How to treat acute pharyngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 17, 2025
00:00
00:00

Acute pharyngitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections following a decrease in the body's immunity and resistance. Patients will experience sudden high fever with body temperature above 38°C, severe throat pain, and may also have symptoms of dry throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction, breathing difficulties, and hoarseness. Upon examination, congestion and swelling of the soft palate and uvula can be observed, and yellow secretions may be found on the throat wall. In terms of treatment, patients should first go to the hospital for a routine blood test, which generally indicates a bacterial infection. Patients can take oral cephalosporin antibiotics, which are effective. Treatment also involves nebulizer inhalation to alleviate throat congestion and swelling. A light diet, quitting smoking, and abstaining from alcohol can contribute to gradual improvement and recovery within about a week. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
57sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Chronic Pharyngitis Formation Mechanism

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, caused by many factors. It might be due to an untreated cold or acute pharyngitis. It can also be caused by long-term exposure to external irritants, improper diet, frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating food, or mucosal lesions in the throat area. For treatment, it is first advised to conduct a laryngoscopy to evaluate the specific condition of the pharyngitis. Generally, oral traditional Chinese medicine is considered, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulizer treatment. The treatment period is usually about one to two weeks. After medication treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe the treatment effects. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
57sec home-news-image

How is chronic pharyngitis diagnosed?

Examinations for chronic pharyngitis are mainly divided into two categories. The first is imaging endoscopy, and the second is blood tests. Imaging endoscopies include CT scans of the neck or larynx. Indirect laryngoscopy or fiber laryngoscopy are also types of endoscopic examinations. The main purpose of these exams is to assess whether there are any organic lesions in the pharyngeal and neck area, such as new growths in the pharynx or cysts and other tumorous changes. Blood tests primarily involve routine blood tests and inflammatory response proteins. The main purpose is to determine if there is an acute bacterial or viral infection and to assess the level of inflammatory response. Generally, these two types of examinations, when considered together, can definitively diagnose the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

The symptoms of acute pharyngitis are multifaceted. Initially, the onset of the disease is quite sudden. The main symptoms start with dryness, heat, and liver pain, which is the most common description by patients. Furthermore, there is a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, leading to exacerbated pain when coughing. This pain is particularly noticeable during swallowing, making it difficult to even eat or swallow saliva. Additionally, this pain can radiate to the sides, commonly causing ear pain when chewing or eating, resulting in both throat and ear pain. Systemic symptoms can resemble those of a cold, such as mild fever, high body temperature, headache, loss of appetite, and general weakness.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Is nasopharyngitis pharyngitis or rhinitis?

Nasopharyngitis is caused by chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity of the patient, which leads to sore throat, burning sensation, rhinorrhea, and other related symptoms at the junction of the posterior nostrils and the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngitis is a borderline disease between pharyngitis and rhinitis. The primary treatment methods include antibiotic anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment and steroids to reduce mucosal edema. Additionally, patients with rhinitis should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating foods in daily life to prevent worsening of nasopharyngitis symptoms. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)