What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to maintain throat health in daily life?

Pharyngitis primarily refers to the acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane in our throat. For the care of pharyngitis, we should pay attention to the following points: First, we need to be mindful of our diet, which should be light, nutritious, and easy to digest. We must avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and chili peppers. Second, we should engage in appropriate physical exercise to strengthen our constitution and avoid frequent upper respiratory infections. These conditions can prevent our pharyngitis from being effectively treated, or even cured. Thirdly, we should be cautious with certain special foods. For example, if our pharyngitis is caused by allergies, then we should minimize or avoid foods that can trigger allergies, such as fish, shrimp, and seafood. In conclusion, it is crucial to actively treat pharyngitis while also looking after oneself.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis, under general circumstances, stems from acute inflammatory irritation, causing symptoms in the pharyngeal area. It is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus or streptococcus hemolyticus. It triggers sudden high fevers in patients, with temperatures above 38.5°C, and severe pain in the throat, primarily during swallowing. Additionally, patients may experience dryness, itchiness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, obstruction, and hoarseness in the throat, and in severe cases, it can lead to irritative coughing. Patients may present with mucosal rupture, evidenced by blood-streaked sputum. Examination may reveal congested and swollen pharyngeal mucosa, often covered with yellow secretions. In terms of treatment, initial steps include a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, are recommended. An increase in lymphocytes may indicate a viral infection, in which symptomatic antiviral treatment is advised. Patients should adhere to a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. Recovery typically occurs within about a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal on its own?

Acute pharyngitis usually heals on its own in about 10 days under normal circumstances. Acute pharyngitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection following weakened immunity and resistance. Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever with temperatures above 38.5°C, severe throat pain, hoarse voice, and a barking cough. In severe cases, the patient may experience suffocation and even death. Acute pharyngitis is more common in children, whose throat mucosa is relatively loose, making it especially prone to swelling during inflammatory infections. In treatment, the patient first needs a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, it suggests a bacterial infection, and oral antibiotics are required. If lymphocytes are increased, it indicates a viral infection, and the patient can be treated with oral ribavirin granules, which are effective. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)