About hron pharyngitis treatment according to medical standards. Features of symptoms in atrophic form

Chronic pharyngitis occurs as an independent disease, the cause of which is prolonged irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat and larynx, and also due to an untreated acute form of the disease.

The chronic form of pharyngitis has both acute and remission phases. In adults, slowly ongoing inflammation of the mucosa often worsens during the period of influenza and SARS, with a decrease in immunity, intoxication, and stress.

In chronic pharyngitis, a dry, debilitating cough is disturbing, which continues even after an exacerbation, and there is also an acute susceptibility to various inflammatory diseases.

Causes of chronic pharyngitis

Why does chronic pharyngitis occur, and what is it? This ailment is extremely rarely an independent disease, often develops as a result of a decrease in local immunity of the pharyngeal mucosa under the influence of various external and internal factors.

The occurrence of the disease contribute to:

Colds that are not accompanied by adequate full-fledged treatment;

Eating irritating substances - spicy, peppery, acidic foods, alcohol;

Long-term smoking of tobacco and abuse of strong alcoholic beverages;

Living in areas with a highly polluted atmosphere;

Allergic reactions of the delayed type;

Gastroesophageal reflux disease with a systematic reflux of hydrochloric acid through the esophagus into the larynx;

Chronic inflammatory processes in the oral cavity - chronic tonsillitis (inflammation of the palatine tonsils), diseases of the teeth and gums;

Professional employment in hazardous industries (chemical, metallurgical, food enterprises).

Symptoms and types of chronic pharyngitis

The chronic form is not characterized by an increase in temperature and a significant deterioration in the whole condition, as occurs with the usual symptoms of pharyngitis, which occurs in the acute phase.

The patient feels a sore throat, dryness, discomfort, a feeling of a lump. The mucous membrane becomes red, there is a hoarseness of voice, hoarseness, congestion of the upper throat (the latter is not so common). Constantly there is a need to clear the throat, cough.

The cough is often lingering and dry, and is not like the cough of bronchitis or tracheobronchitis. Due to uncomfortable sensations in the throat, the constant need to swallow the mucus that has accumulated on the back wall, the patient feels irritation, and sleep may worsen.

There are several types of chronic pharyngitis in adults, for which specific symptoms are characteristic:

catarrhal. A simple form of chronicle in which you constantly want to clear your throat. The patient feels dryness, discomfort, perspiration in the mouth;

Hypertrophic. This form of pharyngitis is determined by thickening of the lymphoid tissue, in which the lymphoid protrusions are scattered randomly. Such growths during an exacerbation begin to turn red and increase;

atrophic. With atrophic chronic pharyngitis, thinning of the mucous membrane of the throat is observed, it becomes dry and vulnerable. Small passing vessels are also visible. Quite often the lining of the throat is covered with dried mucus.

Chronic pharyngitis of a smoker

Chronic pharyngitis of a smoker occurs in people who start smoking early and continue this harmful activity almost throughout their lives. Tobacco smoking (nicotinism) is one of the most common types of household drug addiction caused by the nicotine addiction of the body. When smoking, dry distillation of tobacco occurs with the formation of a significant amount of various products: nicotine, hydrogen sulfide, acetic, formic, hydrocyanic and butyric acids, pyridine, carbon oxide, etc. These substances, according to their chemical composition, are toxins, naturally, they are alien to the body and when when it gets into it, they harm it, affecting various organs and systems.

Tobacco smoking is not a physiological need of the body. As L.V. Brusilovsky (1960) notes, this is rather a pathological act, first due to imitation, and then, with further smoking, chronically destroying the body. Without going into details of the harm that nicotine causes to the body, we only note that its negative effect affects almost all vital organs and systems (CNS, cardiovascular system, endocrine and bronchopulmonary systems, genital area, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, pancreas , interstitial tissue), while all types of metabolism, the adaptive-trophic function of the ANS, immunity are violated to one degree or another, dystrophic processes occur in the upper respiratory tract, pharynx, esophagus, etc.

Nicotine acts directly on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, nose, pharynx, larynx, exerting a pronounced damaging effect on it. The teeth are usually covered with a specific yellow coating and are quickly affected by caries. When smoking, salivation, bad breath are often noted. In pipe smokers, irritation of the lips with the mouthpiece often causes cancer of the lower lip. Smokers often suffer from various diseases of the oral mucosa. The defeat of the pharynx with nicotine is manifested by severe hyperemia and dryness of the mucous membrane (smoker's throat), which provokes a constant cough and viscous gray discharge in the form of sputum that is difficult to cough up, especially in the morning. Stopping smoking normalizes the mucous membrane of the pharynx within 3-4 weeks.

Diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis

Diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis is based on a thorough questioning and examination of the patient.

Be sure the doctor conducts pharyngoscopy - examination of the mucous membrane of the pharynx.

At the same time, he can detect the characteristic signs of any form of chronic pharyngitis.

So, with a catarrhal form, the following changes in the posterior pharyngeal wall can be detected:

redness;
puffiness;
a small amount of mucus.

The hypertrophic form is characterized by the presence of the following changes in the pharyngeal mucosa:

thickening, swelling;
developed venous network (congestion);
with a granular hypertrophic form, red nodules up to 0.5 cm are also found.

In the atrophic form, the following changes are found on the pharyngeal mucosa:

thinning;
dryness;
crusts;
small hemorrhages;
pale pink color.

To determine the causative agent of the disease, a scraping is taken from the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, and a bacterioscopic examination is performed.

In the general blood test during the period of remission of the disease, there may be no changes, and during an exacerbation, general signs of inflammation (an increase in leukocytes, ESR) are determined.

Treatment of chronic pharyngitis

It is much more difficult to cure a disease in a chronic form than in an acute one, however, it is possible. Proper treatment starts with diagnosis and must address the root cause of the disease, not just relieve the symptoms. It is also important to remember that each individual throat disease can and should be treated individually and according to its own program. You can not fight the same means against tonsillitis and, for example, laryngitis. These are different diseases and can be cured in different ways. And how to eliminate chronic pharyngitis, the treatment is quite simple, but necessary.

So, if all the symptoms point to chronic pharyngitis and the medical specialist confirms the diagnosis, you can begin the healing process. It consists of three areas:

Elimination of the factor provoking the development of the disease.
Local therapy that facilitates the course of the disease.
Work to stimulate the immune system.

Start by changing your lifestyle. It is best to abandon excessive stress on the vocal cords, then it will be easier to cure the throat. Food and drink taken by the patient should be gentle, warm and non-irritating to the mucous membrane of the larynx.

For the duration of the disease, it is worth abandoning hypothermia and harmful effects on the body, whether it be smoking, alcohol, irritating chemicals or polluted air.

In the treatment of pharyngitis, unlike tonsillitis, the emphasis is on local therapy. In harsh therapy, in which antibiotics are used, there is no need here. Therefore, rinsing the larynx, inhalations and compresses will be the best helpers in the treatment of a disease called chronic pharyngitis. Treatment with saline or soda rinses will help relieve unpleasant symptoms and disinfect the throat, while the mucous membrane will not be affected and recovery will be fairly quick. Herbal preparations and decoctions have the same favorable effect.

Also, the doctor can prescribe physiotherapy procedures and vitamin therapy, you do not need to neglect them, all this will help to quickly restore the body and strengthen the immune system. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining the immune system, because if the body's defenses work like clockwork, the next time the disease will not occur, even if there are harmful provoking factors.

Traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis

In order to treat chronic pharyngitis at home, folk remedies are used in the form of infusions and decoctions for oral administration, solutions for washing and inhalation.

Compositions based on propolis. Treatment with propolis has been tested repeatedly and gives positive results. The following recipes are recommended:

Propolis is first cleared of impurities by pouring the crushed mass into cold water. Impurities float to the top. Purified propolis (30 g) is infused in medical alcohol (100 ml) for 7 days. The infusion is mixed with glycerin in a ratio of 1:2; used in the form of an ointment by spreading the mucous membrane of the nose and throat 1 time per day;

A 10% alcohol solution of propolis is made and diluted in water (40 drops per 60 ml of water). It is used by instillation (5 drops) into the nose 2 times a day before meals (half an hour) for 1 month.

Solution. Mukaltin (3 tablets) is dissolved in hot milk (100 ml), iodine (2 drops) is introduced. Taken orally at bedtime for 10 days;

Syrup. Chopped garlic (half a glass) is poured with honey and slowly cooked with stirring for 20 minutes until the garlic dissolves. Used for 1 tbsp. spoon after 1 hour to eliminate pain;

Solution. Sea salt (1 tablespoon) is dissolved in warm water (0.5 l), used as a gargle 5 times a day for 5 days.

A good result in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis can be achieved by gargling with a solution prepared according to the following folk recipes:

Infusion. Garlic (1 head) is crushed to the consistency of gruel and poured with apple or wine vinegar (1 l), then infused in a dark place for 15 days. Before use, table salt (0.5 teaspoon) is added to the infusion, the throat is rinsed 3 times a day;

A decoction of blackberry leaves;

Infusion. Linden flowers (1 tablespoon) are poured with boiling water (200 ml) and infused for half an hour. Gargle 3 times a day. Can be used as a healing drink (3 times a day, 100 ml);

Solution. Kalanchoe juice (1 tablespoon) is diluted in water (200 ml). Gargle 3 times a day after meals (after 1 hour);

Decoction. The crushed roots of the spatula (1 tablespoon) are poured with water (200 ml) and boiled for half an hour. Used for gargling 4 times a day;

Infusion. Plantain leaves (1 tablespoon) are poured with boiling water (200 ml) and infused for 20 minutes. It is used for rinsing 3 times a day after meals (after 15 minutes);

Solutions for inhalation. Inhalation is a common treatment. The following folk formulations are recommended for the procedure at home:

Herbal infusion. Mint (1 g), string (3 g), coltsfoot (5 g) are poured with boiling water (200 ml) and infused for 1 hour; inhalation is carried out 3 times a day;

Mixture. Infusion of yarrow (10 ml), decoctions of viburnum bark (20 ml) and pharmacy chamomile (200 ml) are mixed and used as inhalation 3 times a day;

Infusion. Mix horsetail, raspberry leaves, immortelle flowers in equal proportions. The mixture (1 tablespoon) is poured with boiling water (200 ml) and infused for 2 hours;

Infusion. Mint (2 parts), lavender (1 part), oak bark (4 parts) are mixed. The mixture (1 tablespoon) is poured with boiling water (200 ml) and infused in a thermos for 4 hours.

Prevention of chronic pharyngitis

Primary prevention is used, namely:

Psycho-emotional state control;

Avoidance of crowded places during an epidemic of viral infection and influenza;

Retention from hypothermia;

Minimization of room air conditioning;

Maintaining the optimal level of humidity in the apartment (about 35%);

Preventive irrigation of the throat with medicinal herbs as prescribed by a doctor.

Chronic pharyngitis is a form of an inflammatory disease that develops as a result of an advanced acute form. The inflammatory process extends to the entire surface of the pharynx and is manifested by a periodic recurrence of clinical symptoms. Exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis develops against the background of a weakening of the body's defenses, prolonged physical or stressful stress.

Varieties of the disease depending on the clinical form

Catarrhal is the mildest course of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The pathological process is located in the superficial layers and therefore practically does not cause consequences. How long the disease lasts depends on the transition of the disease to a more severe form.

The hypertrophic form is characterized by the development of formations on the mucous membrane in the form of nodules and tuberosity.

Atrophic chronic pharyngitis is the most severe form, it develops mainly after the removal of the tonsils. Visually, the mucous membrane becomes loose and thinner, gradually becoming dry. With an atrophic form, the risk of becoming infected with a bacterial flora increases, followed by a long and painful treatment.

Is chronic pharyngitis contagious or not, why is it dangerous?
We can say with confidence that a chronic disease can be contagious only if the exacerbation was provoked by bacterial or viral factors.

Therefore, whether chronic pharyngitis is contagious depends on the cause that provoked the development of the disease.

Causes of the development of the period of exacerbation of the disease

Acute and chronic pharyngitis are the same inflammation of the membranes of the pharynx. The transition from an acute course to a chronic one is carried out as a result of a long-term, neglected inflammatory process.

In chronic pharyngitis, the main causes of the development of the disease are:

bacterial and viral infections;
general weakening of the body as a result of immunodeficiency;
the disease often develops against the background of a long course of colds.

The main causes of chronic pharyngitis are associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the adenoid tissue.

Factors that influence the appearance of the disease:

Diseases that provoke the development of an acute inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, nose and pharynx - tonsillitis, otitis media, runny nose.
Prolonged violation of the function of nasal breathing, which is associated with the drying of the mucous membrane of the pharynx.
General or local hypothermia of the body.
Bad habits in the form of drinking and smoking.
Unfavorable living and environmental conditions of human life.
Difficult working conditions with a predominance of dust in the air.
Reflux of the contents of the stomach and esophagus into the upper respiratory tract.
Disturbances in hormonal and endocrine balance.
Enamel caries, infectious and traumatic stomatitis.
Anaphylactic shock.
Chemical or thermal irritation of the mucous membrane.
Wrong nutrition.
Previous operations in the neck area.

Chronic pharyngitis in children develops very rarely as a complication of the acute form, the most likely cause in this case is non-compliance with the above points.

Symptomatic manifestations

With the development of chronic pharyngitis, symptoms and treatment will vary depending on the stage of the disease.

So, the common symptoms of the disease are:

discomfort in the throat when swallowing;
sharp swelling of the mucous membrane;
pain of a cutting nature;
bad breath.

The disease often accompanies otitis media, which complicates the disease with a sharp decrease in hearing acuity. The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis in adults differ from those in children, because their mucous membrane is more capable of regeneration and therefore chronic pharyngitis in a child occurs only in a catarrhal form with rare relapses.

Features of symptoms in catarrhal form

The inflammatory process extends to all parts of the pharynx and is manifested by hyperemia of the mucous membrane due to the expansion of venous vessels. Purulent mucus can be found on the surface of the mucous membrane, the tonsils and uvula of the soft palate are thickened and enlarged.

Complaints with catarrhal form of pharyngitis:

sore throat when eating hard foods;
the feeling of having a foreign body that prevents the free passage of food through the pharynx;
morning cough due to accumulation of large amounts of mucus.

When a bacterial infection is attached, enlarged regional lymph nodes are palpated.

Features of symptoms in hypertrophic form

This form of the disease is characterized by significant swelling of the soft tissues, a sharp increase in the size of the lymph nodes and the rapid spread of the infectious process to nearby tissues.

The main complaints made by patients:

sharp unbearable pain in the throat of a cutting character;
feeling of discomfort and difficulty in swallowing;
increased salivation;
purulent discharge;
strong bad breath;
coughing;
sudden hoarseness of voice.

Features of symptoms in atrophic form

This form is a complication of the disease. It is characterized by depletion of the pharynx and irreversible changes in parietal tissues.

Patients complain about:

constant feeling of dryness in the throat;
thirst;
difficulty swallowing food of any consistency;
fetid odor from the mouth.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis in chronic pharyngitis is carried out using:

Visual examination of the patient, which reveals swelling and redness of the mucous membrane.
Bacteriological culture to determine the presence and type of pathogen. Scraping for laboratory research is taken on the back of the pharynx.
Laboratory studies of peripheral blood, the results indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the human body.

Treatment of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis most often develops against a background of bacterial infection. Depending on how to treat chronic pharyngitis, the further course of the disease depends.

Chronic pharyngitis is treated at home and does not require emergency hospitalization. How long the disease is treated depends on the clinical form and neglect of the disease. First of all, in order to achieve a positive result, patients are advised to stop using alcohol and tobacco, follow proper nutrition to prevent additional irritating effects on the inflamed mucous membrane.

How to treat chronic pharyngitis in adults, depending on the clinical form? Let's consider in more detail.

Treatment of the catarrhal form

For the treatment of catarrhal pharyngitis, you can use:

Elimination of the irritating factor that caused the development of the disease.
Gargling with warm salted water or Lugol's solution.
Cryotherapy or coagulation of the walls of the pharynx using low-frequency current.

Treatment of the hypertrophic form

Gargling with saline solution, enveloping and anti-inflammatory drugs:

Lugol;
Protargol;
Collargol;
Miramistin;
Octenisept.

Top 3 recipes for pharyngitis

Medicinal preparations of antibacterial and antiseptic mechanism of action are used in tablet form:

Lizobakt;
Pharyngosept;
Hexalysis.

Effective treatment and rapid elimination of the inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes is carried out by rubbing the walls of the pharynx with a solution of silver nitrate.

Treatment of the atrophic form

How to treat chronic pharyngitis of an atrophic form, because it is extremely severe and it will not work to get rid of it once and for all, as irreversible processes began to develop in the parietal tissues.

To alleviate the condition, a person must constantly moisten the throat with enveloping drugs. In this case, the solutions are optimal:

Lugol;
sodium chloride;
Yoda.

For seven days, you should gargle with Chlorophyllipt solution, this is a medicinal substance that has pronounced antibacterial properties, it will help not only get rid of the pathogenic pathogen, but also stop the inflammatory process.

In chronic pharyngitis, treatment with oils from medicinal plants is strictly prohibited. especially if they are homemade. Self-medication can provoke the development of a mass of complications and aggravate the course of the disease.

With prolonged and intense pain, I recommend that patients blockade the posterior pharyngeal wall with novocaine solution, the course of treatment lasts for 8 days, this will help to temporarily alleviate the patient's condition.

Let's talk about antibiotics

According to statistics, the disease develops against the background of bacterial infection, the treatment of chronic pharyngitis in adults is carried out with the help of antibacterial drugs. Antibiotics are used by patients only during the period of remission of the disease and when the bacterial cause of the disease is confirmed, the most commonly used drugs are:

Ceftriaxone;
Cefazolin.
Erythromycin;
Azithromycin.

Care should be taken when choosing antibacterial drugs for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis in a child, since some drugs have increased toxicity. The group of tetracyclines has a pronounced teratogenic effect, adversely affects the function of the liver and kidneys. That is why tetracycline treatment for chronic pharyngitis is strictly prohibited for pregnant women and people with liver and kidney pathologies. Macrolides belong to the group of the most safe drugs, they can be used even in childhood.

Possible Complications

The disease itself - chronic pharyngitis - can act as a complication of the first form, a frequent cause of this process is a previously transferred tonsillectomy. Tonsil removal is a mechanical intervention to remove one of the main links of the immune system.

With improper and untimely treatment of the disease, the inflammatory process can spread to neighboring tissues. The most formidable is the penetration of bacterial pathogens into the bloodstream with the development of bacteriological shock.

The membranes of the heart with a sharp violation of the contractile function may also be involved in the inflammatory process.

Why is chronic pharyngitis dangerous?
Chronic pharyngitis due to the specifics of pathogenesis tends to develop cancer of the pharynx.

Preventive methods

Prevention of chronic pharyngitis is based on the following principles:

Periodic hardening of the throat.
Compliance with the correct diet.
Timely treatment of the acute form of the disease.

The prognosis for complete recovery is unfavorable due to irreversible changes in the cellular structures of the mucous membrane. To date, to alleviate the condition of patients, active treatment of relapses of the disease is carried out. Do not forget to treat acute pharyngitis and other diseases of the throat and respiratory tract in a timely manner. Be healthy!

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissues of the pharynx. Infection with pharyngitis from a sick person is possible only if the disease is caused by a specific pathogen (for example, diphtheria bacillus). In other cases, the disease is considered non-contagious. There are two forms of the disease: acute and chronic.

Reasons for the development of the disease:

inhalation of cold air;
exposure to the mucous membrane of the pharynx of irritating chemicals (tobacco smoke, tar contained in cigarettes, alcohol, polluted air);
infections (streptococcal, staphylococcal, pneumococcal);
viruses (, parainfluenza, adenoviruses);
mushrooms of the genus Candida;
ingress of an infectious agent from other inflammatory foci (rhinitis, sinusitis, caries).

Acute pharyngitis

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis are sore throat and sore throat, especially when swallowing.

Most often, acute pharyngitis is combined with acute inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract (flu, infectious diseases).

Patients complain of a feeling of sore throat, pain when swallowing. Body temperature may remain normal or rise slightly up to 37.50C. The general condition of the patients is assessed as satisfactory.

In children under 2 years of age, pharyngitis is more severe than in adults, since it is often combined with inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, accompanied by impaired nasal breathing.

Chronic pharyngitis

There are atrophic and hypertrophic forms of the disease, which have a similar clinical, but completely different pharyngoscopic picture.

For any form of chronic pharyngitis, an increase in temperature and a deterioration in the well-being of patients are not typical.

The disease is manifested by dryness, perspiration and sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Patients complain of persistent cough with scanty discharge. A large amount of viscous mucus accumulates in the pharynx, which patients are forced to constantly swallow. This can lead to increased irritability of patients, and even sleep disturbance.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of pharyngitis is usually not difficult for a doctor. The diagnosis is made on the basis of an assessment of the patient's complaints, anamnesis (history) of the disease and the results of pharyngoscopy. Changes in the clinical analysis of blood are possible, but they are not specific for this disease, and only indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

The pharyngoscopic picture differs in various forms of the disease.
In acute pharyngitis, the mucous membrane of the pharynx is hyperemic (bright red), in places it shows plaques of pus and mucus, and the tongue is swollen.

With atrophic pharyngitis, you can see a shiny, dry, thinned mucous membrane of the pharynx, covered with dried mucus.

The hypertrophic form of the disease is characterized by the presence of foci of hyperplastic lymphoid tissue in the pharynx, an increase in tubopharyngeal ridges located behind the posterior palatine arches.
During an exacerbation of chronic forms of pharyngitis, these changes are accompanied by edema and hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa.

Treatment

Ease the discomfort in the throat will help a plentiful warm drink.

Therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating the factor that caused the development of pharyngitis, treating local manifestations of the disease, as well as restoring the normal immune status of the body.
Compliance with bed rest during an exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease or the development of acute pharyngitis is not necessary, however, one should not endure the disease “on the legs”. Recommended warm (but not hot), soft, not irritating inflamed mucous membrane of the pharynx, food and warm drink.
It is necessary to eliminate the factors that caused the disease, as well as other irritating agents, such as cold air, tobacco smoke, and alcohol.

Local effect on the inflammatory process is the most effective of the methods of treatment of pharyngitis. Medicines used for these purposes have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects.

Local preparations are available in the form of several dosage forms: sprays (hexoral, inhalipt), lozenges and lozenges (spetolete, strepsils, grammidin, pharyngosept), solutions for rinsing and lubricating the pharyngeal mucosa. Effective gargling with herbal decoctions of chamomile, sage and oak bark, as well as solutions of table salt and furatsilina.

The use of local antibacterial drugs significantly increases the effectiveness of the treatment of pharyngitis in adults, but the doctor should decide on the appropriateness of their appointment. Despite the fact that antibiotic therapy is carried out locally, the rules of antibiotic treatment should be followed. It is unacceptable to change the frequency and time of use of drugs, as well as their unauthorized cancellation before the end of the course of treatment, even if you feel better.

In addition to drug therapy for the treatment of pharyngitis, physiotherapeutic methods are used, such as UV irradiation, electrophoresis with medicinal substances, darsonvalization, etc.
To strengthen the immune system, vitamin and mineral complexes and biologically active food supplements should be taken.

Prevention of pharyngitis

Preventive measures should be aimed at strengthening the body's defenses and eliminating factors that provoke the development of the disease. It is also necessary to treat diseases of other organs and systems that can cause the development of secondary inflammation in the pharyngeal mucosa.

Which doctor to contact

If signs of pharyngitis appear, you should consult an ENT doctor. In addition, a physiotherapist is involved in the treatment. It will also be useful to visit a dentist and treat caries-affected teeth - a focus of chronic infection in the body.

About the treatment of pharyngitis - the transfer of the magazine "Otolaryngologist"

The Moscow Doctor clinic tells about the disease:

Acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the pharynx is called pharyngitis. This is a very common pathology in people of all ages, its frequency increases dramatically during seasonal SARS.

Etiology of pharyngitis

The vast majority of cases are both infectious in nature. Most often, the causative agents of this disease are respiratory viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, adeno- and rhinoviruses), less often it is caused by bacteria (strepto-, staphylo- and pneumococcus), in some cases fungi become an etiological factor. Non-infectious causes of pharyngitis are allergic reactions, traumatic damage to the pharyngeal mucosa, exposure to dust and various chemicals.

The main cause of chronic pharyngitis is the opportunistic bacterial flora of the oral cavity, which is activated in conditions of a decrease in local and / or general immunity.

In addition, chronic pharyngitis can also manifest itself against the background of some somatic diseases - the most striking example is gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD): with this disease, acidic gastric masses regularly reflux into the esophagus and up to the oral cavity. In patients, this condition is manifested by symptoms such as heartburn, sour belching, and sore throat due to the irritating effect of the contents of the stomach on the mucous membrane of the pharynx.

There are frequent cases of chronic pharyngitis and as a result of constant or frequent exposure to high levels of dust in the air.

The provoking factors are:

hypothermia;
bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
concomitant somatic pathology;
endocrine disorders.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

In most cases, pharyngitis in adults is caused by viruses and bacteria.

In the acute form of pharyngitis, the infectious agent enters the pharynx from the outside (typically more for viruses) or from foci of infection present in the body (, caries, etc.). This form of the disease usually covers all parts of the pharynx (nasal, oropharyngeal and laryngopharynx), as well as nearby parts of the upper respiratory tract (nose, larynx, trachea).

Exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis occurs either when the body's defenses are weakened (conditionally pathogenic flora of the oral cavity is activated), or when the disease that caused it is exacerbated (for example, GERD). In the chronic variant of the course, only one anatomical region of the pharynx is more often affected, and the neighboring sections of the respiratory tract are not involved in the process.

Clinical picture of pharyngitis

The general condition of patients with pharyngitis, as a rule, does not suffer. Body temperature may rise slightly (usually not higher than 38 C), slight malaise, drowsiness may appear.

Local symptoms are the feeling of a foreign body, discomfort in the throat, perspiration and dryness in it. Later, pains appear, usually moderate or non-intense.

If there is pronounced swelling in the pharynx, the pain may spread to the ears or occur.

Against the background of constant perspiration, an obsessive, dry superficial appears. Over time, it becomes productive.

Since pharyngitis is an inflammation, the lymphatic system can react to it, which will manifest itself to some, their soreness on palpation.

In the case of a severe course of a viral infection and pharyngitis in particular (with adenovirus infection, influenza), the symptoms of intoxication can be much more pronounced, and in parallel with the symptoms of pharyngitis, there will be symptoms of damage to other organs (conjunctivitis, tracheitis, etc.).

As for exacerbations of chronic pharyngitis, in this condition, the well-being of patients rarely suffers. Symptoms of intoxication are practically absent, the temperature most often does not rise. There is dryness in the throat, a feeling of a coma or a foreign body that you want to cough up, coughing.

Diagnosis of pharyngitis

The diagnosis of neither acute nor chronic pharyngitis usually does not cause difficulties for the doctor. After collecting complaints and anamnesis, the therapist or ENT doctor conducts a visual examination of the pharynx - pharyngoscopy, assessing the nature of the changes in the mucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall:

in acute pharyngitis, it is hyperemic and edematous, inflamed lymphoid granules are visualized on its surface;
the hypertrophic form of chronic pharyngitis looks like an excessive growth (hyperplasia) of the lymphoid tissue against the background of redness and swelling of the mucosa;
the atrophic form of the chronic variant of the course of the disease is characterized by thinning of the mucosa, the presence of many vessels, dry mucus or crusts on the surface of the membrane.

If it is important for the doctor to know the nature of the pathogen, he will prescribe a throat swab analysis, which will be sent for virological or bacteriological examination.

Chronic and acute pharyngitis: treatment

Often patients with pharyngitis - both acute and chronic in the acute stage - suffer only slightly. Of course, not every patient will want to run to the doctor at the slightest cough - more often people try to treat mild forms of the disease on their own.

If possible, it is better to stay at home for several days, excluding the possibility of contact with other people to the maximum (so that another infection does not build up on a weakened body).
It is not necessary to observe bed rest at all, it is enough just to fully rest at night and allow yourself one daytime sleep to recuperate.
The diet should contain easily digestible, rich in vitamins and microelements, soft in texture, warm food. Fried, spicy, salty in the acute period of the disease should be excluded.
Drinking in the absence of intoxication is not necessarily a lot, but with the existing dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa after drinking warm milk or tea, patients usually feel better. The best options for drinks are green tea with lemon, ginger tea with honey, milk with honey and butter, fruit and vegetable fruit drinks, alkaline mineral water without gas.
Do not drink alcohol, do not smoke.
In order to prevent the spread of infection, the patient should use an individual towel and utensils, regularly carry out wet cleaning and ventilate the room in which he is located.

Pharyngitis: drug treatment

Warm (but not hot!) Drinks and special lozenges with analgesic and antiseptic effect will help relieve sore throat with pharyngitis.

There are many over-the-counter medications that are safe enough that you can use yourself when you experience certain symptoms of the disease. When doctor's consultation is required to avoid consequences!

If the doctor has previously prescribed you an antiviral agent, and you have not experienced any negative reactions to this drug, it would be good for you to have it in your medicine cabinet all the time and start taking it immediately, at the first sign of a viral infection. The following antiviral drugs are most commonly used: Groprinosin, Amizon, Ingavirin, Isoprinosine.
Rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Chlorophyllipt alcohol, Furacilin) is undoubtedly important and very effective for pharyngitis. This procedure is required as often as possible - 1-2 times every hour.
You can use sprays and lozenges that act locally and have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Of the sprays, it is worth noting Cameton, Ingalipt, Givalex, Tera-flu, from lollipops and lozenges - Lisobakt, Islamint and Isla-moos, Faringosept, Strepsils, more serious drugs - Decatilen, Trachisan.
Surely you are wondering: "How to treat a cough with pharyngitis?" Traditional medicine offers many safe and effective plant-based syrups (Gerbion, Dr. Theiss's plantain syrup, Eukabal, Bronchipret), which have an expectorant effect, and preparations containing synthetic medicinal substances (Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Fluditec, ACC, Bromhexine), which are mucolytics ( i.e., liquefying sputum).
It helps a lot to moisturize the parched mucosa of the pharynx, to stimulate the discharge of sputum. As a solution for inhalation, you can use the most harmless, but no less effective remedy than others - saline. In addition to it, products containing ambroxol () are often used, and individual models of the device allow even decoctions of medicinal herbs to be used for inhalation.

Treatment of pharyngitis with folk remedies

I will make a reservation right away that I, as the author of the article and a practicing general practitioner, do not approve of the craze of many people. Treatment should always be comprehensive, and the use of exclusively folk methods often leads to the development of complications. However, I have several recommendations in my arsenal regarding traditional medicine for the treatment of pharyngitis.

Rinsing the mouth with infusions of herbs with antiseptic properties (sage, chamomile, eucalyptus, calendula). The infusion is required to be prepared at the rate of 10 g of vegetable raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water. Gargle for 5 minutes every hour.
The same herbs can also be used for inhalation through a nebulizer (be careful: not every model of this device allows the use of herbal solutions).
It is very effective to use propolis tincture for the treatment of pharyngitis. It is necessary to dilute 30 drops of 30% tincture in 100 ml of warm water - gargle with the resulting solution 3-4 times a day.
As the richest source of vitamin C, which is known to be necessary for the body during infectious diseases, an infusion of coniferous buds (20 g of raw material per 1 cup of boiling water) can be used as a solution for inhalation.
An excellent cough remedy is cocoa butter. A small piece of it (half a teaspoon) must be added to a glass of warm milk, taken 3-4 times a day.
It helps to relieve inflammation from the pharynx blackberry. You can use a decoction of its leaves as a solution for rinsing and inhalation, or you can simply eat not only tasty, but also rich in vitamins, fruits.

Pharyngitis is a common disease that involves an inflammatory process in the lymphoid tissues and mucous membranes of the pharynx. In most cases, the disease is easily cured and ceases to bother, but sometimes it takes on a chronic stage. This type of pharyngitis requires certain measures.

Chronic pharyngitis can be classified into types:

catarrhal. It usually affects smokers with many years of experience and those who constantly have to inhale harmful gases. A characteristic symptom is swelling of the mucous membrane. In rare cases, mucus appears on the back of the throat.
hypertrophic. The mucous membrane and lymph nodes increase in size. Mucus builds up, causing bad breath and coughing.
atrophic. The condition of the mucous membrane is seriously deteriorating, it becomes thinner. The resulting mucus hardens, interferes with swallowing and exfoliates when coughing.

Attention:when the disease takes an acute form, the symptoms are more pronounced. The cough gets worse, it hurts to swallow. There may be an increase in temperature and an increase in lymph nodes.

Provocateurs of the development of chronic pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis turns into chronic, not only because of untimely provision of medical care or ignoring it. A change in the stage of the disease can be provoked by other factors:

smoking and alcohol abuse;
diseases of the endocrine system;
abuse of vasoconstrictor sprays and drops against the common cold;
removal of the tonsils;
constant use of foods that irritate the throat (hot, cold, spicy, sour);
allergic reaction;
diseases of the nasopharynx (tonsillitis, etc.);
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which acid rises up and onto the mucous membranes.

Important:chronic pharyngitis provoke and adverse environmental factors. These include gases, dry air, etc. People living in desert and steppe climates are prone to diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis has the same symptoms as acute pharyngitis (temperature and a sharp deterioration in well-being are exceptions). The only difference is that in the first case they are expressed weaker, but are felt constantly.

Signs of chronic pharyngitis include:

Dry cough. It can be both frequent and rare. Sometimes with chronic pharyngitis, it is characterized by a paroxysmal character.
Feeling of dryness in the mouth. This symptom is observed in patients with chronic pharyngitis, even if salivation is normal.
Thirst. The sensation may be present even after drinking.
Discomfort in the throat. "Com", object, perspiration, pain - all this characterizes this symptom.

Attention:in chronic pharyngitis, the patient is hindered by mucus on the back of the larynx. Therefore, he periodically swallows it.

Diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis

An appointment with a doctor in order to determine an accurate diagnosis is necessary, since the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis are similar to signs of other diseases. Diagnosis of the disease will be an examination in the office of an ENT doctor. The specialist takes into account complaints and performs pharyngoscopy.

Important:in some cases, it is necessary to obtain a smear from the pharynx in order to determine the provocateur of the disease.

Treatment of chronic pharyngitis

The first measure that should be taken during treatment is the elimination of all irritants. Alcohol and cigarettes are contraindicated. It is also necessary to limit the influence of toxic gases.

As for nutrition, a sparing fortified diet should be preferred. Eat neutral food (without acids, hot spices, etc.). Meals should be either at room temperature or warm. Fruits can be consumed everything except allergens and sour citrus fruits.

Medical treatment

There are several groups of drugs that can be used to treat chronic pharyngitis:

1. Lozenges. To alleviate inflammation in the throat, a remedy based on herbal dry extract and essential oil Sage lozenges from Natur Product has proven itself well. Sage lozenges from Natur Product is a combined preparation containing a complex of biologically active substances (1). It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and expectorant effects, and also has astringent properties (1). Sage lozenges by Natur The product is herbal with few side effects(1,2). Sage lozenges from Nature The product is produced in Europe in accordance with international production quality standards (1) THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. BEFORE USE IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST(1)
  (2) Allergic reactions - according to the instructions for medical use

1. Solutions. It is necessary to gargle with a solution of Chlorhexidine, Chlorophyllipt, Furacilin, Iodinol or Miramistin once or twice a day. Each drug has an individual instruction for creating a solution attached to it.

Cough medicines. Stoptussin (dosage depends on body weight) and Sinekod (fifteen milliliters three times a day) are suitable drugs to suppress coughing fits. Neo-Codion, Terkodin and Codelac should be taken one tablet three times a day.

Important:along with the necessary medicines in the pharmacy you can buy vitamin complexes. Their use will positively affect the immune system, as well as help restore the body after the use of medications.

Video - What is pharyngitis and how to treat it?

Treatment of pharyngitis with folk remedies

You can improve your well-being in chronic pharyngitis with the help of folk remedies:

Blackberry. A decoction of its leaves (one hundred grams per liter of water) is suitable for inhalation. The fruits can be consumed in their pure form.
Cacao butter. It must be mixed with milk and honey. Half a teaspoon of oil per glass of milk will be enough.
Salt compress. Sea salt must be heated in a pan so that it is warm. Next, wrap it in gauze and wrap the neck with a compress. The exposure time is a quarter of an hour. It is advisable to do a compress before going to bed. After exposure, you need to wrap your neck with a terry towel.
Honey compress. You need to cook it in almost the same way as the previous one, only in this case, honey is heated in a microwave oven. Cellophane should be applied between honey and gauze so as not to get dirty. The holding time is twenty minutes. It is recommended to apply once a day.
Gargling with herbs. Sage, chamomile are suitable options. They must be used dry. Add a large spoonful of herbs to a glass of boiling water, cool, strain and gargle. For best results, repeat the procedure five times a day.

Video - How to treat pharyngitis with folk remedies

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy- a suitable way to treat chronic pharyngitis. It includes these procedures:

electrophoresis;
magnetic therapy;
ultraviolet;
inductothermy.

All of the above treatment measures are universal. They can be taken for any form of chronic pharyngitis, if they are approved by the attending ENT doctor. Treatment methods suitable for certain types of disease are indicated in the table.

Form of the disease	Method of treatment
catarrhal	The main measure is the cleansing of the pharynx from mucus. First, it is necessary to rinse with antiseptics (one tablet of Furacilin per glass of water three times a day). Secondly, you need to lubricate the throat with Lugol's solution in glycerin. Thirdly, it is advisable to use sprays (irrigation with Kameton several times a day)
Hypertrophic	It is necessary to cauterize the lymphoid tissue in stationary conditions. Usually the process is carried out by cryotherapy or electrocoagulation.
atrophic	Inhalations of special enzymes or potassium solution are required. The doctor selects drugs that improve the process of mucus secretion

If the disease was provoked by pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic therapy is required. Suitable penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides. The dosage is determined by a specialist.

Important:don't expect quick results. Treatment of chronic pharyngitis is a long process.

Prevention of chronic pharyngitis

In order to prevent the occurrence of chronic pharyngitis, you need to follow simple rules:

Start treatment only after visiting the doctor's office. Consultation with a specialist before using the medicines you have chosen is necessary.
Give up smoking and alcohol abuse. Alcohol-containing drinks irritate the walls of the pharynx, and cigarette smoke has a detrimental effect on the entire respiratory system.
Eat right. Watch the temperature of food and do not get carried away with foods that irritate the mouth and throat.
Use vasoconstrictor drugs for the common cold only when necessary. These medicines are addictive. Abuse of them is fraught with deterioration of the condition of the mucous membranes.
Use protective masks and respirators if it is not possible to limit exposure to harmful gases. This is especially important for those who have to work with harmful substances.
Humidify the air in your home. If you live in a dry climate, use humidifiers.

Important:carefully monitor your health and strengthen your immune system. The likelihood of chronic pharyngitis in healthy people is lower than in those who suffer from various diseases.