Interruption of the therapeutic course for colds or flu often leads to various pathologies. One of these complications can be pharyngitis. Treatment of the inflammatory process of the posterior wall of the larynx is carried out both with medicines and alternative methods. This article will consider a number of recommendations to combat this ailment.
What is pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis is one of the most famous diseases localized in the larynx. In winter, no one is safe from this ailment; people at different ages are at risk. Some of its forms are quite difficult and difficult to treat. Although the disease itself is not dangerous, treating it yourself is not recommended. Sometimes patients mistakenly take him for a sore throat due to similar symptoms. In order for medications to help cope with the disease, you need to know the correct diagnosis. Based on the complete clinical picture, the doctor will select the necessary drugs. At the same time, treatment of pharyngitis at home with the help of folk remedies is not ruled out. We will talk about them below.
In addition to the palatine tissues and mucous membranes, the ailment can affect the deeper layers. As an independent disease, it occurs extremely rarely, often accompanies inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract and is determined by the location of the focus. Depending on this, the disease is conditionally divided into several types. Spilled inflammatory process is diffuse and occurs in the acute form of the disease. In this case, the viral and bacterial lesion is migratory in nature, and most often descending. In chronic pharyngitis, the infection affects one of the three sections of the larynx: the oropharynx, nasopharynx or larynx.
Usually, inflammation begins to develop after bacteria and viruses get into the throat during a cold. Depending on the causative agent of the disease, the specialist decides whether antibiotics should be taken in the treatment of pharyngitis in adults. Photos with various forms of this ailment help to understand how inflammatory processes occur in the human body, and to realize the seriousness of the possible consequences. It would be good for each patient to receive more information about their disease and take the necessary measures in a timely manner.
Kinds
Pathology can acquire a very different nature. It is not always necessary to use antibiotics. To defeat an insidious disease, sometimes systematic treatment is enough. Remedies for pharyngitis are prescribed in accordance with the degree of the inflammatory process. It is important for people at risk to know what forms of the disease exist.
Acute infections are distinguished by the depth of the focus, taking into account the etiological factor. They can be allergic, fungal, viral and bacterial. Traumatic pharyngitis occurs as a result of exposure to foreign stimuli or after surgery. There are two main forms of the disease:
- Catarrhal. Pharyngitis, characterized by swelling and redness of the mucous membranes (hyperemia). The back wall of the pharynx can be covered with many follicles in the form of red grains. At the same time, cloudy mucus accumulates. The inflammatory process extends to the area of the tongue.
- Purulent. It is accompanied by the formation of mucus with an admixture of pus. Sometimes small sores appear.
Chronic forms of the disease are classified by structural changes in the mucosa:
- Chronic catarrhal. Accompanied by hyperemia and mild swelling of the epithelium of the mucous membrane. In some cases, there is an accumulation of mucus covering some parts of the pharynx.
- Hypertrophic. Symptoms take on a more pronounced form. A significant increase in the tongue and soft palate is observed. Compaction of the mucosa is accompanied by the expansion of blood vessels and lymph. During the course of the inflammatory process, hypersecretion occurs. This is due to the draining of lymph due to the expansion of lymphoid formations. Pathological changes cover the lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls.
- Atrophic. Leads to thinning of the epithelium. The glands are significantly reduced, the mucous membrane becomes dry and acquires a pale pink color with a brilliant coating. In some areas, crusts form, mucus appears with pus.
Causes
A number of factors can provoke the onset of the inflammatory process of the pharyngeal mucosa. Chronic pharyngitis is often diagnosed along with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually these are diseases such as gastritis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. As a result of getting into the respiratory tract of gastric juice with a hernia, a chronic, catarrhal form of pharyngitis can develop. Treatment in such cases is aimed at eliminating the cause of the outbreak. We provide a list of other factors:
- Problems contributing to shortness of breath: curvature of the nasal septum, polyps, sinusitis, rhinitis.
- Long-term use of vasodilators.
- The abuse of tobacco and alcohol.
- Constant or intense exposure to chemicals in the throat mucosa.
- Inhalation of contaminated or cold air.
- Individual structural features of the respiratory organs.
- Other diseases (cardiovascular, pathology of the urinary system).
Exogenous factors and various irritants are a common cause of the development of an acute form of the disease. These include:
- allergic pharyngitis;
- infectious;
- traumatic;
The development of an infectious form occurs under the influence of pathogenic microbes:
- pneumococci, staphylococci and streptococci are frequent pathogens of inflammation;
- in most cases (70%) these are influenza viruses, coronoviruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses;
- Candida (fungus).
Infection can spread from nearby foci located in the oral and nasal cavities. Laryngeal lesions are often observed in patients suffering from sinusitis, caries and sinusitis.
Symptoms
The list of symptoms with various etiologies of the inflammatory process of the pharynx:
- a feeling of itching, accompanied by constant tickling;
- persistent dry cough;
- swelling and redness;
- body temperature above 37 degrees;
- recurrent headaches;
- general malaise;
- the formation of mucous plaque on the back of the pharynx and palatine tonsils, sometimes with pus;
- muscle discomfort;
- accumulation of viscous sputum in the morning;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
If the above symptoms appear, you should immediately seek help from the hospital. Treatment of pharyngitis should be started from the first days of its occurrence. A protracted disease can become chronic. With the latter, severe malaise and fever, as a rule, are not observed.
Treatment
The doctor will be able to make the correct conclusion on the basis of the studies and a visual examination of the painful focus. The diagnostic complex consists of general tests and smears from the throat. Sometimes it becomes necessary to identify a specific pathogen. In this case, and in the presence of other diseases, the specialist prescribes an additional examination.
In the treatment of pharyngitis in adults, an integrated approach is required. To combat viruses and bacteria, local and systemic drugs are prescribed: mucolytics, antiseptics, antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the form of the disease, which has an allergic origin, antihistamines are prescribed: lozenges, aerosols, tablets, lozenges and special rinses. Inhalation and effective alternative methods are also recommended.
With bacterial damage, antibiotics of the penicillins, macrolides and cephalosporins groups are effective. The following preparations are shown in the form of capsules, tablets and suspensions: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime. In case of severe complications in adults, treatment of pharyngitis is carried out by injection. For laryngitis and tonsillitis, drugs such as Cefoperazone and Ceftriaxone are used. Along with them, mucolytics are recommended that promote liquefaction of sputum, for example, “ACC”.
Home treatment
First aid for inflammation of the mucous layer of the pharynx can be provided by gargling with antiseptic herbal infusions. It is convenient to treat pharyngitis in adults at home in that it is possible to carry out additional procedures at any time, for example, inhalation.
To completely defeat the disease with the help of folk methods will not work. However, treatment with natural remedies significantly speeds up the healing process. It was noted that when using several methods in combination, patients quickly recovered. Here are the main recommendations that must be observed by the patient:
- regular rinses;
- the use of antiviral agents;
- the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as those prescribed by the doctor individually;
- plentiful warm drink.
- inhalation at least 3 times a day;
At the same time, local preparations and plant-based syrups with an expectorant effect are indicated. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe a sputum thinner. Effective preparations for the normal separation of mucus are considered to be "Eucabal" and "Herbion", for dilution - "Ambrobene", "Bromhexine" and "Lazolvan." The tested sprays that can alleviate the condition of the patient include: "Cameton", "Tera-Fly", "Ingalipt." Lollipops help to relieve painful symptoms. The best of these are funds such as Trahisan, Dikatilen and Strepsils.
There is a considerable selection of medicinal plants that have positive effects in the treatment of pharyngitis. Folk remedies can continue to be used after the end of the therapeutic course to consolidate the effect.
It is important to know that with the atrophic form of this disease, rinsing and inhalation is not recommended. The acute type of ailment with correctly selected drugs disappears in a week, the chronic one is characterized by phases of exacerbation and remission.
Alternative methods for the chronic form of the disease
The opinion of many experts boils down to the fact that alternative medicine can help only if treatment is started from the first days of the onset of the ailment. At the initial stage of malaise, gargle 5-6 times a day. If there is no improvement, you should start taking medication.
Treatment of chronic pharyngitis with the help of medicinal plants is prohibited if the patient has asthma and other pathologies of the respiratory system, especially with attacks of night suffocation. It is also necessary to exclude allergies and the herpes virus.
If the doctor has allowed rinsing, then you need to select the correct solution temperature. Hot and cold decoctions can cause even more irritation of the larynx. A good effect is provided by warm infusions of St. John's wort, raspberry leaves, chamomile, oak bark. Persimmon has healing properties in this regard. It significantly reduces inflammation and improves the condition of the larynx as a whole.
For inhalation, a soda solution is used. Not bad copes with the disease infusion of linden, chamomile and honey (or propolis). Procedures with these agents increase immunity. Care must be taken to ensure that the steam does not have a burning effect.
Do not forget about warm milk with honey. This is the most popular and long-tested remedy that helps with any colds. Herbal and fruit drinks with the addition of ginger work well. Sour juices and lemon are best avoided. There are other proven drugs used to treat pharyngitis. Photos of some plants can be found in the article.
Pharyngitis in children
Therapy in childhood involves bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and following a diet. In most cases, treatment of pharyngitis at home is proceeding well. A child from three years old can be taught to rinse. Inhalations are also prepared from pharmacy herbal preparations, oregano, plantain, currant and sage. Older children can be given local remedies: candy, tablets, syrups and lozenges.
Antibiotics are prescribed in extreme cases. A pediatrician observing a child may prescribe these drugs in the following situations:
- atrophy of the mucous membrane of the larynx;
- advanced disease;
- complex pathologies that endanger life.
When an affliction befalls a baby, the situation becomes more complicated. Since it is impossible to treat pharyngitis with rinses and inhalations in children, compresses are widely used.
- Potato compress. Potatoes need to be boiled, crushed, cooled a little and placed in a plastic bag. Content should be leveled and wrapped with several layers of fabric. Apply warm for one hour.
- Fat with honey. In equal proportions, mix vodka with honey, then add goose or pork fat in the same amount. With the finished mixture, it is necessary to rub the feet, chest and back of the baby, and then wrap it in a warm diaper.
- Mustard Wraps. In a glass of water, a tablespoon of mustard powder is diluted and gauze is moistened in it. The segment should be large enough so that they can wrap the child several times. After five minutes, the compress must be removed.
Treating babies is not always easy, but the methods of our grandmothers, fortunately, always turn out to be effective. When parents have difficulty treating pharyngitis, traditional medicine often comes to the rescue.
The baby's neck can be moistened with antiseptics with the help of a nipple, but so that alcohol and menthol are absent in the funds. Faringosept tablets are used in the same way.
Recommendations and prevention
Inflammation of the mucous layer of the throat is susceptible to people who breathe through the mouth during nighttime rest. Humidification of the air passing into the lungs occurs in the nasal cavity. When the breathing process takes place through the mouth, the throat becomes dry and irritated. To minimize this problem, you need to maintain a slightly increased humidity in the room. Tea with coltsfoot and other medicinal herbs is also useful.
It is important to remember that preventive measures are always better than treatment. Chronic pharyngitis in adults requires compliance with several rules:
- Try to reduce the effects of chemicals on the epithelium of the respiratory tract.
- Do not delay the treatment of colds.
- Observe oral hygiene. Periodontal disease and caries are sources of infection.
- Monitor the state of the digestive system.
- Replenish the body with the necessary supply of trace elements and vitamins.
- Regularly moisten and ventilate the relaxation room.
If the virus or bacteria nevertheless enters the body, it is necessary to limit your stay on the street. In order not to spread the infection, you need to limit contacts with other people. All doctor's recommendations should be followed.
- Allow enough time to sleep. In the early days, you need to observe bed rest.
- Exclude spicy and salty foods, as well as those that can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat.
- To reduce the feeling of dryness, you need to drink more warm drinks, such as green tea. With such problems, milk with honey helps well.
- Bad habits contribute to the irritation of the epithelium, the use of alcohol must be completely eliminated.
Conclusion
As you can see, a comprehensive treatment of pharyngitis can be carried out at home. Do not forget, this ailment is quite complicated and has a different etiology. This fact suggests that self-medication should not be resorted to. Find out your diagnosis and be treated with the drugs your doctor prescribes.