Causes of Acute Pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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The causes of acute pharyngitis are various. Clinically, the most common cause is acute bacterial infection, followed by acute viral infections. It may also be related to poor resistance of the body or induced by a cold. Therefore, it is essential to first identify the specific pathogenic causes and conduct routine blood tests to examine the degree of redness and swelling in the throat. In terms of treatment, oral medication is generally preferred. Additionally, the use of traditional Chinese medicine and nebulization therapy can be considered for their supplementary therapeutic effects. After identifying the causes, timely treatment is necessary, along with regular follow-ups to monitor the recovery process.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How long will it take for pharyngitis to heal?

Pharyngitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in daily life, divided into acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis. Patients with acute pharyngitis experience sudden onset, often due to bacterial infection, or triggered by exposure to cold or a cold. The patient's throat will exhibit acute congestion and inflammation, with symptoms primarily including sore throat, dry throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Usually, after symptomatic treatments such as anti-inflammation, throat clearing, and unblocking orifices, the patient's symptoms can generally be relieved within 5-7 days. On the other hand, patients with chronic pharyngitis are mainly treated through daily protection, avoiding excessive use of the voice, and a comprehensive treatment method that includes quitting smoking and alcohol.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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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Acute pharyngitis clinical symptoms

Acute pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngologic disease with various clinical symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include sudden onset of sore throat, and some patients may experience severe pain. There may also be a sensation of swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, fever may occur. Upon these symptoms, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngologist for routine blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations to determine the specific extent and type of infection and inflammation. Treatment generally focuses on antibiotic therapy to combat infection, and nebulizer therapy can also be used. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How to treat chronic pharyngitis?

Treating chronic pharyngitis is indeed a significant issue, and it's not something that can be explained in just a sentence or two. Some causes of chronic pharyngitis are direct, such as not paying attention to diet, poor sleep, or insufficient rest. Some are secondary pharyngitis, which requires active treatment of the primary disease. To address this issue fundamentally, one should first focus on a light diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and avoid spicy and irritating foods—these are aspects to be mindful of in daily life. It's also important to pay attention to one's emotions; maintaining a calm demeanor, not rushing, avoiding getting angry easily, and not shouting are crucial. Being in a good mood is very important as it is part of actively treating the primary disease. Some primary diseases, such as chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, can cause pharyngitis. Therefore, to treat chronic pharyngitis, one should first effectively treat these primary diseases, and the chronic pharyngitis will naturally improve. Thus, the treatment of chronic pharyngitis involves a holistic, differentiated, and systematic approach.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

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.)