Pharyngitis: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Features, Conventional Management, and Homoeopathic Approaches

Abstract Pharyngitis is a common inflammatory disorder of the pharyngeal mucosa and a frequent cause of outpatient consultation and antibiotic prescribing. Viral infections account for most cases, while Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is the principal bacterial pathogen of clinical significance because of its association with local and systemic complications. The present review provides an evidence-informed overview of pharyngitis by integrating contemporary biomedical knowledge with classical homoeopathic concepts, covering etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, conventional management, homoeopathic therapeutics, and the current evidence base. A narrative review of established biomedical and homoeopathic sources was undertaken. Contemporary biomedical information was derived from peer-reviewed publications, clinical guidelines, and standard medical references, while classical homoeopathic concepts and therapeutic indications were reviewed from authoritative homoeopathic texts and interpreted within their traditional philosophical framework. Pharyngitis has a multifactorial etiology, with viral infections predominating. Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, validated clinical scoring systems, and microbiological testing where indicated. Conventional management focuses on symptomatic relief, appropriate antimicrobial therapy for confirmed Group A streptococcal infection, and prevention of complications. Classical homoeopathic literature describes individualized use of remedies including Belladonna, Phytolacca decandra, Mercurius solubilis, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Lachesis mutus, and Baryta carbonica for selected symptom patterns. However, these therapeutic indications are primarily derived from classical literature and clinical tradition, and the available scientific evidence for homoeopathy in pharyngitis remains heterogeneous, with limited high-quality randomized evidence specific to this condition. Pharyngitis remains an important clinical and public health concern. Evidence-based biomedical management provides established diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, whereas homoeopathy represents an individualized therapeutic framework grounded in classical principles. Current evidence does not permit definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of homoeopathy in pharyngitis, and further well-designed, methodologically rigorous research is required.