Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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The symptoms of acute pharyngitis are quite numerous, mainly due to bacterial infections, which are sudden. This easily leads to sore throat, foreign body sensation, and burning sensation. Some patients may have a severe inflammatory response, causing fever, and possibly even high fever. Due to significant throat swelling and pain, some patients may also experience difficulties in normal breathing and swallowing, leading to shortness of breath and a sensation of swallowing obstruction. Overall, the treatment is primarily focused on anti-infection. In addition, consideration can be given to combining nebulization and traditional Chinese medicine for treatment. The treatment period is about one week, and a bland diet is necessary, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, with regular ENT follow-ups. (For specific medication, please take drugs under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common disease in otorhinolaryngology. First, it is necessary to assess the specific extent of inflammation. It is advisable to visit an otorhinolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopic examination. If the inflammatory response is mild and personal symptoms are not particularly noticeable, regular follow-up and observation are generally recommended. Additionally, dietary control is necessary, including avoiding smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. If the inflammatory response is significant and personal symptoms are severe, medical treatment should be considered. Currently, treatment mainly involves nebulization and oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines, along with self-regulation. Some patients may also consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to take care of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis in usual care primarily involves identifying the causes of pharyngitis and preventing these triggers for gradual improvement and to avoid recurrent attacks. Common causes observed clinically include: First, congestion in the throat caused by changes in weather, smog, and smoke irritation. Second, symptoms in the throat caused by repeated acute inflammatory irritations, such as acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute rhinitis, and sinusitis. Recurrent irritation by purulent secretions can lead to congestion and edema of the mucous membrane in the throat area. Third, long-term intake of spicy food leading to disturbances and disorders in the digestive system, commonly seen in stomach cancer, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Repeated irritation by acidic reflux and gases can also cause symptoms in the throat area. Therefore, in treatment, patients should first eliminate these triggers for gradual improvement and healing.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is chronic pharyngitis diagnosed?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disease. In terms of diagnosis, the first step is to look at the clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include recurrent sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and possibly accompanying swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. For auxiliary examinations, a laryngoscopy can be performed. Through laryngoscopy, one can directly observe the specific extent of the lesions inside the throat. For example, there may be chronic congestion of the mucous membrane in the throat and hyperplasia of the lymphatic tissue at the base of the tongue, and then combine these with the experiential judgment of the ENT doctor. Generally speaking, a diagnosis can be confirmed after evaluating these three aspects.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal by itself?

The recovery time for acute pharyngitis is generally about a week. Some patients can recover on their own, which typically takes about a week. However, some patients cannot recover on their own, especially those with severe acute inflammatory responses and prominent clinical symptoms, particularly when accompanied by significant acute bacterial or viral infections. In such cases, medication treatment is likely necessary. Relying solely on one's natural immunity might be relatively ineffective; therefore, considering timely targeted medication treatment is necessary. Additionally, the use of nebulization and traditional Chinese oral medications, regular blood tests, and laryngoscope examinations to monitor recovery are recommended. It is also advised to maintain a light diet and avoid smoking and drinking. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific circumstances.)

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Coughing is generally caused by chronic pharyngitis or acute pharyngitis.

Coughing in clinical practice can be triggered by many factors and is quite complex. Conditions like chronic pharyngitis and acute pharyngitis can cause various degrees of cough symptoms. Therefore, clinically, it cannot be stated definitively whether a cough is caused by chronic pharyngitis or acute pharyngitis. The factors involved are not limited to these two; it could be due to physical and chemical irritants, or other inflammatory lesions in the respiratory system, all of which can cause varying degrees of coughing in patients. It is also common for many patients to have both chronic pharyngitis or acute pharyngitis along with conditions like acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis. Thus, a singular cough cannot be pinned down to either chronic or acute pharyngitis without considering the related medical history, clinical manifestations, and some auxiliary examinations to make a proper diagnosis.