How should pharyngitis be treated?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Pharyngitis refers to the chronic inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa in the throat, which can extend to the lymphatic tissue around the pharynx. The causes of pharyngitis may include bacterial infection, viral infection, environmental factors, and the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. It may also be related to excessive use of the voice or excessive talking. Traditional Chinese medicine considers it a type of heat syndrome. Therefore, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid shouting loudly, drink plenty of water, gargle with salt water, maintain oral hygiene, and consume foods that clear heat, detoxify, strengthen the spleen, and stimulate the appetite. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and overheating. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, one may use some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If pharyngitis is accompanied by symptoms such as pain and fever, taking anti-inflammatory medications can enhance the treatment effect.

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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.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by acute viral or bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and resulting in the swelling and reddening of the mucous membrane in the throat. Common symptoms include sudden onset of throat pain and swelling. If the inflammatory response is significant, it may also be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, a sense of obstruction, or breathing difficulties. Generally, it is a common disease. It may be advisable to conduct a laryngoscopy to inspect the extent of inflammation in the throat and perform a routine blood test to determine whether it is an acute bacterial or viral infection. In terms of treatment, oral medication is usually preferred, and nebulization or traditional Chinese medicine can be considered to target the infection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is pharyngitis prone to recurrence?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease that tends to recur. The most common causes are acute bacterial or viral infections. It can also be triggered by a cold, and some patients are affected because they often come into contact with irritants or chemical substances. A small number of patients suffer due to spicy diets or the consumption of other allergenic foods. Generally, symptoms can be significantly improved through standardized medical treatment. For example, throat pain and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be alleviated, but there is a tendency for recurrence. Additionally, some patients may experience inflammatory reactions in other parts of the body. (The use of medications should be guided by a professional 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.