Treatment methods for acute and chronic pharyngitis in adults

Pharyngitis in adults is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, has an infectious nature. Thanks to the modern level of medicine, it is possible to cure this disease very quickly, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time. In our material, we consider the main symptoms of pharyngitis in adults, methods of treatment and prevention.

The main causes of pharyngitis

Doctors often associate the occurrence of pharyngitis with off-season, especially often occurs in late winter or early spring. During this period, human immunity is maximally weakened, there are not enough vitamins in the body to fight various infections. As a result, the smallest virus can cause pharyngitis or any other inflammatory disease. However, it should be remembered that not only pathogens, but also some other factors can lead to this.

The main reasons include:

  • prolonged inhalation of cold air;
  • chemical irritation;
  • air pollution.

But infectious etiology is manifested in the defeat of viruses or fungi.

The acute form of pharyngitis can occur when exposed to infectious agents: 70% are viruses, the remaining 30% are bacteria.

There are also several factors that contribute to the transition of acute pharyngitis to the chronic form. These include:

  • smoking, alcohol;
  • prolonged nervous tension;
  • problems with nasal breathing;
  • prolonged drying of the mucous membrane;
  • avitaminosis;
  • exposure to harmful substances such as dust, smoke.

There are a number of provoking factors that can lead to chronic pharyngitis. For example, these are frequent colds, which have not been completely cured, abuse of rhinitis remedies, which negatively affects the condition of the nasal mucosa.

Classification

To date, there are two forms of this disease: acute and chronic. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Acute pharyngitis

It manifests itself immediately after exposure to the mucous membrane of any pathogenic factors, such as fungus or bacteria. It develops very quickly, but it is cured within a few days.

A characteristic symptom is constant swallowing due to the accumulation of sputum in the pharynx.

Also, the acute form is divided into:

  • viral;
  • bacterial;
  • fungal;
  • allergic;
  • traumatic.

Chronic pharyngitis

This form is due to acute pharyngitis or appears as an independent disease as a result of prolonged irritation of the mucous membrane.

Usually exacerbated by a decrease in immunity, with the appearance of other infectious diseases, under stress, hypothermia, or stress. Sometimes the chronic form can appear as an organism’s “response” to allergies, endocrine disorders, renal or heart failure.

It is worth remembering that in this case, the symptoms can either worsen or weaken, and the periods of exacerbations fall in the autumn.

Other forms

These include:

  1. Catarrhal It is considered the most favorable option because it does not change the structure of the fabric. Most often manifested in the form of swelling and redness of the throat.
  2. Hypertrophic. During the examination, the doctor may note the presence of foci of inflamed lymphoid tissue. In moments of exacerbation, this form may be accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane.
  3. Atrophic. It is characterized by a slight thinning of the integument of the pharynx, in some areas purulent crusts may appear.

The main symptoms that are worth paying attention to

The brightest and the first sign: the appearance of pain, tickling in the throat, burning sensation. Morning has to be expectorated, and mucous accumulations can even cause nausea. Many complain of pain when swallowing.

It should be noted that these symptoms do not appear together: they occur as the disease progresses.

In addition, some symptoms are similar to signs of other infectious diseases, because it is so important to determine in time the etiology and begin the correct treatment.

In the table below, we consider the forms of pharyngitis and the main symptoms.

Form of the diseaseSymptomatology
SharpCharacteristic features:
  • mucosal swelling;
  • tickle;
  • discomfort in the throat;
  • dry cough;
  • slight temperature rise.
ChronicUsually characterized by:
  • persistent coughing and soreness;
  • dry cough;
  • there is mucus (phlegm) on the back of the throat.

How is the treatment? To confirm the diagnosis, you need to contact a therapist or otolaryngologist.

Treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at reducing the symptoms and at the same time the main cause of pharyngitis. The first task is the relief of discomfort. Used for the treatment of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, painkillers.

Regardless of the form of the disease, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules for this disease:

  1. Bed rest and limited contact with others, which will stop the spread of infection.
  2. Must be a full night's sleep.
  3. The diet should include foods rich in minerals and vitamins. Try for some period to exclude salty and fried foods.
  4. If you suffer from dry throat, drink or warm green tea, or milk with honey.
  5. Try to limit or stop drinking altogether.

In addition, the chosen treatment regimen depends, among other things, on the form of the disease. Let's take a closer look.

Acute form

If we talk about this form, in the absence of complications, it is enough to carry out local treatment, which is aimed at eliminating pain and relieving inflammation. To do this, do the following:

  1. Gargling with chamomile decoctions, can be replaced with sage.
  2. Lubricate the throat Lugol.
  3. Make warming compresses.
  4. Steam inhalation.
  5. Drink warm milk with honey.

Any treatment used is aimed at obtaining results such as strengthening the immune system, relieving symptoms, suppressing inflammation. Among the most effective drugs I highlight: Septolete and Hexazal, which are sold in the form of tablets and lozenges.

Also, doctors can prescribe:

  1. Inhalation and rinsing. To do this, it is best to use chamomile floss, from pharmacy means Rotocan and Chlorophyllipt will do.
  2. Throat Sprays For example, Geksasprey.
  3. Antihistamines for edema: Zyrtec.

If there is a strong inflammation (temperature, damage to the mucous membrane), antibiotics are prescribed, for example, Amoxiclav. And remember that they can be prescribed only by a doctor and only after the establishment of bactericidal origin of pharyngitis.

And in order to make it easier for the body to cope with the disease, it is necessary to engage in general health promotion. Do not forget to eat vegetables and fruits, take vitamin complexes.

Chronic form

In this case, both the symptoms and the treatment will be slightly different. It should immediately be said that the patient's condition in this case will be much better than with the acute form of pharyngitis: there is no fever, no weakness, however, a sore throat may persist.

First of all, you need to enroll in physiotherapy, which will reduce the swelling of the throat, accelerate blood circulation. You should also gargle, for which you can use both decoctions of medicinal herbs and ready-made tinctures. One of the cheapest means is Furacilin.

It is very important to pay attention to your diet - the food should be soft, without harmful substances that can cause irritation in the throat. But at the same time, nutrition must be complete so that the body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs.

Be sure to include in your diet:

  • dairy products;
  • fruits;
  • vegetable broths;
  • vegetables;
  • steamed meat;
  • hot drinks.

But the following should not be eaten during a certain time:

  • ice cream;
  • spicy food;
  • alcoholic drinks;
  • smoked meats

And the food should be warm, hot food will irritate the mucous.

Folk remedies in the fight against pharyngitis

Traditional methods of treatment are quite effective in combating inflammation of the throat. It is best to use the gifts of nature for gargling.

It is best to use the following tools:

  1. Mint infusion. Take 10 g of dry greens, pour a glass of boiling water. Similarly prepared infusions of bark of viburnum or yarrow. Rinse their throats at least 5 times a day.
  2. You can chew propolis, and it should cause a slight numbness of the tongue.
  3. Perform chamomile or eucalyptus inhalation.
  4. Aloe juice will help, and it can be used either in pure form or mixed with honey - just lubricate the throat.

Also, do not forget about prevention, which will allow you to avoid the appearance of pharyngitis or any other infection.

First of all, do not forget about tempering the body: simple walks or sports will suffice. Give up bad habits, at least for the duration of treatment, and better permanently. Strengthen immunity by consuming fruits, vegetables, take vitamins (but also only on the recommendation of doctors).

Pharyngitis is a disease that disrupts a person’s normal condition. In order not to start it, one should at the first signs contact a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe the required treatment.

Watch the video: How To Treat Pharyngitis At Home Without Antibiotics - Homeopathy (May 2024).