Acute pharyngitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissue, and local lymphatic tissue. Initially, it is a viral infection or a mixed infection of viruses and bacteria; in later stages, when secondary infections occur, it may entirely turn into a bacterial infection. During acute pharyngitis, there is pain in the pharyngeal region, and the pharyngeal mucosa becomes congested and swollen. We must advise patients not to smoke as it further irritates and exacerbates the congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, worsening the condition of acute pharyngitis. Smoking can even cause the infection in the pharynx to spread to the lower airways, leading to tracheitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia; therefore, smoking should be avoided during acute pharyngitis.