Chronic Pharyngitis Formation Mechanism

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 05, 2025
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Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, caused by many factors. It might be due to an untreated cold or acute pharyngitis. It can also be caused by long-term exposure to external irritants, improper diet, frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating food, or mucosal lesions in the throat area. For treatment, it is first advised to conduct a laryngoscopy to evaluate the specific condition of the pharyngitis. Generally, oral traditional Chinese medicine is considered, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulizer treatment. The treatment period is usually about one to two weeks. After medication treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of pharyngitis and cough

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include cough, phlegm, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. A small number of patients may experience fever, swallowing obstruction, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the otolaryngology department after the onset of symptoms. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can be performed to help determine the specific cause and severity of the condition. Targeted treatment can then be administered, generally considering oral medications and possibly complemented with nebulization therapy. Regular follow-ups are necessary during the treatment process to monitor the recovery of the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is caused by a variety of reasons; it results in congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues, along with proliferation of lymphatic follicles. Patients may experience dryness, itching, foreign body sensation, obstruction, burning sensation, and irritative cough in the throat. Severe cases may lead to bloody sputum. Common causes can include repeated acute inflammatory stimuli such as tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, or long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, spicy food intake, digestive system disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux, all of which can cause congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues, as well as lymphatic follicle proliferation. Examination with a laryngoscope can reveal significant congestion in the pharyngeal mucosa, uvula, and uvula, and lymphatic follicles can be found on the posterior pharyngeal wall, at the base of the tongue, and in the pharyngeal recesses. Treatment initially requires identifying and avoiding the cause. Nebulization inhalation can be used to alleviate local congestion and swelling, and adopting a light diet and quitting smoking and drinking can gradually lead to improvement and prevent recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Jun
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How to treat acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections following a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance. Patients will experience sudden high fever with body temperature above 38°C, severe throat pain, and may also have symptoms of dry throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction, breathing difficulties, and hoarseness. Upon examination, congestion and swelling of the soft palate and uvula can be observed, and yellow secretions may be found on the throat wall. In terms of treatment, patients should first go to the hospital for a routine blood test, which generally indicates a bacterial infection. Patients can take oral cephalosporin antibiotics, which are effective. Treatment also involves nebulizer inhalation to alleviate throat congestion and swelling. A light diet, quitting smoking, and abstaining from alcohol can contribute to gradual improvement and recovery within about a week. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis.

The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis mainly lies in the following aspects: The first is the onset time. Acute pharyngitis generally refers to a sudden inflammatory reaction of the throat, usually lasting for a short duration, about a week, and generally does not exceed a week. Conversely, chronic pharyngitis lasts longer, possibly recurring with repeated throat pain and a foreign body sensation, but the symptoms are generally not very severe, lasting about three months or more, primarily characterized by repeated occurrences. The second aspect is the symptoms, which differ in the mildness of throat pain. Chronic pharyngitis generally involves mild throat pain, and there may also be a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Acute pharyngitis, on the other hand, is mainly characterized by acute throat pain, with relatively short duration but severe symptoms. Third, it can be determined through a routine blood test. Acute pharyngitis often involves acute bacterial or viral infections, possibly with elevated white blood cells. Chronic pharyngitis generally results from non-bacterial, non-viral infections, with blood tests usually being normal. These aspects together can generally provide a basic diagnosis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal by itself?

The recovery time for acute pharyngitis is generally about a week. Some patients can recover on their own, which typically takes about a week. However, some patients cannot recover on their own, especially those with severe acute inflammatory responses and prominent clinical symptoms, particularly when accompanied by significant acute bacterial or viral infections. In such cases, medication treatment is likely necessary. Relying solely on one's natural immunity might be relatively ineffective; therefore, considering timely targeted medication treatment is necessary. Additionally, the use of nebulization and traditional Chinese oral medications, regular blood tests, and laryngoscope examinations to monitor recovery are recommended. It is also advised to maintain a light diet and avoid smoking and drinking. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific circumstances.)