What are the symptoms of acute pharyngitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on April 11, 2025
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Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disease with a variety of clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include sore throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, and fever. Some patients may experience swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties, and there is considerable individual variability in specific symptoms. Generally, it is recommended to conduct a laryngoscopy and complete blood count to determine the specific degree and type of the inflammatory response. In terms of treatment, oral medication is primarily used, which can be supplemented with nebulization. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and oral medication is ineffective, intravenous therapy may need to be considered.

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

Acute pharyngitis is caused by the invasion of bacteria or viruses due to weakened immunity and resistance in the body, leading to systemic symptoms and symptoms in the throat area. Patients may experience sudden high fever, with body temperature above 38.5°C, dizziness, headache, dryness and pain in the throat, as well as a sensation of obstruction and foreign body in the throat. Examination may reveal significant congestion and swelling in the throat, with yellow secretions adhering to the soft palate and pharyngeal wall. For treatment, patients initially need a complete blood count test; if there is an increase in white blood cells, oral antibiotics such as cefixime and amoxicillin are needed. If lymphocytes are elevated, oral administration of ribavirin granules is required, which has good effects. Nebulization can also be used concurrently to alleviate local congestion and swelling, and recovery can generally begin within about a week. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does it take for the follicles of acute pharyngitis to subside?

If it is just a simple case of acute pharyngitis causing lymph follicles, generally, the regression time is about one to two weeks. However, some patients may experience persistent lymph follicles after another outbreak of acute pharyngitis. Or, if there has been chronic pharyngitis before, the likelihood of proliferation of lymph follicles is relatively higher. Firstly, it is important to assess the specific degree and symptoms. If one does not feel significantly uncomfortable, regular laryngoscopic examinations are usually sufficient. If symptoms of pharyngitis are present, it is advisable to use oral medications and nebulization therapy. Overall, it does not pose a significant risk to health; it is just necessary to regularly monitor and observe any changes in the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is acute pharyngitis contagious?

Acute pharyngitis can be contagious. Generally, it can spread through the respiratory or digestive systems. If the patient shows symptoms of fever and throat pain, isolation is required. Typically, isolation lasts for 3-5 days. Acute pharyngitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms in the throat as well as systemic symptoms. The patient may experience sudden high fever, with body temperature above 38°C, and severe throat pain. Other symptoms include dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and a feeling of obstruction. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, the mucous membranes in the throat may be found to be congested and significantly swollen, with pus-like secretions present on the posterior pharyngeal wall. For treatment, an examination using an electronic laryngoscope and a routine blood test are first required. If there is an increase in white blood cells, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment and oral antibiotics are needed. If lymphocytes are elevated, symptomatic antiviral treatment is required, and recovery can generally occur within about a week. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can I eat chicken with acute pharyngitis?

Patients with acute pharyngitis can eat chicken, as it is a common type of meat and does not have direct side effects on the condition of acute pharyngitis, nor does it affect the treatment outcome. It also does not directly interfere with the medications used for treating acute pharyngitis. However, merely controlling diet does not significantly affect the treatment of acute pharyngitis; it requires combination with oral medications. Currently, antibiotics are commonly used, and can be combined with nebulizer therapy. During the treatment process, it is necessary to regularly review and observe the treatment effects. Most patients will gradually improve with timely treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Is acute pharyngitis prone to recurrence?

Acute pharyngitis is a disease prone to recurrence and is very common in otolaryngology. The causes are mainly associated with the patient's long-term habits of smoking, drinking alcohol, exposure to colds, and consumption of spicy and irritating food, as well as cold drinks. Patients with acute pharyngitis may experience symptoms such as dry throat, itchy throat, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat during an episode. For patients with acute pharyngitis, it is important to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating food in daily life to prevent recurrent symptoms. Additionally, rinsing with salt water can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and congestion of the mucous membranes in the throat.