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Pharyngitis and laryngitis

Pharyngitis and laryngitis are frequent conditions affecting the throat. Laryngitis affects the area of the vocal chords and can be caused by viral and bacterial infections as well as smoky environments, alcohol, excessive use of the voice, allergies and other health problems. It is generally painless and usually results mainly in the loss of a person’s voice.

Pharyngitis, meanwhile, affects the area at the back of the throat. Often viral, more rarely bacterial, in origin, it manifests itself as pain when swallowing, redness and inflammation of the throat, whitish secretions and loss of appetite. It is often accompanied by cold symptoms: fever, cough and runny nose.

If a doctor suspects bacterial pharyngitis, a culture of the throat secretions can help identify the bacteria present, most often streptococcus. The absence of bacteria during this analysis strongly points to a viral infection, if the medical case underlies this hypothesis.

Viral infections usually resolve themselves after a few days. On the other hand, bacterial infections require the prescription of an antibiotic to avoid complications such as ear or sinus infections.

Biron sets itself apart

Molecular detection of group A, C and G streptococci*.

  • Same-day results available.**
  • Avoids unnecessary use of antibiotic.
  • Accelerates medical care.
  • Costs reimbursed by most insurers.

*A doctor's prescription is required.
**Depending on the time of receipt of the sample.


Term of the Week

Predictive medicine

Medicine that links medical knowledge with data to predict a patient’s potential health problems. Examples include artificial intelligence and genetics.