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Chronic pharyngitis
The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis are relatively common otolaryngological diseases, with certain differences between them. First, in terms of the onset of the disease, chronic pharyngitis has a longer duration, generally more than three months, and is recurrent; whereas acute pharyngitis typically has a sudden onset and clinically usually lasts no more than a week. There are also differences in clinical symptoms. The main manifestations of acute pharyngitis are sudden throat pain and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and some patients may also develop a fever. In contrast, chronic pharyngitis typically presents with a sensation of a foreign body and pain in the throat, which are generally not very severe and do not lead to fever. The third point is the cause of the disease. Acute pharyngitis is generally caused by acute viral or bacterial infections, leading to congestion and swelling of the mucosa in the throat. Chronic pharyngitis, on the other hand, involves non-bacterial, non-viral inflammatory responses.
Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis Flare-ups
Chronic pharyngitis has many causes, and common clinical causes include the following: First, it is caused by repeated inflammatory stimulation, commonly seen with acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis; second, it is due to long-term spicy diet stimulation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acid reflux stimulation. The acid liquid and vapors from reflux can irritate the mucosa of the throat, causing congestion, edema, and proliferation of lymphatic follicles in the mucosal lining. This leads to symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, a sensation of obstruction, and a burning sensation. Therefore, in treatment, patients first need to exercise, avoid colds, avoid inflammatory invasions, and at the same time, they need a light diet, to quit smoking and drinking, avoid spicy and irritating foods, regulate gastrointestinal function, and avoid acid reflux to gradually improve and prevent recurrent episodes.
Does chronic pharyngitis cause nausea?
Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include sore throat and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, as well as possible nausea and dry heaving, primarily due to chronic inflammatory reactions. In terms of treatment, laryngoscopy and routine blood tests can be conducted to assess the extent of inflammation. Generally, oral traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, and it is advisable to combine this with nebulization therapy. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol. The general treatment period is about 1 to 2 weeks, with regular follow-ups needed to monitor effectiveness.
Does chronic pharyngitis cause bad breath?
Chronic pharyngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology. The main symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include dry throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and sore throat. Some patients may also experience bad breath, which is mainly caused by the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. In treating chronic pharyngitis, the primary approach is to address the cause. For example, if the patient frequently smokes, drinks alcohol, or consumes spicy, stimulating foods and cold drinks, it is necessary to avoid such habits. Additionally, rinsing the mouth with saline can help maintain oral hygiene. Furthermore, regular exercise is recommended to enhance the patient's physical condition to resist chronic pharyngitis and reduce its occurrence.
The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis
The differentiation between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis mainly involves the following aspects: First, the onset duration. Generally, acute pharyngitis has a short onset, often sudden, and typically lasts about a week; whereas chronic pharyngitis tends to have a longer duration of illness, possibly involving repeated episodes, usually lasting from one to three months or more. Second, in terms of clinical symptoms, acute pharyngitis usually presents sudden onset of throat pain, which can be relatively severe; chronic pharyngitis may involve pain, but it is generally milder and recurrent, fluctuating, with some patients experiencing a sensation of a foreign body or itchiness in the throat. Third, it can be diagnosed through laryngoscopic examination.
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis flare-ups
The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis mainly include the following points. The first is a foreign body sensation in the throat. This sensation in the throat is a subjective feeling of the patient, often most noticeable when swallowing saliva, that is, when the throat is otherwise empty. However, there is no significant obstruction when eating or drinking, which is a typical clinical feature and characteristic of chronic pharyngitis caused by a foreign body sensation in the throat. The second symptom is pain in the throat. When chronic pharyngitis is triggered by certain adverse stimuli, there can be a sensation of pain in the throat, as well as nausea. Many people with chronic pharyngitis experience nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning when brushing their teeth or upon waking, which stimulates movement in the throat.
How to completely cure chronic pharyngitis?
Chronic pharyngitis currently cannot be completely cured. Generally, the approach is to control symptoms, alleviate the condition, and improve clinical manifestations. With the existing medical methods, whether it is Chinese medicine or Western medicine, the focus is on control, as current measures cannot achieve a complete cure. Chronic pharyngitis is primarily caused by chronic inflammation in the throat area. This disease is a relatively common chronic illness, and the nature of the disease determines its recurrent nature, which may also be accompanied by fluctuations in clinical symptoms. Overall, the treatment mainly involves oral medications, supplemented by nebulization. Lifestyle and dietary adjustments are also necessary. It is a common disease and does not pose a significant risk to overall health. Regular follow-up with laryngoscope examinations generally allows for control and stabilization of the condition.
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis is a diffuse chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane, submucosal layer, and lymphatic tissues mainly seen in adults. Its primary symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the throat, itchiness, a sensation of heat, dryness, and potentially pain during swallowing. Thick secretions often adhere to the throat wall, causing patients to experience frequent irritative coughing and a nauseous feeling upon waking in the morning. Sometimes, there may be no phlegm or only granular secretions coughed up. In the case of atrophic pharyngitis, there might be foul-smelling scabs. Clinically, it is advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not to smoke or drink alcohol, etc.
Symptoms of Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis is a very common disease in otolaryngology, and the symptoms described by patients at the time of consultation are also diverse. The most common symptoms include dry throat, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Many people describe that they can neither cough it out nor swallow it down. Others say there is a feeling of obstruction when swallowing. This sensation of obstruction when swallowing refers to the feeling of blockage when simply swallowing saliva, but there is no problem with eating or drinking water, which is also called a feeling of obstruction during dry swallowing. Some people also experience notable pain, especially during acute episodes of chronic pharyngitis. Additionally, some experience nausea or retching while brushing their teeth in the morning, among other symptoms. Furthermore, pharyngitis often accompanies other primary diseases or symptoms, such as post-nasal drip, vomiting white sticky phlegm, and some people experiencing snoring during sleep, all of which are direct or indirect symptoms of pharyngitis.
How to deal with chronic pharyngitis?
Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common disease in otorhinolaryngology. First, it is necessary to assess the specific extent of inflammation. It is advisable to visit an otorhinolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopic examination. If the inflammatory response is mild and personal symptoms are not particularly noticeable, regular follow-up and observation are generally recommended. Additionally, dietary control is necessary, including avoiding smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. If the inflammatory response is significant and personal symptoms are severe, medical treatment should be considered. Currently, treatment mainly involves nebulization and oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines, along with self-regulation. Some patients may also consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)