacterial pharyngitis. It’s usually caused by Streptococcus bacteria and needs antibiotics to prevent complications.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can lead to ongoing throat irritation—especially if your nose is stuffy or you’re breathing through your mouth.
- Environmental irritants: Smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes can inflame the throat, especially with repeated exposure. This type of pharyngitis can stick around until the irritant is removed.
- Dry air: When the air in your home is too dry—especially in the winter—your throat can dry out and become irritated.
- Fungal infections: Less common, but they do happen—particularly in people with weakened immune systems or those using inhaled steroids regularly.
- Overusing your voice: Talking loudly, singing for hours, or even cheering too hard at a game can strain your throat and cause inflammation.
Dr. Josef Schenker emphasizes that figuring out what’s causing your sore throat helps you and your doctor decide on the best path forward.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Manage Pharyngitis
Managing pharyngitis starts with a proper diagnosis. During your visit, a provider may do a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and sometimes use a rapid strep test or throat swab to check for bacterial infection. According to Josef Schenker, MD, getting the right diagnosis upfront is essential—it helps avoid unnecessary medications and gets you on the right treatment faster.
Once you know what’s behind the inflammation, treatment can be personalized to your needs. Here are the most common approaches, depending on the cause:
- Rest and hydration
Giving your body time to recover and drinking plenty of fluids can go a long way in easing symptoms and speeding up healing. - Over-the-counter pain relievers
Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain, bring down a fever, and help you feel more comfortable overall. - Antibiotics (if bacterial)
If your pharyngitis is caused by something like strep throat, your provider may prescribe antibiotics. Just remember to finish the full course, even if you feel better before it’s done. - Saltwater gargles
Simple but effective. Gargling with warm salt water a few times a day can help reduce swelling and ease throat discomfort. - Throat lozenges or sprays
These can soothe your throat and make it easier to talk or eat while you’re healing. - Use a humidifier
Especially helpful during dry seasons or if you’re using indoor heat, a humidifier adds moisture back into the air and helps prevent further irritation. - Avoid irritants
Stay away from cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, or anything else that might make your throat feel worse. - Address the root cause
If allergies or another condition are to blame, managing that underlying issue—whether it’s through medication or lifestyle changes—can reduce flare-ups.
Dr. Josef Schenker reminds us that no two cases of pharyngitis are the same. Whether it’s a viral bug, environmental trigger, or bacterial infection, the best treatment is the one that targets the specific cause.
How to Prevent Pharyngitis?
You can’t stop every sore throat from showing up—but you can lower your chances of getting pharyngitis, especially the infectious kinds. Prevention really comes down to protecting your immune system and limiting your exposure to triggers.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Wash your hands often: Clean hands prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause throat infections.
- Avoid sharing cups and utensils: Germs spread quickly when we share drinks, silverware, or toothbrushes—especially among kids.
- Support your immune system: A healthy lifestyle matters. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, and sleeping well all give your body the tools it needs to fight off infections.
- Use a humidifier: Especially during colder months or when the heat’s running nonstop. Moist air helps protect the delicate lining of your throat.
- Manage your allergies: Work with your doctor to keep allergies under control with medications or avoidance strategies. Less inflammation means a happier throat.
- Avoid smoke and pollution: If you smoke, consider quitting. If you don’t, try to steer clear of secondhand smoke and harsh chemical fumes.
- Stay current on your vaccines: Vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 reduce your chances of catching the viruses that often lead to pharyngitis.
Small changes can make a big difference. Prevention is always easier than treatment when it comes to sore throats.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
If your sore throat lasts longer than a few days, is very painful, or comes with a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, or trouble breathing or swallowing, it’s time to see a doctor. Quick evaluation ensures you get the right treatment.
Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the pharynx, which is the general area of the throat behind your mouth. Tonsillitis, on the other hand, specifically involves inflammation of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped tissues at the back of your throat.
Yes, pharyngitis caused by viruses or bacteria is contagious. It can easily spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose can also lead to infection if precautions aren’t taken.
Pharyngitis Management: Stop Sore Throat Pain
A sore throat might seem like a small issue, but if it’s caused by pharyngitis—especially a bacterial infection like strep—it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, pharyngitis can lead to complications or keep coming back. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Managing them early can make a big difference in how fast you recover.
If you’re in New York and need help, Centers Urgent Care has multiple locations across the city, ready to provide fast and reliable care. Josef Schenker, MD and his experienced team are here to evaluate your symptoms, offer expert diagnosis, and guide you through a treatment plan that works. Whether it’s a quick test or follow-up support, we’re here to help you feel better, and faster.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
