Causes of chronic pharyngitis

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 26sec home-news-image

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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does chronic pharyngitis cause a fever?

Chronic pharyngitis generally does not cause fever. The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis are various, with the most common being sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and burning sensation. Some patients might also experience nausea and vomiting. However, it generally does not cause fever. If it is an acute episode of chronic pharyngitis, it could possibly be due to an acute bacterial infection or inflammation, which might lead to fever. Some patients might even exhibit high fever, and it is necessary to consider timely medical treatment. At the same time, physical cooling can be used in conjunction with medication. Generally, through standard medical treatment, conditions can gradually recover and relieve. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to manage chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a common and frequently occurring disease in daily life, mainly characterized by the proliferation of lymphatic follicles and mucosal congestion in the throat area. How to care for chronic pharyngitis? First, we should maintain oral hygiene by frequently rinsing after meals to prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, rinsing with light saltwater daily can clean the oral cavity and alleviate the congestion of the mucous membrane in the throat area. For patients with throat pain and those with feverish pharyngitis, appropriate medications are usually selected for treatment. Remedies like fat sea, wild chrysanthemum, and honeysuckle brewed in water also have positive effects on the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a diffuse chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane, submucosal layer, and lymphatic tissues mainly seen in adults. Its primary symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the throat, itchiness, a sensation of heat, dryness, and potentially pain during swallowing. Thick secretions often adhere to the throat wall, causing patients to experience frequent irritative coughing and a nauseous feeling upon waking in the morning. Sometimes, there may be no phlegm or only granular secretions coughed up. In the case of atrophic pharyngitis, there might be foul-smelling scabs. Clinically, it is advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not to smoke or drink alcohol, etc.