Pharyngitis is rampant in China

Recently, the flu season has arrived and pharyngitis is trending on Chinese social media. Because of previous pandemics, many people take a sore throat as a sign of viral infection. However, the throat is the entrance of the human body and it may be caused by viral or bacterial infection or other reasons. Therefore, we need to pay attention to identify the cause of sore throat so that we can better receive treatment.

What is pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is a common throat disease, which refers to the inflammatory reaction that occurs in the throat mucosa and surrounding lymphoid tissue. 70% to 80% of pharyngitis is caused by viruses, such as influenza. Most patients with it will have dry throat, itchy throat and burning in the throat as the main symptoms in the early stages. When inflammation invades the throat, symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness, difficulty in speaking, and even loss of voice will appear, followed by symptoms such as throat pain, which will be aggravated when swallowing. In addition, it is often accompanied by neck pain or swelling, as well as fever, headache, fatigue and other discomforts.

Viral Infection

80% of upper respiratory tract symptoms are caused by viral infections. In addition to pharyngitis, it can also cause fever and cough. You can use antipyretic and analgesic drugs to relieve symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, you can follow the doctor’s advice to use antiviral drugs. In general, you can also gargle with warm salt water and drink more water. Avoid frequent use of your throat also can help a lot.

Bacterial Infection

The common characteristics of bacterial infections are sudden onset of severe sore throat, more likely to be high fever, and may be accompanied by swollen tonsils, swollen cervical lymph nodes, and rash. It is worth mentioning that superinfection of viruses and bacteria may occur. Generally, viruses come first and bacteria come later. It is recommended to use antibiotics for treatment under the guidance of a doctor to avoid allergic reactions.

Allergy

Some people develop allergies to dust, pollen, pet dander or mold in fall, which cause a range of symptoms including a runny or stuffy nose, itchy sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. Distinguishing pharyngitis caused by allergies can be judged by their duration. Compared with viral and bacterial infections, allergies last longer and do not cause fever symptoms.

Dry Air

The humidity and temperature of the space you live in will affect the state of the mucous membrane of the throat and cause pharyngeal pain. Hot, dry air can cause throat discomfort. For example, turning on the heating all night in winter and frequently turning on the air conditioner in summer will make the air in the room dry, which is most noticeable when you get up. To relieve it, boil a kettle of water and inhale the soothing steam from an appropriate distance or use a humidifier to keep the room air moist.

External Stimulus

Sore throat may be stimulated by external factors, such as air pollution, smoking, drinking, inhaling harmful substances such as detergents, excessive use of the throat, excessive consumption of spicy foods.

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