Does pharyngitis cause a fever?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 21, 2024
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Pharyngitis generally involves fever symptoms in acute cases. Acute pharyngitis results from a lowered immune and resistance response, leading to viral or bacterial infections that cause both local symptoms in the throat and systemic symptoms. Patients may experience high fever, with body temperatures above 38°C (100.4°F), and severe throat pain, primarily during swallowing, leading to refusal to eat due to intense throat pain. Additionally, patients may feel a blockage or foreign body sensation in the throat. Upon examination with an electronic laryngoscope, the mucous membrane in the throat area can be seen as congested and swollen, especially around the soft palate and uvula. Pus-filled secretions may also be present on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Regarding treatment, if the patient's temperature exceeds 38°C, antipyretic medications are required; if below 38°C, wiping the body with warm water can be used. Anti-inflammatory treatment should also be administered based on symptoms, and recovery can generally be expected within a week. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is caused by a Coxsackievirus infection following a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance, leading to symptoms in the throat as well as general body symptoms. Patients will experience sudden high fever, with body temperature above 38°C, dizziness, headache, severe throat pain, primarily pain during swallowing. Additionally, patients may also experience dry throat, itching throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, a sense of obstruction, a burning sensation, and irritative cough. The condition generally occurs in autumn and is more common in children. For treatment, patients should first go to the hospital for an examination using an electronic laryngoscope and complete a blood count test. If diagnosed with pharyngitis, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment should be administered. As it is generally a viral infection, symptomatic antiviral treatment can be effective. Additionally, nebulized inhalation is used to alleviate local congestion and edema. A light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, generally leads to gradual recovery within about a week.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does acute pharyngitis cause fever?

Acute pharyngitis may cause a fever, but overall, the proportion of cases that develop a fever is relatively small. This is mainly because acute pharyngitis is caused by acute bacterial infections, with a small number of patients possibly experiencing concurrent acute viral infections leading to inflammation. Generally, the common symptoms include sudden onset of sore throat which may affect breathing or swallowing, such as a feeling of obstruction or a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some patients may experience fevers, typically seen in those with more severe inflammatory responses or who have been ill for a longer time without timely treatment. Generally, the fever is mild, though a small number of patients may experience high fever. The main treatment method is anti-infection therapy, and if the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, it can be combined with antipyretic drugs. (Please consult a professional physician for medication use, and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How long will it take for pharyngitis to heal?

Pharyngitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in daily life, divided into acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Patients with acute pharyngitis experience sudden onset, often due to bacterial infection, or triggered by exposure to cold or a cold. The patient's throat will exhibit acute congestion and inflammation, with symptoms primarily including sore throat, dry throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Usually, after symptomatic treatments such as anti-inflammation, throat clearing, and unblocking orifices, the patient's symptoms can generally be relieved within 5-7 days. On the other hand, patients with chronic pharyngitis are mainly treated through daily protection, avoiding excessive use of the voice, and a comprehensive treatment method that includes quitting smoking and alcohol.