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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Acute pharyngitis how long to heal by itself

The recovery period for acute pharyngitis generally lasts about a week, but there is also some individual variation. If the inflammatory response is relatively localized and the subjective symptoms are not particularly pronounced, the recovery time can be shorter, roughly three to five days. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and the patient's subjective symptoms are also more pronounced, the recovery period will relatively extend, possibly requiring more than a week. Firstly, it is important to consider timely treatment; if the inflammation is severe and bacterial infection is involved, the use of antibiotics should be considered. This can be supplemented with nebulization and the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine. Regular follow-ups to observe the recovery status are necessary. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by acute viral or bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and resulting in the swelling and reddening of the mucous membrane in the throat. Common symptoms include sudden onset of throat pain and swelling. If the inflammatory response is significant, it may also be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, a sense of obstruction, or breathing difficulties. Generally, it is a common disease. It may be advisable to conduct a laryngoscopy to inspect the extent of inflammation in the throat and perform a routine blood test to determine whether it is an acute bacterial or viral infection. In terms of treatment, oral medication is usually preferred, and nebulization or traditional Chinese medicine can be considered to target the infection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a common disease in the otolaryngology head and neck surgery. It mainly involves inflammation of the mucous membrane, submucosal tissue, and adjacent lymphatic tissue of the pharynx. It is a common and frequently occurring disease that is related to dietary habits, climatic environment, and infections such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, patients with chronic pharyngitis should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, drink more water, and consume cooling foods that relieve heat. During severe cases, some heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines can be used. If there are systemic symptoms, anti-inflammatory medicines may also be taken. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. Paying attention to oral hygiene can help in the treatment and alleviation of chronic pharyngitis.