Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis Flare-ups

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 02, 2024
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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.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
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Is chronic pharyngitis contagious?

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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is chronic pharyngitis easy to cure?

Chronic pharyngitis currently primarily focuses on controlling and alleviating symptoms. Based on existing treatment methods and medical solutions, it cannot be completely cured. Treatment mainly involves oral medications, and can also include nebulization and dietary adjustments. Patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy irritants. Additionally, regular laryngoscopic examinations are necessary to check for other potential abnormalities in the throat. However, overall, the condition cannot be completely cured, but it is generally not very severe and does not significantly impact overall health and safety. Nevertheless, it is important to have regular follow-up visits to check for any other changes in the condition.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis flare-ups

The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis mainly include the following points. The first is a foreign body sensation in the throat. This sensation in the throat is a subjective feeling of the patient, often most noticeable when swallowing saliva, that is, when the throat is otherwise empty. However, there is no significant obstruction when eating or drinking, which is a typical clinical feature and characteristic of chronic pharyngitis caused by a foreign body sensation in the throat. The second symptom is pain in the throat. When chronic pharyngitis is triggered by certain adverse stimuli, there can be a sensation of pain in the throat, as well as nausea. Many people with chronic pharyngitis experience nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning when brushing their teeth or upon waking, which stimulates movement in the throat.