Can pharyngitis be cured?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 22, 2025
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Pharyngitis can be divided into acute and chronic types, with acute pharyngitis being curable. Acute pharyngitis occurs due to a weakened immune system followed by acute inflammatory infection, such as infections by Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, or Coxsackie virus, leading to both systemic and local symptoms. Patients may experience sudden high fever, swelling and pain in the throat, and also present with coughing and phlegm among other clinical signs. For treatment, patients firstly need to have a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, this indicates a bacterial infection, and patients will need oral antibiotic treatment, for which cephalosporin antibiotics are effective. However, if lymphocytes are elevated, this indicates a viral infection, which does not require any medication. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and maintaining a light diet will generally lead to recovery in about a week. (Please take any medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with pharyngitis?

People with pharyngitis should not drink alcohol, as pharyngitis is mainly divided into two types: chronic pharyngitis and acute pharyngitis. Both types should avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol can significantly irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, especially in cases with existing inflammation. Drinking alcohol can directly stimulate the mucous membranes of the throat, causing redness, pain, and potentially triggering an acute episode of pharyngitis or exacerbating the existing inflammatory response. In general, it is necessary to seek timely treatment for pharyngitis, along with regular follow-up exams. Diet management is important, and patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy or irritating foods. Regular laryngoscope check-ups are recommended to monitor changes.

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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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Symptoms of pharyngitis

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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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.