Description
Pharyngitis is a group name for inflammatory diseases occurring in the larynx. Damage to the pharyngeal muscles, palate and adjacent tissues is observed. The chronic stage of the pathological process is divided into atrophic and granulosa.
The first type is characterized by thinning of the inflamed structures and their drying out; granulomatous pharyngitis has a reverse course. The granules that appear on the surface of the affected tissues quickly grow throughout the pharynx.
But this can only happen in the absence of treatment, a predisposition to this course of the disease and a combination of unfavorable external factors.
Reference! The acute form of inflammation is easily treatable, but if adequate therapy is not available, pharyngitis becomes protracted.
Is the disease contagious?
The contagiousness of the disease depends on its nature. If initially the pathology appears due to a bacterial or viral infection, then after the inflammation becomes chronic, the pathogens remain in the mucosa. Every time the disease worsens, the patient releases them into the environment, infecting other people. The disease, which appears due to an allergic reaction, diseases of the internal organs or exposure to chemical irritants, cannot be transmitted from person to person and is not contagious. The non-contagious form also includes hypertrophic pharyngitis, which developed as a complication due to the lack of treatment for the acute form of the disease. In this case, even at the moment of severe exacerbation, it is impossible to become infected with the disease.
Causes
Granular pharyngitis is a type of chronic pharyngitis that develops in the absence of proper treatment for the acute stage of the pathology. The hereditary factor also plays an important role in the onset of the disease: this inflammation of the respiratory system is usually detected in relatives.
The pathology is multi-etiological - its development requires a complex of provoking causes. One of them is genetic, while others are of endogenous or exogenous origin.
Factors leading to the occurrence of the disease are:
- infectious pathologies of the upper respiratory structures in a protracted chronic form, especially prolonged rhinitis;
- problems with external breathing caused by polyps, adenoids;
- constant injury to the mucous structures of the pharynx - antihypertensive medications, hot and spicy foods, drinks containing alcohol;
- injury to the nasal septum;
- dental disease accompanied by microbial contamination of the oral cavity;
- reflux of stomach enzymes into the esophagus - hiatal hernia, reflux disease;
- metabolic failures;
- weakened immunity;
- predisposition to allergies;
- harmful working conditions;
- the influence of negative climate factors - dryness and air pollution.
Symptomatic picture
This disease has its own symptomatic picture. The following symptoms are usually present:
- constant soreness in the nasopharynx;
- feeling of the presence of a foreign object in the nasopharynx;
- slight pain during swallowing, aggravated by eating rough food;
- dry cough, forcing you to constantly clear your throat;
- rapid fatigue of the vocal cords when speaking.
During a medical examination, patients are found to have swelling of the tongue and palate, as well as significant thickening of the pharyngeal structures. The structures of the posterior wall are severely swollen, the lymphatic ducts and blood vessels dilate, the mucosa is significantly hyperemic, and there are burgundy-colored lymphoid structures on it.
A large volume of viscous mucus or purulent secretion accumulates in the nasopharyngeal apparatus. Due to the need to constantly get rid of mucus, patients become nervous and irritable.
This also provokes sleep disturbances and leads to headaches and a deterioration in the patient’s general well-being. Coughing up large amounts of secretions can lead to feelings of nausea and vomiting.
Hyperthermia is rare. Patients sometimes complain of temporary ear congestion, which is eliminated when trying to swallow and goes away completely when swallowing movements are carried out. If treatment is not started immediately, the expanding granules can cause many complications that impair the quality of life.
Symptoms of granulosa pharyngitis
If a patient has granulosa pharyngitis, the symptoms should be recognized as soon as possible. It is believed that the disease has only objective signs. The mucus that drains down the back of the throat may contain pus. All these secretions are thick and viscous. When coughing or expectoration occurs, the patient is often followed by attacks of vomiting and nausea.
In this case, the mucous secretions dry out, forming crusts in the throat.
During examination of the pharynx, numerous formations are noted. They have a bright red tint and clear boundaries. There may be purulent streaks inside the throat. Also, adults and children may experience mild pain in the throat. There is a feeling of a foreign object in the throat. There is dryness and itching.
Chronic pharyngitis in adults and children is characterized by:
- itching and tickling in the throat;
- sore throat and severe dryness;
- constant need to cough;
- unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- coughing and coughing;
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- slight pain when swallowing;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- violation of voice timbre;
- chronic enlargement of lymph nodes;
- a slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5 degrees;
- pain in the head;
- drowsiness;
- loss of ability to work. In addition to all this, the symptoms of granulosa pharyngitis may be accompanied by tonsillitis or rhinitis. During pregnancy, this type of disease often worsens, and the signs become more pronounced against the background of weakened function.
Danger of infection
Signs of pharyngitis are often confused with other lesions of the structures of the respiratory system, so if these symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a specialist and not try to cure the pathology yourself.
With prolonged pharyngitis, there is a constant feeling of sore throat, a feeling of the presence of a foreign body, the production of a large volume of mucus and a constant cough, which worsens in the morning. Sometimes patients complain of pain when swallowing food.
Only a doctor can identify an inflammatory process, the photo of which is attached below, by examining the throat and based on tests. The specialist notes the extent of swelling of the mucous structures, the severity of hyperemia and thickening of the structures of the nasopharynx, and the prevalence of white plaque. Granules are clearly visible on the walls of the throat.
Often the symptomatic picture of this type of pharyngitis is similar to acute tonsillitis. This is observed with the addition of an infection, which causes hyperthermia and pain in the joint formations. Pharyngitis in this case is easily transmitted by airborne droplets and poses a threat to people who are predisposed to the occurrence of this disease.
Complications of granulosa pharyngitis
If the symptoms and treatment of inflammation were not recognized immediately, this can lead to various complications. This may include:
- manifestation of atrophic rhinitis. It is considered an extremely dangerous consequence, as it can lead to the development of tumor-like formations.
- the occurrence of laryngitis. This type of disease is dangerous for young children whose respiratory system is not yet fully developed. Pharyngeal stenosis and decreased airway clearance may occur. This process can lead to the development of bronchial asthma and suffocation.
To prevent complications from appearing, you need to start the treatment process as soon as possible.
Diagnostics
All diagnostic measures are prescribed by an ENT doctor, based on the results of pharyngoscopy. Upon examination, tissue thickenings, which consist of hypertrophied nodes, are present on the surface of the mucosa.
The follicles are characterized by swelling and pronounced inflammation; the surrounding epithelium is highly hyperemic. Laboratory diagnostic methods include examining the patient’s biological fluids and taking a swab from the throat to identify the type of pathogen.
To differentiate pathology from another disease, histological examination is used. This is necessary to exclude leukoplakia and tumor growth in the structures of the nasopharynx.
Treatment
Therapy can be carried out both in a hospital and at home; this choice is made by the doctor based on the general condition of the patient. Treatment is based on an integrated approach.
Medication therapy
To neutralize unpleasant symptoms, local agents are used - substances with antibacterial and antiviral activity in the form of aerosols act only on tissues affected by the pathological process and guarantee immediate action.
Attention! In addition to the main treatment, for granulosa pharyngitis it is necessary to use medications that eliminate symptoms and alleviate the patient’s condition. For headaches, take mild analgesics; for insomnia, take sedatives or hypnotics.
Traditional methods
Treatment of granulosa pharyngitis in adults can be done at home. If this form of inflammatory process is detected at an early stage or at the first symptoms of exacerbation, the following can be applied:
- gargling with herbal decoctions. Raw materials of chamomile, eucalyptus, thyme and lemon balm are well suited for their preparation. These components must be brewed in boiling water, like regular tea. It is necessary to gargle every 40 minutes. Only one plant or collection can be used to prepare a medicine;
- inhalation. For these manipulations, use the same decoctions as for rinsing. You can add aromatic oils to them. It must be remembered that with granulosa pharyngitis, steam inhalation should not be carried out. You need to use a nebulizer or a teapot for brewing.
Traditional methods of treating granulosa pharyngitis
Traditional methods will help cure granulosa pharyngitis. They can be used as an additional treatment. The prepared products will help improve blood microcirculation, relieve swelling and pain, and also eliminate the inflammatory process.
Effective recipes include:
- use of St. John's wort. To prepare the drink, you need to brew black tea, and then add a spoonful of St. John's wort. Let the broth brew for thirty minutes. Strain and drink the drink up to three times a day;
- mixing calendula, chamomile, sage, rose hips and currants in equal proportions. Then pour two cups of boiled water over everything and let it brew for two hours. Strain and take the product up to three to four times a day.
- gargling. To prepare the solution, you need to take several aloe leaves and squeeze the juice out of them. Dilute with water in equal proportions and gargle up to three times a day;
- lubricating the affected area. To prepare the product, you need to take peach oil and mix it with propolis tincture in a ratio of three to one. Mix everything thoroughly. This product must be applied to the affected areas using a cotton pad.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of granulosa pharyngitis, you need to:
- promptly begin treatment of lesions of the upper respiratory organs;
- to harden;
- to walk outside;
- exercise;
- control microclimate indicators;
- eat a balanced diet;
- take vitamin therapy courses;
- carry out other measures to strengthen the body.
