Is chronic pharyngitis contagious?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pharyngeal mucosa. This inflammatory condition may evolve from an acute infection, be allergic in nature, or stem from esophageal acid reflux. It is important to note that this type of chronic inflammation is not contagious; it does not spread, so no isolation measures are needed. Thus, it is important to focus on active treatment and consume plenty of water to prevent the worsening of chronic pharyngitis or frequent recurrent episodes, which could exacerbate the condition.

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Causes of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a very common disease in otolaryngology, with many specific causes that are not singular. Its causes are mainly related to lifestyle habits, diet, and some secondary and primary diseases. Common causes include smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of spicy and irritating food, staying up late, high psychological stress, and significant emotional fluctuations, all of which can lead to chronic pharyngitis. Another cause is secondary pharyngitis, which results from primary diseases such as chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. Due to the long-term backflow of nasal discharge, which flows back into the throat and irritates the mucous membrane, a chronic inflammatory response is produced. This is also a common cause of chronic pharyngitis. Furthermore, there is reflux pharyngitis, which is also a type of chronic pharyngitis. Some people have stomach diseases and reflux esophagitis, where long-term acid reflux leads to damage in the mucous membranes of the throat, causing chronic inflammation with symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and throat dryness. Therefore, there are many causes of chronic pharyngitis, including both primary and secondary reasons. A specific diagnosis needs to be made by a doctor based on a thorough medical history and physical examination.

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Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis Flare-ups

Chronic pharyngitis has many causes, and common clinical causes include the following: First, it is caused by repeated inflammatory stimulation, commonly seen with acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis; second, it is due to long-term spicy diet stimulation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acid reflux stimulation. The acid liquid and vapors from reflux can irritate the mucosa of the throat, causing congestion, edema, and proliferation of lymphatic follicles in the mucosal lining. This leads to symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, a sensation of obstruction, and a burning sensation. Therefore, in treatment, patients first need to exercise, avoid colds, avoid inflammatory invasions, and at the same time, they need a light diet, to quit smoking and drinking, avoid spicy and irritating foods, regulate gastrointestinal function, and avoid acid reflux to gradually improve and prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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Does chronic pharyngitis cause tightness in the chest?

Chronic pharyngitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology. Patients with chronic pharyngitis usually experience tightness in the throat, a foreign body sensation in the throat, discomfort in the pharyngeal area, and difficulty swallowing. The main causes are related to the patient's smoking, drinking, exposure to cold, and chronic inflammation in the throat leading to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. When the above symptoms occur, one should first visit a hospital in a timely manner, complete examinations including electronic nasopharyngoscopy, routine blood tests, biochemical tests, and C-reactive protein tests to make a clear diagnosis. Furthermore, under the guidance of a senior physician, oral medications for soothing the throat should be used. Additionally, it is advisable to protect your voice, avoid shouting, and maintain a light diet to help prevent the occurrence of chronic pharyngitis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
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Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is caused by a variety of reasons, leading to congestion, edema, and lymph follicle proliferation in the mucous membrane and submucosal tissue of the throat. Common causes include repeated inflammatory stimulation, intake of spicy foods, and local symptoms caused by gastric acid reflux. Patients may experience dryness, pain, itching, foreign body sensation, obstruction feeling, burning sensation, irritating dry cough, and hoarseness in the throat. In severe cases, there may even be blood in the sputum. During examination, swelling of the uvula and significant proliferation of lymph follicles can be found in areas such as the lateral pharyngeal wall, posterior pharyngeal wall, and the base of the tongue. In terms of treatment, patients need to first identify the cause, adopt a light diet, quit smoking and alcohol, exercise, avoid colds, and maintain a regular diet with post-meal physical activity for gradual improvement and to prevent recurrence.

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Does chronic pharyngitis cause nausea?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with numerous clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms include sore throat and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, as well as possible nausea and dry heaving, primarily due to chronic inflammatory reactions. In terms of treatment, laryngoscopy and routine blood tests can be conducted to assess the extent of inflammation. Generally, oral traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, and it is advisable to combine this with nebulization therapy. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, as well as refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol. The general treatment period is about 1 to 2 weeks, with regular follow-ups needed to monitor effectiveness.