How to treat acute pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Acute pharyngitis is the acute inflammation of the mucosa and submucosal tissues of the pharynx, and it often comes with systemic symptoms. For patients without systemic symptoms or those who have mild symptoms, local treatments such as mouthwash with cleaning and sterilizing effects, various lozenges, or traditional Chinese medicine can be used. Through oral antiviral drugs or antibiotics, severe systemic symptoms such as high fever require bed rest, plenty of fluids, and soft foods. Antiviral drugs or antibiotics can be administered through the meridian pathways. If the patient has a high fever, physical methods to reduce fever can be used, as well as corticosteroids for reducing temperature.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain daily care for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. In daily life, it is first necessary to maintain a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from smoking, and abstain from alcohol. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for oral traditional Chinese medicine, and this can be supplemented with nebulization. Throughout the medication process, it is necessary to regularly revisit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department to monitor the specific effects of the treatment. It is also advisable to minimize speaking. Frequent overuse of the voice can exacerbate the symptoms of pharyngitis and may even trigger an acute episode of chronic pharyngitis. Overall, pharyngitis can generally be well-managed and alleviated through these daily regimens and medical treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Are laryngitis and pharyngitis the same?

Laryngitis and pharyngitis are common diseases in otolaryngology, occurring in different parts of the throat. Laryngitis primarily affects the mucous membrane and vocal cords of the larynx, causing congestion and swelling of the surface mucosa. The most typical symptom in patients is hoarseness, and some may experience coughing and phlegm among other related symptoms. Meanwhile, patients with chronic pharyngitis primarily present symptoms like a foreign body sensation in the throat, dryness, soreness, and a burning sensation. When these symptoms appear, an initial diagnostic step can be through a digital nasopharyngoscope to confirm the patient's condition, followed by symptomatic treatment with throat-soothing medications under a physician’s guidance. In daily life, it is also important to protect the voice by avoiding loud talking or shouting, and maintaining a light diet, which helps protect the mucous membranes of the throat from inflammation and prevent the aforementioned symptoms.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do you need a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, which can be acute or chronic. Clinically, it mainly presents symptoms such as throat pain and a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with other symptoms. Pharyngitis can generally be diagnosed through a local examination or laryngoscopy, which fulfills clinical requirements. For recurrent pharyngitis or clinically severe cases, an electronic laryngoscopy may be necessary to check for any growths in the pharynx or on the vocal cords, as this examination can clearly determine the condition and guide clinical treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a relatively common throat disease, which has various clinical symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include repeated sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and possibly acid reflux and burping. Overall, the symptoms are diverse and vary from person to person. In terms of treatment, it usually begins with a laryngoscopy to visually assess the extent of inflammation in the throat. Blood tests are also recommended to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Once the type of infection is confirmed, targeted anti-infection treatment can be considered. This can be supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of proprietary Chinese medicines, which help in treatment. However, regular follow-up examinations are necessary after treatment, as some patients may experience recurrent and fluctuating symptoms. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Check which items for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, requiring a visit to the otolaryngology department, where routine blood tests and an indirect laryngoscopy can initially assess the severity of the condition. However, some patients may have more complex conditions and may need additional examinations such as a fiberoptic laryngoscopy or an electronic laryngoscopy. Through these examinations, the changes in the throat can be more accurately diagnosed, which then allows for targeted treatment. Most patients can opt for oral medication, combined with nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery process, and a bland diet is advised, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods.