How to treat chronic pharyngitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 25, 2025
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Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. In terms of treatment, the first step is to conduct a laryngoscopic examination to assess the severity of the pharyngitis. Generally, the treatment primarily involves oral medication and nebulization therapy. Commonly, traditional Chinese medicine taken orally is used, along with corticosteroid medication for nebulization. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and one should not smoke or drink alcohol. Generally, with standardized treatment, the condition can gradually be controlled and alleviated in about one to two weeks, but regular follow-ups are necessary. Currently, the main approach to managing chronic pharyngitis is control rather than cure, as the condition tends to recur. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Acute Pharyngitis

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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What is the difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis?

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 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 Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is acute pharyngitis contagious?

Acute pharyngitis is an acute infectious inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissue, and local lymphatic tissue. Acute pharyngitis can occur independently or as part of an upper respiratory tract infection. In its early stages, acute pharyngitis is primarily a viral infection, or a mixed infection of viruses and bacteria. In the later stages of acute pharyngitis, bacterial infection often occurs secondarily. Acute pharyngitis is contagious and tends to occur mainly in winter or spring. The contagion is not by reverse transmission but is generally infectious. Wearing masks or avoiding close contact can generally prevent it, and special isolation measures are usually unnecessary for prevention.