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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Pharyngitis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

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.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition in which widespread inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs make it difficult for oxygen to pass into the blood. It can develop rapidly after severe illness or injury and may cause severe breathing difficulty and low blood oxygen levels.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fever Hoarseness
Only in Right Disease
Chest Pain Coughing Blood Frequent Sweating

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
Infection

Diagnosis

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.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Diagnosis of ARDS is based on severe breathing difficulty, low blood oxygen levels, clinical history, physical examination, and chest imaging. Chest X-rays or other imaging may show widespread lung abnormalities. Healthcare professionals also evaluate the underlying illness and exclude other causes of lung fluid or respiratory failure.

Prevention

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.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARDS cannot always be prevented because it can result from severe illness or injury. Prompt treatment of serious infections, careful management of conditions that can lead to severe lung injury, avoiding aspiration when possible, and appropriate medical care after major trauma may reduce risk or severity. Early recognition of worsening breathing problems is important.

Risk Factors

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.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Risk is increased by conditions that can severely injure or inflame the lungs, including sepsis, severe pneumonia, major trauma, aspiration, and other serious illnesses. The likelihood of ARDS is also influenced by the severity of the underlying condition and the extent of systemic inflammation.

Treatment

Pharyngitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Treatment comparison will be available soon.