Is acute pharyngitis contagious?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 23, 2024
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Acute pharyngitis can be contagious. Generally, it can spread through the respiratory or digestive systems. If the patient shows symptoms of fever and throat pain, isolation is required. Typically, isolation lasts for 3-5 days. Acute pharyngitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms in the throat as well as systemic symptoms. The patient may experience sudden high fever, with body temperature above 38°C, and severe throat pain. Other symptoms include dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and a feeling of obstruction. During an examination with an electronic laryngoscope, the mucous membranes in the throat may be found to be congested and significantly swollen, with pus-like secretions present on the posterior pharyngeal wall. For treatment, an examination using an electronic laryngoscope and a routine blood test are first required. If there is an increase in white blood cells, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment and oral antibiotics are needed. If lymphocytes are elevated, symptomatic antiviral treatment is required, and recovery can generally occur within about a week. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is caused by the invasion of bacteria or viruses due to weakened immunity and resistance in the body, leading to systemic symptoms and symptoms in the throat area. Patients may experience sudden high fever, with body temperature above 38.5°C, dizziness, headache, dryness and pain in the throat, as well as a sensation of obstruction and foreign body in the throat. Examination may reveal significant congestion and swelling in the throat, with yellow secretions adhering to the soft palate and pharyngeal wall. For treatment, patients initially need a complete blood count test; if there is an increase in white blood cells, oral antibiotics such as cefixime and amoxicillin are needed. If lymphocytes are elevated, oral administration of ribavirin granules is required, which has good effects. Nebulization can also be used concurrently to alleviate local congestion and swelling, and recovery can generally begin within about a week. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can acute pharyngitis heal by itself?

Acute pharyngitis may recover on its own, but there are individual differences. This mainly relates to the degree of the acute inflammatory response, the severity of the condition itself, and the patient's own resistance. If the inflammatory response is mild, the subjective symptoms are not obvious, and the patient's own resistance is strong, it is indeed possible for recovery to occur on its own. The recovery time is approximately 3 days to a week. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, the patient's resistance is poor, and the subjective symptoms are quite noticeable, it is recommended to seek timely treatment. A routine blood test should be conducted to assess the specific degree and type of inflammation. Treatment should primarily involve oral medication, supplemented by nebulization. Some patients may also consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Regular follow-ups are necessary, and the treatment period is approximately one week.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal?

Acute pharyngitis generally heals within seven to ten days. Acute pharyngitis is caused by a viral infection due to lowered immunity and resistance. Patients may experience sudden high fever, severe sore throat, and symptoms such as dry throat, itchy throat, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and a feeling of obstruction. Examination may reveal swelling and congestion of the soft palate and uvula, and yellow secretions on the posterior pharyngeal wall. In terms of treatment, acute pharyngitis is a viral infection and generally does not require oral antibiotic treatment. Patients can use nebulized inhalation which is effective in reducing congestion and edema of the throat. A bland diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, drinking more water, and resting more can generally lead to gradual improvement within a week. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Which department should I go to for acute pharyngitis?

For acute pharyngitis, it is advisable to visit the otolaryngology department, as acute pharyngitis is primarily caused by an acute bacterial infection, mainly leading to throat pain. In severe cases, it can cause edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, affecting swallowing or breathing, and is one of the more common throat diseases. Regarding treatment, an indirect laryngoscopy should first be performed to assess the degree of inflammation in the pharyngeal mucosa, especially to determine if there are any obstructions in the throat. Additionally, routine blood tests and inflammatory protein tests should be conducted to help determine the type and extent of the inflammatory response. In terms of medication, treatment is generally dominated by antibiotics, preferably administered orally, and supplemented by nebulization and traditional Chinese medicine. Typically, the treatment period is about one week, but there are individual differences, so it is necessary to return to the otolaryngology department for follow-up to dynamically observe the recovery. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does acute pharyngitis have phlegm?

The symptoms of acute pharyngitis are numerous and can cause coughing and expectoration, as well as sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, fever, swallowing obstruction, and difficulty breathing. There is significant individual variation in specific symptoms. After the onset of the disease, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department, where routine blood tests and indirect laryngoscopy can be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. In terms of medication treatment, oral medications are commonly used at present, and can be combined with nebulizer therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are needed to observe the recovery of the condition. Most patients will gradually improve after timely medical treatment.