How to treat acute pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Acute pharyngitis is the acute inflammation of the mucosa and submucosal tissues of the pharynx, and it often comes with systemic symptoms. For patients without systemic symptoms or those who have mild symptoms, local treatments such as mouthwash with cleaning and sterilizing effects, various lozenges, or traditional Chinese medicine can be used. Through oral antiviral drugs or antibiotics, severe systemic symptoms such as high fever require bed rest, plenty of fluids, and soft foods. Antiviral drugs or antibiotics can be administered through the meridian pathways. If the patient has a high fever, physical methods to reduce fever can be used, as well as corticosteroids for reducing temperature.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Do you need a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis refers to the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, which can be acute or chronic. Clinically, it mainly presents symptoms such as throat pain and a foreign body sensation in the throat, along with other symptoms. Pharyngitis can generally be diagnosed through a local examination or laryngoscopy, which fulfills clinical requirements. For recurrent pharyngitis or clinically severe cases, an electronic laryngoscopy may be necessary to check for any growths in the pharynx or on the vocal cords, as this examination can clearly determine the condition and guide clinical treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a laryngoscopy for pharyngitis.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How should pharyngitis be treated?

Pharyngitis refers to the chronic inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa in the throat, which can extend to the lymphatic tissue around the pharynx. The causes of pharyngitis may include bacterial infection, viral infection, environmental factors, and the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. It may also be related to excessive use of the voice or excessive talking. Traditional Chinese medicine considers it a type of heat syndrome. Therefore, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid shouting loudly, drink plenty of water, gargle with salt water, maintain oral hygiene, and consume foods that clear heat, detoxify, strengthen the spleen, and stimulate the appetite. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and overheating. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, one may use some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If pharyngitis is accompanied by symptoms such as pain and fever, taking anti-inflammatory medications can enhance the treatment effect.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What department should I visit for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, so it is primarily necessary to visit the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery for diagnosis and treatment. In hospitals with more specialized departments, one can also directly visit the pharyngology department for diagnosis and treatment. It is important to understand that there are many causes of pharyngitis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Besides seeing an otolaryngologist, it might also be necessary to consult with gastroenterology or thoracic surgery, as these are related departments. If the pharyngitis is caused by an allergic disease and involves allergic factors, in addition to visiting otolaryngology, it may be necessary to consult other departments such as the department of allergic diseases or respiratory medicine, depending on the specific circumstances. In summary, the primary department to consult for pharyngitis is otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain daily care for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. In daily life, it is first necessary to maintain a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from smoking, and abstain from alcohol. In terms of treatment, most patients can opt for oral traditional Chinese medicine, and this can be supplemented with nebulization. Throughout the medication process, it is necessary to regularly revisit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department to monitor the specific effects of the treatment. It is also advisable to minimize speaking. Frequent overuse of the voice can exacerbate the symptoms of pharyngitis and may even trigger an acute episode of chronic pharyngitis. Overall, pharyngitis can generally be well-managed and alleviated through these daily regimens and medical treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Is nebulization effective for pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is caused by various reasons and is an acute and chronic infection of the throat, characterized by sore throat, hoarse voice, and various foreign body sensations in the throat. The basic pathological changes are the congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, including both acute and chronic congestion. Therefore, nebulization treatment mainly works through the nebulized particles directly affecting the mucosa of the throat. Medications such as gentamicin and dexamethasone have a direct effect in reducing the mucosal edema of the throat. The effect of nebulization for pharyngitis is quite good as it directly affects the mucosa. For some patients, it is necessary to combine nebulization with oral medication, and generally, the combined treatment is very effective. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)