How to deal with pharyngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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 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 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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Are laryngitis and pharyngitis the same?

Laryngitis and pharyngitis are common diseases in otolaryngology, occurring in different parts of the throat. Laryngitis primarily affects the mucous membrane and vocal cords of the larynx, causing congestion and swelling of the surface mucosa. The most typical symptom in patients is hoarseness, and some may experience coughing and phlegm among other related symptoms. Meanwhile, patients with chronic pharyngitis primarily present symptoms like a foreign body sensation in the throat, dryness, soreness, and a burning sensation. When these symptoms appear, an initial diagnostic step can be through a digital nasopharyngoscope to confirm the patient's condition, followed by symptomatic treatment with throat-soothing medications under a physician’s guidance. In daily life, it is also important to protect the voice by avoiding loud talking or shouting, and maintaining a light diet, which helps protect the mucous membranes of the throat from inflammation and prevent the aforementioned symptoms.

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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.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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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.