What is the difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 15, 2025
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The differences between acute and chronic pharyngitis are quite distinct. Acute pharyngitis comes on suddenly, and patients typically experience sudden high fever, severe throat pain, along with symptoms like dizziness, headache, cough, and nasal congestion. Examination may reveal swelling and prominent congestion in the soft palate and uvula, and yellowish secretions on the pharyngeal walls. In contrast, chronic pharyngitis primarily presents with localized symptoms and lacks systemic symptoms. Patients may experience dryness, pain, itchiness in the throat, sensations of a foreign body or obstruction, burning sensation, and irritative cough. In terms of treatment, acute pharyngitis initially requires a routine blood test to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral, and symptomatic treatment can then lead to recovery. Chronic pharyngitis mainly requires the management of gastrointestinal function, along with a mild diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods, physical exercise, and avoiding colds. Additionally, nebulized inhalation can be used to alleviate local congestion and edema, gradually relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence.

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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 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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How to treat pharyngitis in children?

Pediatric pharyngitis can generally be caused by viral or bacterial infections. In cases where a viral infection is suspected, antiviral medications can be taken orally, and some traditional Chinese medicines that reduce throat swelling, clear heat, and detoxify can also be used; there are many varieties. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics such as cefuroxime and cefaclor should be used. It is also important to monitor body temperature and provide timely fever reduction treatment if fever is present. Medication must be administered under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis currently cannot be completely cured. Generally, the approach is to control symptoms, alleviate the condition, and improve clinical manifestations. With the existing medical methods, whether it is Chinese medicine or Western medicine, the focus is on control, as current measures cannot achieve a complete cure. Chronic pharyngitis is primarily caused by chronic inflammation in the throat area. This disease is a relatively common chronic illness, and the nature of the disease determines its recurrent nature, which may also be accompanied by fluctuations in clinical symptoms. Overall, the treatment mainly involves oral medications, supplemented by nebulization. Lifestyle and dietary adjustments are also necessary. It is a common disease and does not pose a significant risk to overall health. Regular follow-up with laryngoscope examinations generally allows for control and stabilization of the condition.