Pharyngitis: symptoms, treatment, prevention

Pharyngitis is a disease during which the pharyngeal mucosa becomes inflamed. The nature of the disease can be bacterial or viral. Pharyngitis is accompanied by sensations such as perspiration, sore throat when swallowing.

Pharyngitis reasons

You can determine the type of pharyngitis by which department is inflamed. The pharynx is divided into three sections:

• Lower section. It is called the hypopharynx.
• The middle section is the oropharynx.
• The upper section, which is called the nasopharynx.

It happens that all three departments are amazed. In this case, pharyngitis is considered acute. It, regardless of its nature, has a descending character. The course of inflammation occurs from the upper part of the pharynx to the lower one.

The main causes of pharyngitis include prolonged exposure to cold, polluted environment and inhalation of toxic substances. Also, the disease can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus.

Scientists include additional provoking factors:

• stomach diseases;
• smoking;
• disturbed breathing through the nose;
• dental problems;
• unsuitable climate;
• hormonal disorders;
• eating too hot or cold food;
• alcohol abuse.

Chronic disease becomes due to prolonged and improper treatment of the previous, acute form. Also, further development is possible with incorrect diagnosis. Scientists believe that the main factor in the transition to this form is the presence of chronic diseases.

Pharyngitis symptoms

The main symptom that indicates the development of acute pharyngitis is severe sore throat. It is difficult not to notice it, since the pain is felt even during swallowing. It is accompanied by soreness, dryness, which irritates the throat and provokes a cough. The temperature may rise, accompanied by malaise. There are times when painful sensations appear in the ears.

The chronic form is accompanied by an unpleasant sensation, as if there is a lump in the throat. There is a constant desire to clear your throat. The cough is very dry, hacking. In the larynx, mucus is formed without interruption, which must be constantly swallowed. Because of these symptoms, sleep problems begin, the quality of life worsens, the patient becomes nervous and irritable.

Other infectious diseases are accompanied by similar symptoms: scarlet fever, rubella, measles. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in the early stages to determine the etiology of the disease.

Xronic pharyngitis rarely occurs as an independent disease. It is often the result of gastrointestinal problems. It is necessary to undergo an examination and if the patient has gastritis, pancreatitis or cholecystitis, then you should first deal with them. Otherwise, pharyngitis will not be completely cured.

Chronic pharyngitis

The development of chronic pharyngitis is rather slow. At the same time, periodically there may be exacerbations occurring as a result of severe hypothermia, a decrease in immunity, and infectious diseases.

There are such forms of pharyngitis in its chronic manifestation:

• Catarrhal. It is common in patients working in unsafe workplaces and in those who smoke. The disease is accompanied by sensations of a coma in the throat, sore throat, dry mouth. Some people feel a burning sensation when inhaling air, smoke from cigarettes, dust.
• Hypertrophic. It is accompanied by an increase in the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In most patients, pus accumulates on the back of the throat, which with difficulty clears up and provokes an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.
• Atrophic. The mucus becomes thick and may accumulate as crusts. The patient feels them as a foreign object. They make it difficult to swallow, disrupt digestion. Sometimes the crusts are cleared out in large fragments. The patient coughs constantly, even at night. The cough is very lingering and violent. Pain, temperature appear, cervical lymph nodes increase. All symptoms of the atrophic form coincide with the signs of acute pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis in children

In children, pharyngitis is difficult due to the difficult diagnosis. Often, a runny nose and wheezing are added to the main symptoms of the disease. It is very important to go to the doctor on time and determine the pharyngitis, as it can be easily confused with other diseases of the respiratory tract.

The child does not sleep well, general health worsens. The kid begins to be capricious a lot. It is important to start treatment on time. Otherwise, the disease can be started and brought to a chronic or acute form.

Pharyngitis treatment

To prevent pharyngitis from developing, when the first symptoms appear, you must definitely contact the ENT. The doctor will diagnose and, if necessary, give directions for tests.

If the disease is local in nature and does not undermine the general well-being, then its treatment will be simple. It is enough to carry out steam inhalations every day, adhere to a diet, make warming compresses, rinse and irrigate the throat.

For a complete recovery, it is important to eliminate the factors that triggered the development of pharyngitis. If another disease is such a factor, then you need to start treating it. Doctors recommend, at least for a while, to give up addictions. This will speed up your recovery.

When the unpleasant symptoms are very pronounced, during an exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, antibiotics are prescribed. They are taken regularly, in each period of exacerbation. If the symptoms are not very painful, then local preparations are used.

In addition to antibiotics, doctors recommend using antiseptic and anti-inflammatory solutions, sprays, lozenges, tablets, decoctions. Treatment becomes faster and more effective when all of the above medications are combined with physiotherapy. These include inhalation, ultrasound, UHF.

After complete recovery, the patient needs vitamin therapy. It will not be superfluous to take drugs that strengthen the immune system. Tempering treatments can be done at home to increase resistance to infections. This is allowed only 2 weeks after recovery.

In addition to medication, the patient is advised to adhere to a diet. Do not eat too spicy, salty, acidic foods that can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat. It is worth following the drinking regimen.

Don't forget about traditional medicine. Decoctions of herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect help well to alleviate the condition. Warm milk with honey and butter is great for softening the throat. Check with your doctor before using home remedies.

Do not forget about the prevention of pharyngitis. It is absolutely forbidden to smoke! If it doesn’t work, try to smoke less, and best of all quit this bad habit... Wear a respirator when working in hazardous industries. Do not overcool and try not to communicate with people with ARVI. Always treat diseases of the cardiovascular system, stomach and other organs on time. Get tempered and drink vitamins. Eat foods that contain many vitamins and minerals. A stay at the sea will be useful. Inhalation of iodine vapors in such a climate has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body.