Check which items for pharyngitis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Pharyngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, requiring a visit to the otolaryngology department, where routine blood tests and an indirect laryngoscopy can initially assess the severity of the condition. However, some patients may have more complex conditions and may need additional examinations such as a fiberoptic laryngoscopy or an electronic laryngoscopy. Through these examinations, the changes in the throat can be more accurately diagnosed, which then allows for targeted treatment. Most patients can opt for oral medication, combined with nebulization therapy. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery process, and a bland diet is advised, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods.

Other Voices

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What to drink for pharyngitis

Pharyngitis can usually be prevented and treated with honeysuckle tea or monk fruit tea, with good results. Generally, pharyngitis is caused by repeated acute inflammation, long-term intake of spicy foods, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acidic irritation leading to congestion, edema, and lymph follicle proliferation in the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues. Symptoms include dry throat, sore throat, itchy throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, obstruction sensation, burning sensation, irritative cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Severe cases may also lead to blood in the sputum. Upon examination, noticeable congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa can be found, particularly in the uvula and soft palate. Lymph follicle proliferation can be seen on the posterior pharyngeal wall and pharyngeal recesses, with significant congestion in both vocal cords, though they may not close completely. For treatment, patients should first undergo symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. Oral administration of cephalosporin antibiotics has been found to be effective, and it should be combined with nebulized inhalation. Improvement is generally seen within about a week. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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.

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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.