What condition is characterized by inflammation of the pharynx?

The condition characterized by inflammation of the pharynx is indeed pharyngitis. This condition specifically refers to the swelling and irritation of the pharyngeal tissue, which can result from various causes including viral or bacterial infections, irritants, or allergies.

Tonsillitis, while related since it refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, does not specifically identify inflammation occurring in the pharynx itself. Coryza is another term for a cold that involves inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and can affect the throat but does not primarily denote the pharyngeal inflammation specifically. Hyaline membrane disease, also known as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, is unrelated as it pertains to a lung condition in premature infants caused by insufficient surfactant production.

Therefore, pharyngitis is the most accurate term that directly describes inflammation of the pharynx.