What clinical manifestation is typically seen in viral pharyngitis compared to bacterial pharyngitis?

In viral pharyngitis, the presence of nasal congestion is a hallmark clinical manifestation that helps distinguish it from bacterial pharyngitis. Viral infections often lead to upper respiratory symptoms, which commonly include nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. This is due to the viral invasion of the upper respiratory tract, which triggers an inflammatory response that impacts the nasal passages.

Bacterial pharyngitis, on the other hand, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, typically presents with more localized symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes, but often lacks the generalized upper respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion. Therefore, the presence of nasal congestion, which is more prevalent in viral infections, signifies a viral etiology as opposed to a bacterial one.