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Pharyngotonsillitis
Do you need a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, which can be acute or chronic. Clinically, it mainly presents symptoms such as throat pain and a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with other symptoms. Pharyngitis can generally be diagnosed through a local examination or laryngoscopy, which fulfills clinical requirements. For recurrent pharyngitis or clinically severe cases, an electronic laryngoscopy may be necessary to check for any growths in the pharynx or on the vocal cords, as this examination can clearly determine the condition and guide clinical treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis.
How to deal with pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis, under general circumstances, stems from acute inflammatory irritation, causing symptoms in the pharyngeal area. It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus or streptococcus hemolyticus. It triggers sudden high fevers in patients, with temperatures above 38.5°C, and severe pain in the throat, primarily during swallowing. Additionally, patients may experience dryness, itchiness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, obstruction, and hoarseness in the throat, and in severe cases, it can lead to irritative coughing. Patients may present with mucosal rupture, evidenced by blood-streaked sputum. Examination may reveal congested and swollen pharyngeal mucosa, often covered with yellow secretions. In terms of treatment, initial steps include a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, are recommended. An increase in lymphocytes may indicate a viral infection, in which symptomatic antiviral treatment is advised. Patients should adhere to a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. Recovery typically occurs within about a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
Is pharyngitis prone to recurrence?
Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease that tends to recur. The most common causes are acute bacterial or viral infections. It can also be triggered by a cold, and some patients are affected because they often come into contact with irritants or chemical substances. A small number of patients suffer due to spicy diets or the consumption of other allergenic foods. Generally, symptoms can be significantly improved through standardized medical treatment. For example, throat pain and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be alleviated, but there is a tendency for recurrence. Additionally, some patients may experience inflammatory reactions in other parts of the body. (The use of medications should be guided by a professional doctor.)
How should pharyngitis be treated?
Pharyngitis refers to the chronic inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa in the throat, which can extend to the lymphatic tissue around the pharynx. The causes of pharyngitis may include bacterial infection, viral infection, environmental factors, and the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. It may also be related to excessive use of the voice or excessive talking. Traditional Chinese medicine considers it a type of heat syndrome. Therefore, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid shouting loudly, drink plenty of water, gargle with salt water, maintain oral hygiene, and consume foods that clear heat, detoxify, strengthen the spleen, and stimulate the appetite. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and overheating. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, one may use some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If pharyngitis is accompanied by symptoms such as pain and fever, taking anti-inflammatory medications can enhance the treatment effect.
How to maintain daily care for pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. In daily life, it is first necessary to maintain a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from smoking, and abstain from alcohol. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for oral traditional Chinese medicine, and this can be supplemented with nebulization. Throughout the medication process, it is necessary to regularly revisit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department to monitor the specific effects of the treatment. It is also advisable to minimize speaking. Frequent overuse of the voice can exacerbate the symptoms of pharyngitis and may even trigger an acute episode of chronic pharyngitis. Overall, pharyngitis can generally be well-managed and alleviated through these daily regimens and medical treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
What is acute pharyngitis?
Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by acute viral or bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and resulting in the swelling and reddening of the mucous membrane in the throat. Common symptoms include sudden onset of throat pain and swelling. If the inflammatory response is significant, it may also be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, a sense of obstruction, or breathing difficulties. Generally, it is a common disease. It may be advisable to conduct a laryngoscopy to inspect the extent of inflammation in the throat and perform a routine blood test to determine whether it is an acute bacterial or viral infection. In terms of treatment, oral medication is usually preferred, and nebulization or traditional Chinese medicine can be considered to target the infection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)
How to cure pharyngitis completely?
Pharyngitis is divided into several types, with chronic pharyngitis and acute pharyngitis being the more commonly encountered in clinical settings. In terms of treatment, chronic pharyngitis is currently difficult to cure completely. Generally, treatment focuses on controlling the condition, alleviating inflammation, and improving symptoms. The existing treatment methods primarily involve oral traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and may also include nebulization and dietary adjustments. Some patients may opt for traditional Chinese medicine treatments. However, overall, treatment mainly aims at control and relief, and it is still challenging to completely cure chronic pharyngitis with existing medical approaches. Acute pharyngitis, on the other hand, is generally treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, typically over a period of about one week. Overall, the treatment results are quite good, but there can still be a certain degree of recurrence.
What department should I visit for pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, so it is primarily necessary to visit the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery for diagnosis and treatment. In hospitals with more specialized departments, one can also directly visit the pharyngology department for diagnosis and treatment. It is important to understand that there are many causes of pharyngitis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Besides seeing an otolaryngologist, it might also be necessary to consult with gastroenterology or thoracic surgery, as these are related departments. If the pharyngitis is caused by an allergic disease and involves allergic factors, in addition to visiting otolaryngology, it may be necessary to consult other departments such as the department of allergic diseases or respiratory medicine, depending on the specific circumstances. In summary, the primary department to consult for pharyngitis is otolaryngology head and neck surgery.
How is acute pharyngitis treated?
The treatment of acute pharyngitis is based on its causes and symptoms. First, it is recommended to gargle with mouthwash, which helps alleviate some throat symptoms. Additionally, it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, consume a liquid diet, and avoid foods that are too hot or too harsh to reduce irritation to the throat. Also, minimize speaking to allow the vocal cords to rest thoroughly, which can help alleviate symptoms of hoarseness. In terms of medication, the treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapies. Doctors will select the appropriate medication based on your drug sensitivity, routine medication experience, and the seasonal characteristics of the outbreak. Nebulized inhalation treatment is also necessary, which can relieve swelling of the throat mucosa, reduce mucosal swelling, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. If the condition is severe, systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids may be added, and traditional Chinese medicine lozenges can be used to support symptomatic treatment.
How to maintain throat health in daily life?
Pharyngitis primarily refers to the acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane in our throat. For the care of pharyngitis, we should pay attention to the following points: First, we need to be mindful of our diet, which should be light, nutritious, and easy to digest. We must avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and chili peppers. Second, we should engage in appropriate physical exercise to strengthen our constitution and avoid frequent upper respiratory infections. These conditions can prevent our pharyngitis from being effectively treated, or even cured. Thirdly, we should be cautious with certain special foods. For example, if our pharyngitis is caused by allergies, then we should minimize or avoid foods that can trigger allergies, such as fish, shrimp, and seafood. In conclusion, it is crucial to actively treat pharyngitis while also looking after oneself.