How should pharyngitis be treated?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 24, 2024
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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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to relieve pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngology disease, with many types. The most common types include acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, and allergic pharyngitis. Different types of inflammatory responses require different treatment plans. For acute pharyngitis, it is generally necessary to consider using antibiotics for anti-infection treatment; for chronic pharyngitis, oral traditional Chinese medicine combined with nebulization can be considered; for allergic pharyngitis, anti-allergic medication should be considered. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery of the condition. At the same time, a light diet is required, and smoking and drinking should be avoided. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does pharyngitis have phlegm?

Pharyngitis presents with a variety of symptoms. Some patients may experience phlegm, along with coughing, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some may also have difficulty swallowing, fever, and difficulty breathing. There is significant individual variation in specific clinical symptoms. After onset, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopy can be performed to help initially determine the specific cause and extent of the condition. Most patients can consider oral medication treatment, and can also combine this with nebulization. During the treatment process, regular follow-up examinations are needed to observe the treatment effects. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Is pharyngitis prone to recurrence?

Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease that tends to recur. The most common causes are acute bacterial or viral infections. It can also be triggered by a cold, and some patients are affected because they often come into contact with irritants or chemical substances. A small number of patients suffer due to spicy diets or the consumption of other allergenic foods. Generally, symptoms can be significantly improved through standardized medical treatment. For example, throat pain and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be alleviated, but there is a tendency for recurrence. Additionally, some patients may experience inflammatory reactions in other parts of the body. (The use of medications should be guided by a professional doctor.)