Lateral pharyngitis in adults is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa on one side only. Mostly the disease is infectious and affects the lymph nodes. Rarely, pharyngitis is isolated, often combined with inflammatory processes in the respiratory system.
Comprehensive treatment helps to completely get rid of an existing disease, even with a recurrent course.
Disease feature
Lateral pharyngitis is an acute or chronic inflammation. If it occurs against a cold, then characteristic signs appear, in particular a runny nose, cough.
If treatment is completed on time, then the acute form of the disease disappears after about 7-10 days, and with more severe symptoms, recovery can occur after about 2 weeks. The chronic form of the disease persists for a longer time and gives the patient constant discomfort. In this case, the stages of exacerbation and remission are constantly alternating.
Main classification
Doctors distinguish acute and chronic lateral pharyngitis, photos of which allow to determine the peculiarity of the course of the disease. The acute form occurs immediately after exposure to the mucous membrane of pathogens or trauma. The disease develops very quickly. Acute lateral pharyngitis has a favorable course and is often completely cured in a few days.
The acute form of lateral pharyngitis is shared:
- on viral;
- fungal;
- bacterial;
- traumatic;
- allergic.
The chronic form of the disease in adults can occur as a result of untreated acute or as an independent disease. It develops with prolonged irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa.
The disease worsens with a decrease in immunity, the presence of other infectious diseases, stressful conditions, hypothermia, or severe stress. Sometimes chronic lateral pharyngitis develops as a result of an allergy, as well as with various endocrine disorders, diseases of the internal organs. Among the main forms distinguish such as:
- catarrhal;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
Catarrhal pharyngitis is considered the most favorable option, and the structure of the tissues does not change. When conducting an examination, the otorhinolaryngologist can see redness, swelling.
Hypertrophic lateral pharyngitis is characterized by the fact that during the examination, foci of hyperplastic tissue are revealed. During an exacerbation, all these changes are accompanied by swelling of the mucosa.
The atrophic form of the disease is characterized by slight depletion of the pharyngeal mucosa. Affected areas become pale pink and shiny. Some of them are covered with viscous mucus, crusted, often with pus.
Causes of occurrence
Before starting treatment for lateral pharyngitis, you must first determine what led to the onset of inflammation. Among the main reasons you need to highlight such as:
- decreased immunity;
- deformation of the nasal septum;
- pathology of the respiratory system;
- malnutrition;
- stomach diseases.
The main risk factors can also include alcohol abuse, hypothermia, tobacco smoking, stress, uncontrolled use of medications.
It is not always possible to determine lateral pharyngitis. Photos of the throat show that the symptoms of this disease are similar to tonsillitis. That is why you must visit a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.
Main symptoms
The very first symptoms of lateral pharyngitis are pain, sore and burning in the throat. A person begins to complain of pain when swallowing. With the development of the disease, more pronounced signs begin to appear. The main manifestations of acute lateral pharyngitis include such as:
- a sore throat;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- dry cough;
- tickle;
- accumulation of mucus in the throat.
All these signs do not appear immediately, but as the disease develops. Patients complain of a sensation of perspiration or the presence of a foreign object in the throat, as well as sharp pain when swallowing. In the throat, the mucous discharge is constantly accumulating, so a person constantly tries to cough. Cough worse in the morning, and sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
The mucous membrane of the throat, palate and tongue are thickened. In case of chronic lateral pharyngitis, pharyngeal areas covered with mucus or purulent discharge are visible in the photo. Some groups of follicles are slightly enlarged. Often during a conversation a person has a desire to drink water. It is worth noting that even with minor acute inflammation, the pain is quite pronounced, and in the case of running processes, it manifests itself slightly.
Diagnostics
Lateral pharyngitis can very often be combined with other pathologies of ENT organs, therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is required. It means by itself:
- determination of the external state of the pharyngeal mucosa, as well as examination of the neck;
- palpation of the larynx;
- general blood analysis;
- throat swab to determine the causative agent of the virus;
- laryngoscopy.
This disease occurs equally in children and adults, so when the first signs occur, you need to visit a doctor. If complex treatment is not timely performed, complications may occur. The most severe consequence of the disease is tissue edema, in which it becomes very difficult for a person to breathe and signs of respiratory failure appear.
Treatment features
If the first symptoms of lateral pharyngitis occur, treatment should be carried out immediately after diagnosis. When conducting therapy, you must:
- take drugs to stimulate the immune system and antibacterial agents;
- do inhalation with essential oils.
Antibiotics are used intramuscularly or in tablet form. The type and dosage of the drug is determined individually, depending on the particular course of the disease. In addition, local cauterization of epithelial tissue and erosion by iodine-based preparations is indicated.
Gargling with a solution of sea salt in the morning and evening is also required. It is possible to carry out inhalation using a nebulizer with alkaline mineral water, which helps to thin the sputum. If all these methods of therapy did not bring the desired result, then excision of the affected tissues by laser therapy may be indicated.
Acute treatment
In acute form of lateral pharyngitis, treatment is aimed at eliminating painful manifestations and inflammation. For this, the following are shown:
- gargling;
- lubrication by "Lugol";
- warming compresses on the neck;
- inhalation;
- consumption of warm milk with honey;
- following a sparing diet.
In addition, it is required to use medications prescribed by a doctor, which are required to achieve such an effect as:
- relief of existing symptoms;
- suppression of the focus of inflammation;
- strengthening immunity.
Among the most popular drugs for pain relief can be identified "Septolete", "Strepsils", "Hexalysis". They are often made in the form of lozenges and tablets, which you just need to dissolve in your mouth. Such drugs are quite effective in the initial stages of the course of the disease.
In addition, in the presence of pharyngitis, it is prescribed:
- pain medications;
- inhalations and rinses with antiseptic agents;
- throat sprays;
- antihistamines.
To eliminate painful sensations, Travisil candies on medicinal herbs are used. They help eliminate sore throats, reduce pain, moisturize the mucous membranes, and also contribute to the treatment of cough.
In the presence of puffiness and insomnia, antihistamines are prescribed, in particular, such as Loratadin, Zirtek.
In the presence of acute inflammation, in which there is a severe lesion of the throat mucosa and fever, more serious treatment and the use of antibacterial drugs, in particular, such as Clarithromycin, Augmentin, Amoxiclav, are required. Antibiotics are prescribed only by your doctor after an accurate diagnosis.
Vitamin and mineral complexes will help increase immunity, and normalization of nutrition is also required. A good result is provided by traditional medicine, in particular inhalation. It is also necessary to additionally treat rhinitis using vasoconstrictive drops.
Chronic treatment
The chronic form of pharyngitis differs in that the patient is somewhat better off than with a chronic course. A person almost never encounters the occurrence of weakness and fever. However, pain in the throat is observed.
Humidification is recommended. For this, special devices are used - humidifiers. If they are not, you can just hang wet towels on the battery or place water containers around the apartment. In addition, painkillers and antibacterial agents must be used to eliminate inflammation and pain in the throat mucosa.
Some patients say that they cannot cure lateral pharyngitis with antibiotics, and are interested in what to do in this case. It is worth noting that the disease can be triggered not only by bacteria, but also by fungi, viruses, allergens.
If allergens provoked an exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, a course of antihistamines is prescribed, in particular, such as Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Suprastin. If the disease caused a fungus, then antifungal drugs are used, for example, Nystatin, Livolin, Amphotericin.
Pregnancy treatment
Many are interested in how to treat lateral pharyngitis during pregnancy, since in such cases various potent medications are strictly contraindicated. That is why you need to fight the disease in ways such as:
- gargling with saline;
- lozenges for resorption;
- intake of vitamin A;
- inhalation with alkaline mineral water;
- physiotherapy.
With an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes, mud applications can also be used.
Physiotherapy Techniques
It will help to eliminate the symptoms of lateral pharyngitis in adults treated with physiotherapy. Such techniques help to reduce swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, the severity of the inflammatory process and accelerate the blood circulation. Among the main methods, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- aerotherapy;
- UHF therapy;
- KUV radiation.
With the classical course of the disease, there are no problems with the treatment. An uncomplicated form of pharyngitis is treated with conservative methods. In more complex cases, surgery may be required.
Gargling
With lateral pharyngitis, rinses are very effective. You can gargle with pharmacy and decoctions of herbs. To do this, you can use tools such as:
- "Furacilin";
- "Dioxidine";
- Romazulan
- "Chlorhexidine."
The drug "Dioxidin" before use must be diluted according to the instructions to achieve the desired concentration. One of the safest means is considered "Furacilin". You can buy it in the form of a ready-made solution and gargle 3-5 times a day. For its independent preparation, you need to dilute the tablets "Furacilina" in hot water.
The drug "Romazulan" is made on the basis of chamomile extract. It does not contain absolutely any synthetic and artificial components, so it can be safely used to treat pharyngitis in children and pregnant women.
Folk techniques
You can eliminate inflammation and pain with the help of traditional medicine. For this, solutions and decoctions based on medicinal plants can be used. In the acute stage of the course of the disease, rinsing of the oral cavity should be carried out every hour.
For inhalation, you can use a decoction of a mixture of herbs. The composition of the herbal collection for inhalation includes:
- mint;
- viburnum bark;
- yarrow.
With lateral granulosa pharyngitis, propolis can be chewed. It should cause a slight burning sensation in the mouth, as well as a slight numbness of the tongue. Propolis should be chewed after eating. It is worth noting that this remedy must be of high quality. Propolis can be used for treatment only in the absence of an allergy to beekeeping products.
You can carry out inhalation with decoctions of medicinal herbs, in particular, such as St. John's wort, eucalyptus, pine cones, chamomile. Pharyngitis can also be treated with aloe juice. It can be used in pure form or pre-mixed with honey and lubricated throat. To rinse your throat, you can use a solution of salt with soda or a decoction of mint and coltsfoot.
A mixture of garlic with honey will help eliminate sore throat. You need to use such a tool every hour. It has an anti-inflammatory and restorative effect on the body. To achieve a better result, it must be used within 5-7 days.
In equal proportions, you need to take raisins, cranberries, nuts, chop everything and mix well. After that, pour the resulting mixture with melted honey. Add vodka in a ratio of 1: 3. This tool should be used for 1 tsp. before eating food.
Power Features
During the course of the disease, the food consumed must be gentle and soft. The diet should not contain harmful products that provoke irritation of the throat mucosa. At the same time, nutrition must be full, and its amount must correspond to the age and sex of the patient.
All food and drink consumed must be warm, but not hot. In addition to water, it is useful to consume herbal decoctions, compotes, yogurts. It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages during the course of the disease, as they will provoke even more irritation of the throat and lead to the development of inflammation.
Possible complications
The lack of a comprehensive drug treatment or the wrong choice of medications can provoke the development of dangerous complications and negative consequences for the patient's health. Complications may include:
- complete atrophy of the mucosa, which requires surgery;
- the spread of inflammation to the respiratory system with the presence of a cough;
- the occurrence of malignant neoplasms;
- complete or partial loss of sensitivity of taste buds;
- scarring of the tissues of the larynx.
In addition, airway obstruction can occur, which leads to thickening of the walls of the pharynx and respiratory failure. These are the main complications that are most common. Each case of the development of the disease is individual, therefore it is possible that other, more serious consequences of the disease may arise.
A person for a long time may not recall chronic pharyngitis until a period of exacerbation sets in. It can be 1-2 times a year and most often in spring and winter. In the period of exacerbation, exactly the same symptoms are observed as in the acute form of the disease, but the temperature rises slightly. In this case, pharyngitis can lead to a number of complications, in particular, such as:
- bronchitis;
- tracheitis;
- acute and chronic laryngitis;
- complication of joints, kidneys, heart.
Lateral pharyngitis is characterized by the fact that it has a number of features. One of its most dangerous complications is the rapid spread of the pathological process to the nasopharynx and auditory canal. In the absence of timely treatment, the infection spreads very quickly to the middle ear, which leads to the development of otitis media.
Prophylaxis
Properly carried out preventive measures will help to avoid the development or exacerbation of lateral pharyngitis. To do this, you must follow these recommendations:
- smoking cessation;
- you need to try less to be in a dusty room;
- avoid contact with sick people during seasonal colds;
- it is important to strengthen immunity;
- timely treat all inflammatory processes in the body.
If dryness and sore throat occurs, immediate action is required. Strengthen the preventive effect by hardening the throat. To do this, you need to gargle 3 times a day with cold water. On the first day, the water temperature should be 25 degrees, and then reduce every week by 1-2 degrees. Hardening can also have a therapeutic effect if you use a salt solution or herbal decoctions.