How to treat chronic pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Updated on September 01, 2024

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

54sec

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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.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

54sec

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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 Yao Jun

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

52sec

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What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis refers to the chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane and submucosal layer of the pharynx, which can extend to the lymphatic tissue adjacent to the pharynx. Its causes are related to bacterial infections, viral infections, environmental factors, and the dietary habits of the patient. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered to be caused by excessive internal heat. Thus, symptoms of pharyngitis can include dry throat, a sensation of heat, a foreign body sensation, discomfort when swallowing, and an irritating cough. In severe cases, it might lead to pain, coughing, and expectoration of phlegm, which are some of the main symptoms of pharyngitis. Severe cases might also involve throat pain and swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes.

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Written by Yao Jun

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

59sec

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How to treat pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a manifestation of excess heat in the body. Therefore, we should avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. You can eat some bitter foods that clear heat and relieve summer heat, such as bitter melon, mustard greens, white radish, fish mint, and isatis root, all of which have the effect of clearing heat and removing dampness. Gargling with salt water, holding it in your mouth for five to six minutes before spitting it out, can also be beneficial. If dietary treatment is ineffective, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, you might use some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat, detoxify, and remove dampness from the throat. If there are general symptoms such as chills, fever, or aversion to cold, it may be necessary to also use antibiotics in the treatment. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor; do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

49sec

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Can pharyngitis not be cured?

There are many treatment methods for pharyngitis, but it is still difficult to cure completely and may recur frequently. After the onset, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic where you can have routine blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations, which help to preliminarily determine the severity of the condition. Generally, oral medication can be considered, along with nebulization therapy. During treatment, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor the effects. Most patients will gradually improve with timely medication. In terms of diet, it should be light; avoid spicy and irritative foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)