Preview Depending on the cause, pharyngitis may be a relatively benign symptom or an ominous harbinger of severe sequelae, including rheumatic fever. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to avoid potentially serious complications. Drs Bonilla and Bluestone discuss the most common causes of pharyngitis, the diagnostic workup, and the current symptomatic and antimicrobial therapies. Treatment of recurrent tonsillitis is also included.