Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 08, 2024
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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.

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Causes of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a very common disease in otolaryngology, with many specific causes that are not singular. Its causes are mainly related to lifestyle habits, diet, and some secondary and primary diseases. Common causes include smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of spicy and irritating food, staying up late, high psychological stress, and significant emotional fluctuations, all of which can lead to chronic pharyngitis. Another cause is secondary pharyngitis, which results from primary diseases such as chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. Due to the long-term backflow of nasal discharge, which flows back into the throat and irritates the mucous membrane, a chronic inflammatory response is produced. This is also a common cause of chronic pharyngitis. Furthermore, there is reflux pharyngitis, which is also a type of chronic pharyngitis. Some people have stomach diseases and reflux esophagitis, where long-term acid reflux leads to damage in the mucous membranes of the throat, causing chronic inflammation with symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and throat dryness. Therefore, there are many causes of chronic pharyngitis, including both primary and secondary reasons. A specific diagnosis needs to be made by a doctor based on a thorough medical history and physical examination.

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How to alleviate chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a manifestation of excessive internal heat. Therefore, we should avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, drink more water, gargle with light saltwater, and can hold it in the mouth for five to six minutes before spitting it out. Pay attention to oral hygiene, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. Consuming bitter melon, mustard greens, white radish, or drinking teas made from kuding tea, chrysanthemum, and banlangen can help alleviate chronic pharyngitis. If these measures do not improve symptoms, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, taking some heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines orally can also achieve relief and treatment.

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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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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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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.