What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Pharyngitis refers to the chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane and submucosal layer of the pharynx, which can extend to the lymphatic tissue adjacent to the pharynx. Its causes are related to bacterial infections, viral infections, environmental factors, and the dietary habits of the patient. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered to be caused by excessive internal heat. Thus, symptoms of pharyngitis can include dry throat, a sensation of heat, a foreign body sensation, discomfort when swallowing, and an irritating cough. In severe cases, it might lead to pain, coughing, and expectoration of phlegm, which are some of the main symptoms of pharyngitis. Severe cases might also involve throat pain and swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What to drink for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis can usually be prevented and treated with honeysuckle tea or monk fruit tea, with good results. Generally, pharyngitis is caused by repeated acute inflammation, long-term intake of spicy foods, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acidic irritation leading to congestion, edema, and lymph follicle proliferation in the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues. Symptoms include dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction sensation, burning sensation, irritative cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Severe cases may also lead to blood in the sputum. Upon examination, noticeable congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa can be found, particularly in the uvula and soft palate. Lymph follicle proliferation can be seen on the posterior pharyngeal wall and pharyngeal recesses, with significant congestion in both vocal cords, though they may not close completely. For treatment, patients should first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. Oral administration of cephalosporin antibiotics has been found to be effective, and it should be combined with nebulized inhalation. Improvement is generally seen within about a week. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain throat health in daily life?

Pharyngitis primarily refers to the acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane in our throat. For the care of pharyngitis, we should pay attention to the following points: First, we need to be mindful of our diet, which should be light, nutritious, and easy to digest. We must avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and chili peppers. Second, we should engage in appropriate physical exercise to strengthen our constitution and avoid frequent upper respiratory infections. These conditions can prevent our pharyngitis from being effectively treated, or even cured. Thirdly, we should be cautious with certain special foods. For example, if our pharyngitis is caused by allergies, then we should minimize or avoid foods that can trigger allergies, such as fish, shrimp, and seafood. In conclusion, it is crucial to actively treat pharyngitis while also looking after oneself.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal on its own?

Acute pharyngitis usually heals on its own in about 10 days under normal circumstances. Acute pharyngitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection following weakened immunity and resistance. Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever with temperatures above 38.5°C, severe throat pain, hoarse voice, and a barking cough. In severe cases, the patient may experience suffocation and even death. Acute pharyngitis is more common in children, whose throat mucosa is relatively loose, making it especially prone to swelling during inflammatory infections. In treatment, the patient first needs a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, it suggests a bacterial infection, and oral antibiotics are required. If lymphocytes are increased, it indicates a viral infection, and the patient can be treated with oral ribavirin granules, which are effective. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with pharyngitis?

People with pharyngitis should not drink alcohol, as pharyngitis is mainly divided into two types: chronic pharyngitis and acute pharyngitis. Both types should avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol can significantly irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, especially in cases with existing inflammation. Drinking alcohol can directly stimulate the mucous membranes of the throat, causing redness, pain, and potentially triggering an acute episode of pharyngitis or exacerbating the existing inflammatory response. In general, it is necessary to seek timely treatment for pharyngitis, along with regular follow-up exams. Diet management is important, and patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy or irritating foods. Regular laryngoscope check-ups are recommended to monitor changes.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to relieve pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngology disease, with many types. The most common types include acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, and allergic pharyngitis. Different types of inflammatory responses require different treatment plans. For acute pharyngitis, it is generally necessary to consider using antibiotics for anti-infection treatment; for chronic pharyngitis, oral traditional Chinese medicine combined with nebulization can be considered; for allergic pharyngitis, anti-allergic medication should be considered. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery of the condition. At the same time, a light diet is required, and smoking and drinking should be avoided. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)