Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Pharyngitis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Asthma

Moderate
4
Symptoms
3
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.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and can narrow or become more sensitive to triggers. This may cause repeated episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Symptoms can vary over time and may become worse during an asthma attack. Asthma can begin in childhood or adulthood and affects people of all ages.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Fever Hoarseness
Only in Right Disease
Chest Pain Chest Tightness Coughing Blood Dry Cough

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
Genetics Hormonal Imbalance Stress

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.
Asthma
Asthma is diagnosed using the pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and lung function testing. Spirometry can assess how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly it moves through the airways. Additional testing may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or to identify allergic or other triggers. Symptoms and lung function are considered together.

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.
Asthma
Asthma cannot always be prevented, but attacks can often be reduced by identifying and avoiding personal triggers and following an individualized treatment plan. Avoiding tobacco smoke, reducing exposure to known allergens or irritants, managing respiratory infections, and taking prescribed medicines as directed can help control symptoms. Regular follow-up is important when symptoms are persistent or changing.

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.
Asthma
Risk factors include a family history of asthma, allergies, exposure to tobacco smoke, certain workplace chemicals or dusts, repeated viral respiratory infections during childhood, and obesity. The likelihood of asthma may also be influenced by environmental conditions and individual sensitivity to allergens or irritants. Risk factors and triggers differ between people.

Treatment

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