The harm of chronic pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
00:00
00:00

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common disease in otolaryngology, and overall, its harmfulness is not particularly great because the main cause of the disease is ordinary chronic inflammation. Therefore, the main harm is that it can easily cause discomfort in the throat. The more common symptoms include recurring sore throat, a foreign body sensation and burning sensation in the throat area. Some people may also experience itching in the throat and coughing. Laryngoscopic examination is a fairly routine method of examination, and in general, the severity of the condition can be assessed through laryngoscopy. Consideration should also be given to drug treatment, generally focusing on nebulization and oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as maintaining a light diet, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, and regular follow-up check-ups.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
47sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Is chronic pharyngitis easy to cure?

Chronic pharyngitis currently primarily focuses on controlling and alleviating symptoms. Based on existing treatment methods and medical solutions, it cannot be completely cured. Treatment mainly involves oral medications, and can also include nebulization and dietary adjustments. Patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy irritants. Additionally, regular laryngoscopic examinations are necessary to check for other potential abnormalities in the throat. However, overall, the condition cannot be completely cured, but it is generally not very severe and does not significantly impact overall health and safety. Nevertheless, it is important to have regular follow-up visits to check for any other changes in the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
45sec home-news-image

How to alleviate chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a manifestation of excessive internal heat. Therefore, we should avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, drink more water, gargle with light saltwater, and can hold it in the mouth for five to six minutes before spitting it out. Pay attention to oral hygiene, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. Consuming bitter melon, mustard greens, white radish, or drinking teas made from kuding tea, chrysanthemum, and banlangen can help alleviate chronic pharyngitis. If these measures do not improve symptoms, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, taking some heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese patent medicines orally can also achieve relief and treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
35sec home-news-image

Is chronic pharyngitis contagious?

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.