Nasopharyngitis is caused typically by a virus, the most common virus being rhinovirus. Common colds are contagious and spread via tiny airborne droplets that enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes.
What is the difference between nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis?
Chronic pharyngitis may be catarrhal, hypertrophic, or atrophic. Tonsillitis is a subtype of pharyngitis. If the inflammation includes both the tonsils and other parts of the throat, it may be called pharyngotonsillitis or tonsillopharyngitis. Another subclassification is nasopharyngitis (the common cold).
Rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are recognized as the major causes of the common cold syndrome. The role of these viruses in more serious respiratory illnesses resulting in hospitalization is less well defined.
