The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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The differentiation between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis mainly involves the following aspects: First, the onset duration. Generally, acute pharyngitis has a short onset, often sudden, and typically lasts about a week; whereas chronic pharyngitis tends to have a longer duration of illness, possibly involving repeated episodes, usually lasting from one to three months or more. Second, in terms of clinical symptoms, acute pharyngitis usually presents sudden onset of throat pain, which can be relatively severe; chronic pharyngitis may involve pain, but it is generally milder and recurrent, fluctuating, with some patients experiencing a sensation of a foreign body or itchiness in the throat. Third, it can be diagnosed through laryngoscopic examination.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis have fundamental differences, primarily in the nature of the diseases. Acute pharyngitis is acute, while chronic pharyngitis is chronic. Due to the different nature of the diseases, the clinical symptoms of acute and chronic pharyngitis also differ. Acute pharyngitis typically presents clinically with throat pain, whereas chronic pharyngitis usually manifests as dryness, itchiness in the throat, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, among other discomforts. Additionally, their treatments are different. For acute pharyngitis, antibiotics may be used if there is purulent sputum or a bacterial infection. In contrast, chronic pharyngitis generally does not involve the use of antibiotics; instead, treatment mainly consists of taking Chinese patent medicines that clear heat and detoxify the body. Thus, the differences between them are quite distinct. (Please consult a professional physician before using any medication; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat mangoes with pharyngitis?

Patients with pharyngitis can eat mangoes. The main causes of pharyngitis are often related to smoking, drinking alcohol, eating spicy and irritating food, and consuming icy cold drinks. Generally, fruits can be eaten. However, if a patient is allergic to mangoes, they should not eat them. Under normal circumstances, fruits that do not cause allergies can be consumed. For patients with pharyngitis, it is usually recommended to eat light vegetables and fruits, and to primarily have a semi-liquid diet. Additionally, in daily life, it is beneficial for the improvement of pharyngitis symptoms to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and reduce the consumption of spicy, irritating food and cold drinks.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min 9sec home-news-image

Does pharyngitis spread?

Pharyngitis refers to the acute and chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissue, and local lymphatic tissue. Clinically, it mainly presents as a sore throat or a foreign body sensation in the throat, among other discomforts. Acute pharyngitis should be noted for its certain contagiousness, primarily due to viral infections, bacterial infections, or a combination of both, thus it is contagious. Appropriate precautions such as isolation measures, like wearing masks, should be considered. As for chronic pharyngitis, it is not contagious, so special isolation measures are not necessary. Regarding pharyngitis accompanying other diseases, such as reflux pharyngitis which may also involve Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach, some literature reports suggest that Helicobacter pylori can be contagious during chronic pharyngitis, but this has not been fully confirmed and is only based on some reports. In summary, acute pharyngitis is confirmed to be contagious, while chronic pharyngitis is currently not contagious.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for pharyngitis?

It is recommended to visit the Department of Otorhinolaryngology for pharyngitis, as the main manifestation of pharyngitis is the inflammatory response in the pharyngeal area, which may be related to bacterial or viral infections. Additionally, it could be caused by one's lifestyle, diet, or external irritants leading to inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Common symptoms include recurrent pain in the throat, a foreign body sensation or burning sensation in the throat, and during the acute inflammatory phase, some patients may also experience fever or have difficulties swallowing and breathing. These symptoms fall within the scope of diagnosis and treatment by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Therefore, it is advised to visit this department for pharyngitis, and some individuals may further need to consider undergoing laryngoscopy and routine blood tests for targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Can pharyngitis be cured?

There are several types of pharyngitis, and the overall approach to treatment is primarily focused on symptom control. The more common types of pharyngitis include acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, and allergic pharyngitis. During the acute phase, it is advisable to consider a complete blood count to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Once the type of infection is confirmed, targeted anti-infection treatment can be administered. For example, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, and antiviral medications are considered for viral infections. For chronic pharyngitis, treatment generally involves nebulization and the use of traditional Chinese medicines. If the condition is mild, regular check-ups may suffice without the need for long-term medication use. However, for any type of pharyngitis, treatment currently focuses on controlling symptoms, stabilizing the condition, and alleviation. It is difficult to achieve a cure or prevent recurrence completely. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)