The harm of chronic pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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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Written by Li Mao Cai
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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis outbreak

The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis can vary widely and there is significant individual variation. Some people have pronounced symptoms during an attack, while others may not exhibit particularly noticeable or typical symptoms. Clinically common symptoms include a sudden or recurrent sensation of a foreign body in the throat, burning, and itching. A small number of patients may also experience coughing, mainly dry cough, and possibly a sensation of throat obstruction. However, normal swallowing, eating, and drinking are not directly affected; the main issue is an abnormal sensation. Overall, it is a common condition that can be confirmed and assessed through a laryngoscopy exam. Treatment primarily involves oral medications and nebulization therapy. Regular follow-ups, a light diet, and avoiding spicy and irritating substances are recommended. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does chronic pharyngitis cause tightness in the chest?

Chronic pharyngitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology. Patients with chronic pharyngitis usually experience tightness in the throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, discomfort in the pharyngeal area, and difficulty swallowing. The main causes are related to the patient's smoking, drinking, exposure to cold, and chronic inflammation in the throat leading to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. When the above symptoms occur, one should first visit a hospital in a timely manner, complete examinations including electronic nasopharyngoscopy, routine blood tests, biochemical tests, and C-reactive protein tests to make a clear diagnosis. Furthermore, under the guidance of a senior physician, oral medications for soothing the throat should be used. Additionally, it is advisable to protect your voice, avoid shouting, and maintain a light diet to help prevent the occurrence of chronic pharyngitis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is caused by a variety of reasons, leading to congestion, edema, and lymph follicle proliferation in the mucous membrane and submucosal tissue of the throat. Common causes include repeated inflammatory stimulation, intake of spicy foods, and local symptoms caused by gastric acid reflux. Patients may experience dryness, pain, itching, foreign body sensation, obstruction feeling, burning sensation, irritating dry cough, and hoarseness in the throat. In severe cases, there may even be blood in the sputum. During examination, swelling of the uvula and significant proliferation of lymph follicles can be found in areas such as the lateral pharyngeal wall, posterior pharyngeal wall, and the base of the tongue. In terms of treatment, patients need to first identify the cause, adopt a light diet, quit smoking and alcohol, exercise, avoid colds, and maintain a regular diet with post-meal physical activity for gradual improvement and to prevent recurrence.