Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis Flare-ups

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 02, 2024
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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min 45sec home-news-image

Chronic pharyngitis is classified into several types.

Chronic pharyngitis, based on pathological conditions, is divided into three types. The first type is chronic simple pharyngitis, which is also the most common type we usually refer to. It mainly involves chronic congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa and hyperplasia of lymphatic follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall. The second type is chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis, which can be observed during examination as congested and thickened pharyngeal mucosa with proliferating lymphatic tissue, appearing rather thick. The third type is atrophic and dry pharyngitis, which is relatively rare in clinical cases and often accompanies atrophic rhinitis. A primary symptom is dryness in the throat because the pathological changes mainly involve a decrease in the secretory function of the glandular tissues in the pharynx, resulting in reduced secretions and the mucosa becoming atrophic and thin. Based on the different causes of the condition, it can also be divided into several types. One type is simple pharyngitis, also referred to as chronic simple pharyngitis, related to smoking, drinking, air pollution, and excessive talking. Another type is reflux pharyngitis, which is now also a disease with a relatively high incidence rate, mainly caused by gastroesophageal reflux leading to chronic inflammation of the stomach and damage to the mucous membrane of the pharynx and throat, known as reflux pharyngitis. Additionally, some cases are secondary to rhinitis and sinusitis, due to the long-term discomfort in the throat caused by the backflow of nasal discharge, leading to chronic inflammatory responses; this is also a type of secondary pharyngitis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to completely cure chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease and is part of chronic diseases. Although there are many treatment methods available at present, none can achieve a complete cure, and the condition tends to recur. Generally, the treatment of chronic pharyngitis begins with a laryngoscopic examination to assess the extent of the inflammatory response. Common treatments include oral traditional Chinese medicine, and nebulizer therapy can also be considered. The treatment cycle is usually about one to two weeks. After medication, regular follow-ups are necessary to observe recovery. At the same time, a light diet is required, and spicy and irritating foods should be avoided.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does chronic pharyngitis cause bad breath?

Chronic pharyngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology. The main symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include dry throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and sore throat. Some patients may also experience bad breath, which is mainly caused by the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. In treating chronic pharyngitis, the primary approach is to address the cause. For example, if the patient frequently smokes, drinks alcohol, or consumes spicy, stimulating foods and cold drinks, it is necessary to avoid such habits. Additionally, rinsing the mouth with saline can help maintain oral hygiene. Furthermore, regular exercise is recommended to enhance the patient's physical condition to resist chronic pharyngitis and reduce its occurrence.