Chronic pharyngitis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the pharynx, which is characterized by frequent relapses with subsequent remissions.
Chronic pharyngitis: causes
In the etiology of this disease, the following are distinguished:
• frequent acute pharyngitis or SARS;
• inflammation of the nose, paranasal sinuses or tonsils;
• alcohol and smoking;
• effects of various chemicals, gases and dust;
• general hypothermia;
• pathology of the digestive system (chronic pancreatitis, gastroduodenitis, cholecystitis or reflux disease, in which gastric juice enters the pharynx and irritate its mucous membrane);
• tooth decay;
• hormonal disorders, especially with hypothyroidism or menopause;
• diseases that occur with metabolic disorders (for example, diathesis or diabetes mellitus);
• sinusitis or other lesions of the ENT organs, which are accompanied by the ingestion of pus or other secretory secretions with pathological microorganisms in the throat.
In addition, an exacerbation of the disease can be triggered by various intoxications, injuries, and even stressful situations that increase the body's susceptibility to any inflammatory pathologies.
Clinic
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis depend on its form. If catarrhal pharyngitis develops , then hyperemia and thickening of the pharyngeal mucosa are characteristic. With a hypertrophic form, an overgrowth of the epithelium is observed, lymphoid seals also appear. The surface of the mucosa becomes uneven, bright red. Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis may include the appearance of specific ridges - lymphoid structures that occur in the area of the inflammatory reaction. This is characteristic of the granular form of the disease. If there is a pallor of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and its luster, thinning of the epithelium and the appearance of a purulent secretion of a greenish color, then they speak of atrophic pharyngitis.
It is worth noting that the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis in adults and children are not fundamentally different.
The main complaints are as follows:
• sore throat and sensation of a foreign object;
• dry throat;
• hoarseness of voice;
• sore throat and discomfort;
• often the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include an increase in body temperature (subject to an exacerbation of the pathological process);
• the appearance of a mucous secretion, which, as a rule, is expectorated in the morning after sleep.
It is not superfluous to mention such rather rare symptoms of chronic pharyngitis as nausea and vomiting. Of course, they are not observed at all, but still occur.
Treatment
In most cases, therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. To recover, it is important to eliminate the provoking factors that can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, as well as treat other chronic diseases that can trigger a relapse.
Highly effective is the local treatment, which includes gargling, irrigation of the mucosa with antiseptics, and inhalation. For rinsing, you can use a warm isotonic solution, Miramistin, Oktenisept, a decoction of chamomile. For inhalation, take an infusion of calendula, oak bark or sage. The back wall of the pharynx, as a rule, is lubricated with a solution of protargol or Lugol. It is useful to dissolve the Strepsils, Faringosept or Septefril antiseptic tablets.
Comprehensive treatment also includes cryo - and galvanotherapy, laser-coagulation and cauterization of granules "Vagotilom". With atrophic pharyngitis, it is useful to irrigate the pharynx with mineral waters. In severe cases of the disease, novocaine blockades are used , which are combined with the introduction of aloe and the vitreous. In addition, with chronic pharyngitis, spa treatment in areas with a warm and humid climate is useful.