Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Gastritis

Mild
3
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Pharyngitis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It may develop suddenly or persist for a long time. Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol use, and other conditions that irritate or damage the stomach lining. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or a feeling of fullness. Persistent symptoms or bleeding require medical evaluation because untreated gastritis may sometimes lead to ulcers or other complications.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat, often causing a sore or scratchy throat and pain when swallowing. It is commonly caused by viral infections such as those responsible for colds and influenza, although bacteria such as group A Streptococcus can also cause it. Symptoms may include fever, swollen throat tissues, cough, or swollen neck glands depending on the cause.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Lower Abdominal Pain Nausea Vomiting
Only in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fever Hoarseness

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Alcohol Infection Smoking Stress
Only in Right Disease
None

Diagnosis

Gastritis
Diagnosis of gastritis begins with a medical history and physical examination, including review of symptoms, medicines, alcohol use, and possible H. pylori exposure. Testing may include stool or breath tests for H. pylori and blood tests when appropriate. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be recommended when symptoms are persistent, severe, recurrent, or associated with warning signs such as bleeding or unexplained weight loss. During endoscopy, tissue samples may be collected to examine the stomach lining and identify inflammation or other abnormalities.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is diagnosed from symptoms and examination of the throat. A clinician may look for redness, swelling, tonsil changes, and swollen lymph nodes and assess for other signs of respiratory infection. When bacterial infection is suspected, a rapid strep test or throat culture may be performed. Testing helps distinguish infections that may benefit from antibiotics from those caused by viruses.

Prevention

Gastritis
Some forms of gastritis can be prevented or their risk reduced by avoiding unnecessary use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and discussing safer alternatives with a healthcare professional when long-term pain treatment is needed. Limiting heavy alcohol use can reduce stomach irritation. Good hygiene and appropriate food and water practices may reduce exposure to H. pylori in settings where infection is common. People with persistent digestive symptoms should seek evaluation rather than repeatedly treating symptoms without identifying the cause.
Pharyngitis
Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can reduce the spread of infectious causes of pharyngitis. Cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sharing utensils or drinking containers. Avoiding tobacco smoke and other throat irritants can reduce noninfectious irritation. Prompt evaluation of persistent or severe symptoms can help identify infections requiring specific treatment.

Risk Factors

Gastritis
Risk factors for gastritis include Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heavy alcohol consumption, older age, autoimmune disorders, and severe physical stress from major illness or injury. Previous stomach problems and certain medical treatments may also increase risk. The likelihood depends on the underlying cause. Not everyone with a risk factor develops gastritis, and symptoms may be absent even when inflammation is present.
Pharyngitis
Risk factors include close contact with people who have respiratory infections, crowded indoor environments, frequent exposure to children, and poor hand hygiene. Tobacco smoke and other environmental irritants can also increase throat irritation. People with frequent exposure to respiratory infections may have repeated episodes. Certain underlying conditions can contribute to recurrent or persistent throat symptoms.

Treatment

Gastritis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Pharyngitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.