How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal on its own?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 27sec home-news-image

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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How should pharyngitis be treated?

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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I visit for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, so it is primarily necessary to visit the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery for diagnosis and treatment. In hospitals with more specialized departments, one can also directly visit the pharyngology department for diagnosis and treatment. It is important to understand that there are many causes of pharyngitis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Besides seeing an otolaryngologist, it might also be necessary to consult with gastroenterology or thoracic surgery, as these are related departments. If the pharyngitis is caused by an allergic disease and involves allergic factors, in addition to visiting otolaryngology, it may be necessary to consult other departments such as the department of allergic diseases or respiratory medicine, depending on the specific circumstances. In summary, the primary department to consult for pharyngitis is otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

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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 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.