How to treat symptoms of acute pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on May 02, 2025
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Acute pharyngitis is a common disease in otolaryngology. The main symptoms of acute pharyngitis include sore throat, fever, cough, expectoration, and in severe cases, there may be coarse breathing, among other symptoms. It can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, as well as physical and chemical factors in the environment, and stimulation from dust.

In such cases, if the body temperature rises above 39°C, it is necessary to reduce the fever. If there is throat pain and coughing, then antibiotics should be taken for treatment, along with some Chinese patent medicines that clear heat and detoxify, and gargling with salt water to maintain oral cleanliness.

(The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is used for acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The more common ones include sore throat and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat; some patients may also develop a fever. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to conduct some indirect laryngoscopy and routine blood tests to determine the specific cause and severity of the condition. If it is caused by an acute bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics should be considered, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins. If it is due to a viral infection, antiviral medications should be considered, and glucocorticoid medications can also be used in nebulization treatment. During the treatment process, regular follow-up visits are required to observe the effects of the treatment. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common ENT disease, so it is recommended to consult an ENT department. Acute pharyngitis is generally caused by acute bacterial infection and inflammation. There are many clinical symptoms, with the most common being sore throat and a foreign body sensation in the throat. If the inflammatory response is severe, it may also cause fever, swallowing obstruction, and breathing difficulties. In terms of treatment, it is mainly based on antibiotics to fight the infection. Oral traditional Chinese medicine can also be considered in combination with nebulization therapy. The treatment period is generally about a week. After medication, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the recovery of the condition. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal?

Acute pharyngitis generally heals within seven to ten days. Acute pharyngitis is caused by a viral infection due to lowered immunity and resistance. Patients may experience sudden high fever, severe sore throat, and symptoms such as dry throat, itchy throat, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and a feeling of obstruction. Examination may reveal swelling and congestion of the soft palate and uvula, and yellow secretions on the posterior pharyngeal wall. In terms of treatment, acute pharyngitis is a viral infection and generally does not require oral antibiotic treatment. Patients can use nebulized inhalation which is effective in reducing congestion and edema of the throat. A bland diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, drinking more water, and resting more can generally lead to gradual improvement within 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 acute pharyngitis heal by itself?

Acute pharyngitis may recover on its own, but there are individual differences. This mainly relates to the degree of the acute inflammatory response, the severity of the condition itself, and the patient's own resistance. If the inflammatory response is mild, the subjective symptoms are not obvious, and the patient's own resistance is strong, it is indeed possible for recovery to occur on its own. The recovery time is approximately 3 days to a week. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, the patient's resistance is poor, and the subjective symptoms are quite noticeable, it is recommended to seek timely treatment. A routine blood test should be conducted to assess the specific degree and type of inflammation. Treatment should primarily involve oral medication, supplemented by nebulization. Some patients may also consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Regular follow-ups are necessary, and the treatment period is approximately one week.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is nebulization useful for acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngologic disease, mainly caused by acute viral or bacterial infections that lead to inflammation. Nebulization could be considered as it is a commonly used treatment method, which helps alleviate throat pain and reduce congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, and also aids in recovery from the illness. However, oral medication is usually necessary in conjunction with nebulization. If it's a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be considered, and if it's a viral infection, antiviral medications should be used. Some patients might also combine oral traditional Chinese medicine for comprehensive treatment. The general treatment period is about a week, and regular follow-up is needed to monitor recovery. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)