What to eat for chronic pharyngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 20, 2025
00:00
00:00

Chronic pharyngitis is caused by a variety of factors that lead to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues, as well as lymph follicle hyperplasia. Common causes include recurrent inflammation of the tonsils, long-term consumption of spicy foods, gastrointestinal dysfunction, acid reflux, and prolonged exposure to smoking and alcohol, which can lead to symptoms in the throat area. Patients may experience dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, a feeling of obstruction, burning sensation, and irritative coughing, which in severe cases can lead to blood in the sputum. During examination, severe congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa can be observed, and lymph follicle hyperplasia can be found on the pharyngeal wall, pharyngeal lateral bands, and the base of the tongue. For treatment, patients can take Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, which has been shown to have good therapeutic effects. A light diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and avoiding spicy and irritating foods can gradually improve the condition and prevent recurrent attacks. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis have fundamental differences, primarily in the nature of the diseases. Acute pharyngitis is acute, while chronic pharyngitis is chronic. Due to the different nature of the diseases, the clinical symptoms of acute and chronic pharyngitis also differ. Acute pharyngitis typically presents clinically with throat pain, whereas chronic pharyngitis usually manifests as dryness, itchiness in the throat, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, among other discomforts. Additionally, their treatments are different. For acute pharyngitis, antibiotics may be used if there is purulent sputum or a bacterial infection. In contrast, chronic pharyngitis generally does not involve the use of antibiotics; instead, treatment mainly consists of taking Chinese patent medicines that clear heat and detoxify the body. Thus, the differences between them are quite distinct. (Please consult a professional physician before using any medication; do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to take care of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis in usual care primarily involves identifying the causes of pharyngitis and preventing these triggers for gradual improvement and to avoid recurrent attacks. Common causes observed clinically include: First, congestion in the throat caused by changes in weather, smog, and smoke irritation. Second, symptoms in the throat caused by repeated acute inflammatory irritations, such as acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute rhinitis, and sinusitis. Recurrent irritation by purulent secretions can lead to congestion and edema of the mucous membrane in the throat area. Third, long-term intake of spicy food leading to disturbances and disorders in the digestive system, commonly seen in stomach cancer, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Repeated irritation by acidic reflux and gases can also cause symptoms in the throat area. Therefore, in treatment, patients should first eliminate these triggers for gradual improvement and healing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Can pharyngitis be cured?

There are several types of pharyngitis, and the overall approach to treatment is primarily focused on symptom control. The more common types of pharyngitis include acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, and allergic pharyngitis. During the acute phase, it is advisable to consider a complete blood count to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Once the type of infection is confirmed, targeted anti-infection treatment can be administered. For example, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, and antiviral medications are considered for viral infections. For chronic pharyngitis, treatment generally involves nebulization and the use of traditional Chinese medicines. If the condition is mild, regular check-ups may suffice without the need for long-term medication use. However, for any type of pharyngitis, treatment currently focuses on controlling symptoms, stabilizing the condition, and alleviation. It is difficult to achieve a cure or prevent recurrence completely. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Acute pharyngitis clinical symptoms

Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngologic disease with various clinical symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include sudden onset of sore throat, and some patients may experience severe pain. There may also be a sensation of swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, fever may occur. Upon these symptoms, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngologist for routine blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations to determine the specific extent and type of infection and inflammation. Treatment generally focuses on antibiotic therapy to combat infection, and nebulizer therapy can also be used. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)