Symptoms of pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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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How to treat acute pharyngitis?

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.

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How to deal with pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis, under general circumstances, stems from acute inflammatory irritation, causing symptoms in the pharyngeal area. It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus or streptococcus hemolyticus. It triggers sudden high fevers in patients, with temperatures above 38.5°C, and severe pain in the throat, primarily during swallowing. Additionally, patients may experience dryness, itchiness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, obstruction, and hoarseness in the throat, and in severe cases, it can lead to irritative coughing. Patients may present with mucosal rupture, evidenced by blood-streaked sputum. Examination may reveal congested and swollen pharyngeal mucosa, often covered with yellow secretions. In terms of treatment, initial steps include a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, are recommended. An increase in lymphocytes may indicate a viral infection, in which symptomatic antiviral treatment is advised. Patients should adhere to a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. Recovery typically occurs within about a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Otolaryngology
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Is nebulization effective for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is caused by various reasons and is an acute and chronic infection of the throat, characterized by sore throat, hoarse voice, and various foreign body sensations in the throat. The basic pathological changes are the congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, including both acute and chronic congestion. Therefore, nebulization treatment mainly works through the nebulized particles directly affecting the mucosa of the throat. Medications such as gentamicin and dexamethasone have a direct effect in reducing the mucosal edema of the throat. The effect of nebulization for pharyngitis is quite good as it directly affects the mucosa. For some patients, it is necessary to combine nebulization with oral medication, and generally, the combined treatment is very effective. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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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Can you eat mangoes with pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common ENT disease. Generally, patients with pharyngitis can eat mangoes, but they should not consume them if they have a mango allergy. Overall, mangoes do not have direct irritants, do not adversely affect the condition of pharyngitis, and do not impact the treatment's effectiveness. Most patients can normally consume fruits. Additionally, it is recommended to eat a lighter diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. With timely medical treatment, most patients' conditions will gradually improve, but it is currently difficult to completely cure and may recur.