Is chronic pharyngitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 11, 2024

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Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pharyngeal mucosa. This inflammatory condition may evolve from an acute infection, be allergic in nature, or stem from esophageal acid reflux. It is important to note that this type of chronic inflammation is not contagious; it does not spread, so no isolation measures are needed. Thus, it is important to focus on active treatment and consume plenty of water to prevent the worsening of chronic pharyngitis or frequent recurrent episodes, which could exacerbate the condition.

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The harm of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common disease in otolaryngology, and overall, its harmfulness is not particularly great because the main cause of the disease is ordinary chronic inflammation. Therefore, the main harm is that it can easily cause discomfort in the throat. The more common symptoms include recurring sore throat, a foreign body sensation and burning sensation in the throat area. Some people may also experience itching in the throat and coughing. Laryngoscopic examination is a fairly routine method of examination, and in general, the severity of the condition can be assessed through laryngoscopy. Consideration should also be given to drug treatment, generally focusing on nebulization and oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as maintaining a light diet, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, and regular follow-up check-ups.

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Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a diffuse chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane, submucosal layer, and lymphatic tissues mainly seen in adults. Its primary symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the throat, itchiness, a sensation of heat, dryness, and potentially pain during swallowing. Thick secretions often adhere to the throat wall, causing patients to experience frequent irritative coughing and a nauseous feeling upon waking in the morning. Sometimes, there may be no phlegm or only granular secretions coughed up. In the case of atrophic pharyngitis, there might be foul-smelling scabs. Clinically, it is advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not to smoke or drink alcohol, etc.

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Otolaryngology

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Chronic pharyngitis is classified into several types.

Chronic pharyngitis, based on pathological conditions, is divided into three types. The first type is chronic simple pharyngitis, which is also the most common type we usually refer to. It mainly involves chronic congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa and hyperplasia of lymphatic follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall. The second type is chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis, which can be observed during examination as congested and thickened pharyngeal mucosa with proliferating lymphatic tissue, appearing rather thick. The third type is atrophic and dry pharyngitis, which is relatively rare in clinical cases and often accompanies atrophic rhinitis. A primary symptom is dryness in the throat because the pathological changes mainly involve a decrease in the secretory function of the glandular tissues in the pharynx, resulting in reduced secretions and the mucosa becoming atrophic and thin. Based on the different causes of the condition, it can also be divided into several types. One type is simple pharyngitis, also referred to as chronic simple pharyngitis, related to smoking, drinking, air pollution, and excessive talking. Another type is reflux pharyngitis, which is now also a disease with a relatively high incidence rate, mainly caused by gastroesophageal reflux leading to chronic inflammation of the stomach and damage to the mucous membrane of the pharynx and throat, known as reflux pharyngitis. Additionally, some cases are secondary to rhinitis and sinusitis, due to the long-term discomfort in the throat caused by the backflow of nasal discharge, leading to chronic inflammatory responses; this is also a type of secondary pharyngitis.

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Otolaryngology

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Does chronic pharyngitis cause nausea?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include sore throat and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, as well as possible nausea and dry heaving, primarily due to chronic inflammatory reactions. In terms of treatment, laryngoscopy and routine blood tests can be conducted to assess the extent of inflammation. Generally, oral traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, and it is advisable to combine this with nebulization therapy. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol. The general treatment period is about 1 to 2 weeks, with regular follow-ups needed to monitor effectiveness.

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Otolaryngology

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Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis Flare-ups

Chronic pharyngitis has many causes, and common clinical causes include the following: First, it is caused by repeated inflammatory stimulation, commonly seen with acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis; second, it is due to long-term spicy diet stimulation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acid reflux stimulation. The acid liquid and vapors from reflux can irritate the mucosa of the throat, causing congestion, edema, and proliferation of lymphatic follicles in the mucosal lining. This leads to symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, a sensation of obstruction, and a burning sensation. Therefore, in treatment, patients first need to exercise, avoid colds, avoid inflammatory invasions, and at the same time, they need a light diet, to quit smoking and drinking, avoid spicy and irritating foods, regulate gastrointestinal function, and avoid acid reflux to gradually improve and prevent recurrent episodes.