How to treat pharyngitis?

Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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 Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat acute pharyngitis?

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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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How many days will it take for the fever from pharyngitis to subside?

Fever caused by pharyngitis is generally due to reduced immunity and resistance, resulting from viral or bacterial infection. Typically, this causes the patient to experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38°C, and the fever may last for three to five days. Symptoms also include swelling and pain in the throat, muscle fatigue, muscle soreness, dryness, itching, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pyogenes or Coxsackie virus. Examination may reveal obvious congestive edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, and yellow purulent secretions on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Treatment primarily involves symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy, with good results from oral cephalosporin antibiotics. Additionally, treatment may include nebulized corticosteroids, with gradual improvement typically occurring over about a week.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How is acute pharyngitis treated?

The treatment of acute pharyngitis is based on its causes and symptoms. First, it is recommended to gargle with mouthwash, which helps alleviate some throat symptoms. Additionally, it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, consume a liquid diet, and avoid foods that are too hot or too harsh to reduce irritation to the throat. Also, minimize speaking to allow the vocal cords to rest thoroughly, which can help alleviate symptoms of hoarseness. In terms of medication, the treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapies. Doctors will select the appropriate medication based on your drug sensitivity, routine medication experience, and the seasonal characteristics of the outbreak. Nebulized inhalation treatment is also necessary, which can relieve swelling of the throat mucosa, reduce mucosal swelling, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. If the condition is severe, systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids may be added, and traditional Chinese medicine lozenges can be used to support symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of a pharyngitis attack?

During the onset of pharyngitis, related clinical symptoms may appear, the more common ones being sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and itching. Some patients may experience coughing and expectoration; in more severe cases, it may lead to suppuration and fever. The specific symptoms vary individually. Upon noticing these clinical symptoms, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. Routine blood tests and laryngoscopic examinations can be performed to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, oral medication combined with nebulization therapy can be considered, and only a small number of patients with severe conditions need to consider infusion therapy. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)