The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis.

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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The difference between acute pharyngitis and chronic pharyngitis mainly lies in the following aspects: The first is the onset time. Acute pharyngitis generally refers to a sudden inflammatory reaction of the throat, usually lasting for a short duration, about a week, and generally does not exceed a week. Conversely, chronic pharyngitis lasts longer, possibly recurring with repeated throat pain and a foreign body sensation, but the symptoms are generally not very severe, lasting about three months or more, primarily characterized by repeated occurrences. The second aspect is the symptoms, which differ in the mildness of throat pain. Chronic pharyngitis generally involves mild throat pain, and there may also be a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Acute pharyngitis, on the other hand, is mainly characterized by acute throat pain, with relatively short duration but severe symptoms. Third, it can be determined through a routine blood test. Acute pharyngitis often involves acute bacterial or viral infections, possibly with elevated white blood cells. Chronic pharyngitis generally results from non-bacterial, non-viral infections, with blood tests usually being normal. These aspects together can generally provide a basic diagnosis.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What department should I go to for pharyngitis?

It is recommended to visit the Department of Otorhinolaryngology for pharyngitis, as the main manifestation of pharyngitis is the inflammatory response in the pharyngeal area, which may be related to bacterial or viral infections. Additionally, it could be caused by one's lifestyle, diet, or external irritants leading to inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. Common symptoms include recurrent pain in the throat, a foreign body sensation or burning sensation in the throat, and during the acute inflammatory phase, some patients may also experience fever or have difficulties swallowing and breathing. These symptoms fall within the scope of diagnosis and treatment by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Therefore, it is advised to visit this department for pharyngitis, and some individuals may further need to consider undergoing laryngoscopy and routine blood tests for targeted treatment.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat mangoes with pharyngitis?

Patients with pharyngitis can eat mangoes. The main causes of pharyngitis are often related to smoking, drinking alcohol, eating spicy and irritating food, and consuming icy cold drinks. Generally, fruits can be eaten. However, if a patient is allergic to mangoes, they should not eat them. Under normal circumstances, fruits that do not cause allergies can be consumed. For patients with pharyngitis, it is usually recommended to eat light vegetables and fruits, and to primarily have a semi-liquid diet. Additionally, in daily life, it is beneficial for the improvement of pharyngitis symptoms to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and reduce the consumption of spicy, irritating food and cold drinks.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to deal with chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a relatively common disease in otorhinolaryngology. First, it is necessary to assess the specific extent of inflammation. It is advisable to visit an otorhinolaryngology clinic for a laryngoscopic examination. If the inflammatory response is mild and personal symptoms are not particularly noticeable, regular follow-up and observation are generally recommended. Additionally, dietary control is necessary, including avoiding smoking, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. If the inflammatory response is significant and personal symptoms are severe, medical treatment should be considered. Currently, treatment mainly involves nebulization and oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines, along with self-regulation. Some patients may also consider traditional Chinese medicine treatments. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How long does acute pharyngitis take to heal by itself?

The recovery time for acute pharyngitis is generally about a week. Some patients can recover on their own, which typically takes about a week. However, some patients cannot recover on their own, especially those with severe acute inflammatory responses and prominent clinical symptoms, particularly when accompanied by significant acute bacterial or viral infections. In such cases, medication treatment is likely necessary. Relying solely on one's natural immunity might be relatively ineffective; therefore, considering timely targeted medication treatment is necessary. Additionally, the use of nebulization and traditional Chinese oral medications, regular blood tests, and laryngoscope examinations to monitor recovery are recommended. It is also advised to maintain a light diet and avoid smoking and drinking. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific circumstances.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does pharyngitis cause a fever?

Pharyngitis generally involves fever symptoms in acute cases. Acute pharyngitis results from a lowered immune and resistance response, leading to viral or bacterial infections that cause both local symptoms in the throat and systemic symptoms. Patients may experience high fever, with body temperatures above 38°C (100.4°F), and severe throat pain, primarily during swallowing, leading to refusal to eat due to intense throat pain. Additionally, patients may feel a blockage or foreign body sensation in the throat. Upon examination with an electronic laryngoscope, the mucous membrane in the throat area can be seen as congested and swollen, especially around the soft palate and uvula. Pus-filled secretions may also be present on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Regarding treatment, if the patient's temperature exceeds 38°C, antipyretic medications are required; if below 38°C, wiping the body with warm water can be used. Anti-inflammatory treatment should also be administered based on symptoms, and recovery can generally be expected within a week. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)