Are laryngitis and pharyngitis the same?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 30, 2025
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Laryngitis and pharyngitis are common diseases in otolaryngology, occurring in different parts of the throat. Laryngitis primarily affects the mucous membrane and vocal cords of the larynx, causing congestion and swelling of the surface mucosa. The most typical symptom in patients is hoarseness, and some may experience coughing and phlegm among other related symptoms. Meanwhile, patients with chronic pharyngitis primarily present symptoms like a foreign body sensation in the throat, dryness, soreness, and a burning sensation.

When these symptoms appear, an initial diagnostic step can be through a digital nasopharyngoscope to confirm the patient's condition, followed by symptomatic treatment with throat-soothing medications under a physician’s guidance. In daily life, it is also important to protect the voice by avoiding loud talking or shouting, and maintaining a light diet, which helps protect the mucous membranes of the throat from inflammation and prevent the aforementioned symptoms.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 3sec home-news-image

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

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 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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 28sec home-news-image

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat mangoes with pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common ENT disease. Generally, patients with pharyngitis can eat mangoes, but they should not consume them if they have a mango allergy. Overall, mangoes do not have direct irritants, do not adversely affect the condition of pharyngitis, and do not impact the treatment's effectiveness. Most patients can normally consume fruits. Additionally, it is recommended to eat a lighter diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. With timely medical treatment, most patients' conditions will gradually improve, but it is currently difficult to completely cure and may recur.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

Are laryngitis and pharyngitis the same?

Laryngitis and pharyngitis are common diseases in otolaryngology, occurring in different parts of the throat. Laryngitis primarily affects the mucous membrane and vocal cords of the larynx, causing congestion and swelling of the surface mucosa. The most typical symptom in patients is hoarseness, and some may experience coughing and phlegm among other related symptoms. Meanwhile, patients with chronic pharyngitis primarily present symptoms like a foreign body sensation in the throat, dryness, soreness, and a burning sensation. When these symptoms appear, an initial diagnostic step can be through a digital nasopharyngoscope to confirm the patient's condition, followed by symptomatic treatment with throat-soothing medications under a physician’s guidance. In daily life, it is also important to protect the voice by avoiding loud talking or shouting, and maintaining a light diet, which helps protect the mucous membranes of the throat from inflammation and prevent the aforementioned symptoms.