Does pharyngitis have phlegm?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 18, 2024
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Pharyngitis presents with a variety of symptoms. Some patients may experience phlegm, along with coughing, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some may also have difficulty swallowing, fever, and difficulty breathing. There is significant individual variation in specific clinical symptoms. After onset, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can be performed to help initially determine the specific cause and extent of the condition. Most patients can consider oral medication treatment, and can also combine this with nebulization. During the treatment process, regular follow-up examinations are needed to observe the treatment effects. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can pharyngitis not be cured?

There are many treatment methods for pharyngitis, but it is still difficult to cure completely and may recur frequently. After the onset, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic where you can have routine blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations, which help to preliminarily determine the severity of the condition. Generally, oral medication can be considered, along with nebulization therapy. During treatment, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor the effects. Most patients will gradually improve with timely medication. In terms of diet, it should be light; avoid spicy and irritative foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 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.)