What is acute pharyngitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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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Acute pharyngitis how long to heal by itself

The recovery period for acute pharyngitis generally lasts about a week, but there is also some individual variation. If the inflammatory response is relatively localized and the subjective symptoms are not particularly pronounced, the recovery time can be shorter, roughly three to five days. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and the patient's subjective symptoms are also more pronounced, the recovery period will relatively extend, possibly requiring more than a week. Firstly, it is important to consider timely treatment; if the inflammation is severe and bacterial infection is involved, the use of antibiotics should be considered. This can be supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine. Regular follow-ups to observe the recovery status are necessary. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a manifestation of excess heat in the body. Therefore, we should avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. You can eat some bitter foods that clear heat and relieve summer heat, such as bitter melon, mustard greens, white radish, fish mint, and isatis root, all of which have the effect of clearing heat and removing dampness. Gargling with salt water, holding it in your mouth for five to six minutes before spitting it out, can also be beneficial. If dietary treatment is ineffective, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, you might use some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat, detoxify, and remove dampness from the throat. If there are general symptoms such as chills, fever, or aversion to cold, it may be necessary to also use antibiotics in the treatment. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor; do not self-medicate blindly.)

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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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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.