1. Introduction
1.1 Challenges in treating sore throat
Sore throat, i.e. acute pharyngitis, is an inflammatory
syndrome of the pharynx and/or tonsils that can be
caused by several different groups of microorganisms.
Pharyngitis can be part of a generalized upper respiratory
tract infection or a specific infection localized in the
pharynx. Most cases are caused by viruses and occur as
part of common colds and influenzal syndromes.
Sore throat is the most common indication for an
unscheduled visit with a physician for the school-age
child, adolescent, and adult [1, 2]. On the other hand,
fewer than 20 % of patients with sore throat or pharyngo-
tonsillitis seek medical advice [3–6].
Several factors may cause sore throat (VINDICATE:
vascular [as in blood dyscrasias], infection, neoplasma,
degenerative diseases, intoxication congenital diseases,
allergy, trauma or endocrine disorders [7]). However,
most cases of sore throat are caused by infectious pharyngitis
and up to 85 % of all such infections are considered
to be of viral origin.