How to deal with pharyngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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 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 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 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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a common disease in the otolaryngology head and neck surgery. It mainly involves inflammation of the mucous membrane, submucosal tissue, and adjacent lymphatic tissue of the pharynx. It is a common and frequently occurring disease that is related to dietary habits, climatic environment, and infections such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, patients with chronic pharyngitis should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, drink more water, and consume cooling foods that relieve heat. During severe cases, some heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines can be used. If there are systemic symptoms, anti-inflammatory medicines may also be taken. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. Paying attention to oral hygiene can help in the treatment and alleviation of chronic pharyngitis.

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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.