What is dangerous about pharyngitis: complications and consequences of the disease

Causes

In the vast majority of cases, the disease is caused by viruses, sometimes by bacteria and fungi. A healthy person can independently cope with those infectious agents that enter the mucous membrane, and with any weakening of the immune system, inflammation begins. Changes in general and local immunity are important. Local immunity is a cellular response of the pharyngeal mucosa, the capture and destruction of harmful agents by lymphocytes.

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Pharyngitis often occurs simultaneously with sore throat, measles, influenza, ARVI, and rubella. The main viruses that cause damage to the pharynx:

rhinoviruses;
adenoviruses;
coronaviruses;
influenza viruses;
herpes simplex virus;
cytomegalovirus;
Epstein-Bar virus;
Coxsackie virus.

The rapid spread of infection is facilitated by the anatomical structure of the pharynx, which consists of 3 parts: nasal, oral and hypopharynx. The division into these parts is conditional; the pharynx connects the nose, mouth, esophagus and larynx. The nasopharynx receives the choanae or internal nasal openings, the Eustachian tubes or canals from the middle ear, and the anastomosis from the paranasal sinuses.

Infectious agents that enter the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract find themselves in an excellent nutrient environment, where it is warm and humid, there is intense blood circulation, and there is the possibility of rapid reproduction.

The anatomical features of the pharynx and the high ability of viruses to quickly reproduce themselves lead to the fact that viral infections of the upper respiratory tract spread among people like wildfire. During seasonal surges, the infection is transmitted in 3 ways: airborne droplets, contact and household contact. The infection develops especially quickly in children attending children's groups.

Chronic pharyngitis: symptoms and treatment, signs of exacerbation

Chronic pharyngitis is an inflammation of the lymphoid tissues and mucous membranes of the pharynx.
Most often, the disease occurs in adults. Sometimes nearby sections, for example, the nasopharynx or even the nasal cavity, are also involved in the inflammatory process. The disease, as a rule, occurs with exacerbations, which manifest themselves in the form of symptoms characteristic of the acute form. In the article, we will look at why pharyngitis from an acute form becomes chronic, what symptoms a person experiences, what is prescribed as a diagnostic tool for making a diagnosis, and what treatment methods are most effective for adults.

What is chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a disease in which a chronic inflammatory process is localized in the mucous membrane and lymphoid apparatus of the pharynx. Very often, pharyngitis accompanies diseases of the digestive system, in which retrograde reflux of gastric contents into the pharynx and oral cavity occurs.

A characteristic distinguishing feature of chronic pharyngitis is isolated inflammation of one of the parts of the pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx or laryngopharynx) without involvement of lymphoid formations, i.e., tonsils, in the pathological process.

Usually it acts as an independent pathology, however, in some cases it is only a symptom of other diseases, including acute infectious processes.

Causes

The following reasons for the development of chronic pharyngitis are identified:

frequent respiratory viral infections;
untreated cases of acute pharyngitis;
prolonged exposure to irritating substances on the mucous membrane of the pharynx and upper respiratory tract;
chronic inflammatory diseases (sinusitis, tonsillitis, dental caries, rhinitis);
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis);
conditions after tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils);
alcohol abuse, smoking;
violation of nasal breathing (deviated nasal septum, polyps and adenoids);
eating spicy, hot foods.

Forms

Chronic pharyngitis can be classified by type:

Catarrhal. It usually affects smokers with many years of experience and those who constantly have to inhale harmful gases. A characteristic symptom is swelling of the mucous membrane. In rare cases, mucus appears on the back of the throat.
Hypertrophic. The mucous membrane and lymph nodes increase in size. Mucus accumulates, which causes bad breath and cough.
Atrophic. The condition of the mucous membrane is seriously deteriorating, it is becoming thinner. The mucus that forms hardens, makes it difficult to swallow, and comes off when you cough.

In older people, atrophic pharyngitis is very common. This is due, first of all, to age-related changes in the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Upon examination, the doctor determines dryness, thinness and pallor of the pharyngeal mucosa, which may be covered with mucus in the form of a dried crust.

Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis has the same symptoms as acute pharyngitis (fever and sudden deterioration in health are exceptions). The only difference is that in the first case they are expressed weaker, but are constantly felt.

Signs of chronic pharyngitis include:

Dry cough. It can be both frequent and rare. Sometimes with chronic pharyngitis it is paroxysmal in nature.
Feeling of dryness in the mouth. This symptom is observed in patients with chronic pharyngitis, even if salivation is normal.
Thirst. The sensation may be present even after drinking drinks.
Unpleasant sensation in the throat. “Lump”, object, soreness, pain – all this characterizes this symptom.

The photo shows chronic granulosa pharyngitis

At the time of remission of the chronic process, patients exhibit only local signs of pathology. Exacerbation of inflammation is characterized by the presence of intoxication with elevated temperature, general weakness, and malaise. In addition, local symptoms increase. In this regard, patients have a question: how to get rid of symptoms in a short time.

At the time of exacerbation of the disease, inflammatory signs may appear in nearby organs in the form of tonsillitis, tracheitis or laryngitis. In this case, treatment of chronic pharyngitis with folk remedies is not acceptable, since there is a risk of complications with secondary infection of other organ systems.

Complications

Incorrectly or unfairly treated pharyngitis is fraught with the spread of inflammation to neighboring organs with the development of the following diseases:

tonsillitis;
laryngitis;
tracheitis;
bronchitis;
regional lymphadenitis.

It is also possible to develop systemic inflammatory diseases:

glomerulonephritis;
myocarditis;
rheumatism.

The most severe complication of atrophic chronic pharyngitis is the transition to a malignant form - cancer.

Diagnostic methods

The examination of the patient is based on a thorough interview, as well as a careful examination. Treatment of chronic pharyngitis cannot be prescribed until pharyngoscopy has been performed. With this procedure, the doctor will be able to identify the characteristic symptoms of any form of inflammation.

Diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis in most cases does not cause difficulties. It is based on a comprehensive assessment of the clinical picture and laboratory data:

general blood test (leukocytosis with a neutrophilic shift to the left, acceleration of ESR during an exacerbation, during remission there are no changes in the blood test);
biochemical blood test (acute-phase indicators during the period of exacerbation, during remission there are no changes in the blood test);
inoculating material from the pharyngeal cavity on a nutrient medium in order to isolate group A β-hemolytic streptococcus;
determination of streptococcal antigen in smears using the agglutination method;
immunodiagnosis of elevated titers of antistreptococcal antibodies.

How to cure chronic pharyngitis?

Treatment has several directions: eliminating the causes of the disease, relieving its symptoms, preventing exacerbations, as well as strengthening the immune system and restoring damaged tissues.

Treatment with antibiotics is almost always necessary for exacerbations of the chronic form of the disease. Systemic antibiotic therapy is required in cases where the symptoms of the disease are severe. In other cases, therapy with topical drugs (Bioparox, IRS-19, Imudon) is prescribed.
In addition to antibacterial therapy, patients are recommended to gargle with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory solutions and herbal decoctions (chamomile, sage). Tablets, lozenges and lozenges (Grammidin neo, Faringosept, Septolete) and sprays (Cameton, Strepsils, Hexoral), which contain anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic substances and essential oils, are also used to treat exacerbations of chronic pharyngitis.
Treatment may include gargling with herbal decoctions, such as calendula, sage, chamomile and some others. Medications can also be used: Rotocan, Chlorhexidine, Furacilin.
To strengthen the immune system, vitamin complexes and, in severe cases, immunomodulators are prescribed.
If a cough is tormented by pharyngitis, then it is necessary to use effective and safe plant-based syrups such as Gerbion, Bronchipred, Eucabal, plantain syrup from the Doctor Theis series. These medications have a good expectorant effect.
Mucolytic drugs - they thin the sputum. These include Bromhexine, Ambrobene, ACC, Lazolvan, Fluditec.

What to gargle with?

The most common recipe for rinsing is a saline solution; it is advisable to use sea salt to make it. For one glass of warm water, take one spoon of salt, and rinse up to three times a day.
You can also use a light infusion of chamomile, this remedy will help soothe a sore throat. Take one spoon of dried herb per glass of boiling water; before rinsing, you need to cool the infusion.

Traditional methods

Before you start using folk remedies, you should definitely consult an ENT doctor.

Herbal mixture: chamomile, calendula (flowers), sage, rose hips (fruits) are mixed in equal parts, 3 tablespoons of the mixture are poured into a liter of boiling water, infused for 60 minutes, then drunk as warm tea.
Thyme infusion has a good softening effect. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of herbs, leave for 1.5 hours, and gargle.
For treatment, use fresh juices from carrots and potatoes, which are mixed in equal parts, add 1 spoon of honey and drink 0.5 cups per day.
Vegetable oil. For the atrophic form, the following folk treatment method is used: mix unrefined vegetable oil with salt. Lubricate the throat and neck from the front and sides with this mixture, massage twice a day.
Oil inhalations. Add 10 drops of oil (olive, peach, menthol, fir, sea buckthorn, lavender and orange oils) to a glass of boiling water. Breathe through a funnel-shaped tube (or through an inhaler) for 5-10 minutes 2 times a day.

General recommendations for adults

Recommendations for adults with chronic pharyngitis:

harden the body;
in case of reduced immunity, use immunomodulators;
promptly treat diseases of the nasopharynx, rhinitis, sinusitis, teeth and gums;
eliminate, or at least reduce, the impact of harmful environmental factors (smoke, dust, dry, cold or hot air);
stop smoking;
eat rationally and balancedly, remove excessively salty, spicy, sour foods from the diet, have dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime;
If nasal breathing is impaired, restore it in time and try not to use vasoconstrictors.

Chronic pharyngitis must be treated without fail to avoid complications affecting other organs. Be sure to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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Source: https://www.zdoroviyvopros.ru/otolaringologiya/hronicheskiy-faringit/

Forms of pharyngitis

According to the course, the disease is divided into 2 main forms - acute and chronic pharyngitis.

Based on histological signs or changes in the cells lining the pharynx, 3 forms of the chronic process are distinguished.

catarrhal
superficial inflammation, in which swelling and redness are visible, the posterior wall of the pharynx, the soft palate and palatine arches, and sometimes the epiglottis are changed;
hypertrophic,
another name - granulosa, develops on the back and side walls of the pharynx, nodules, growths, granules are formed, the tissues are thickened, swollen and loosened;
atrophic
is the outcome of chronic inflammation, its extreme form, in which the tissues become thinner.

Only an ENT doctor can determine the form of inflammation and figure out what stage the disease is at.

Types of illness

The granulosa stage develops as a complication of caries, sinusitis or tonsillitis. The main symptoms of this type are similar to simple pharyngitis - pain when swallowing, a sore feeling, bouts of dry and painful cough, a feeling of dryness in the throat. The cough does not bring significant improvement. If the granulosa stage is not treated in a timely manner, it becomes more severe - atrophic.

Subatrophic pharyngitis is a stage in which there is no pronounced inflammatory process. The patient does not have a fever, but a “lump” appears in the throat that he wants to cough up. This sensation appears after mucus accumulates on the back wall of the nasopharynx. It is better to be treated at this stage under the supervision of a doctor.

Atrophic pharyngitis is the last stage of the chronic form, after which sclerosis of the mucous membrane, submucosal and lymphoid tissue occurs. Hard crusts form in the patient's throat, which cause severe discomfort. Blood vessels begin to appear through the thin wall of the mucosa. Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis in adults are a reason to consult a specialist to prescribe the correct therapy. You can get more detailed information about this from the video of Dr. Komarovsky.

Provoking factors for the development of pharyngitis

In addition to the causes of the disease (which are infectious agents), the development of pharyngitis is significantly influenced by some environmental factors and bad habits:

polluted atmospheric air;
exposure to extreme conditions – hypothermia;
aggressive chemical particles in the inhaled air;
habit of eating very hot or very cold food, drinking ice-cold drinks;
smoking (tobacco, hookah);
background allergy and its seasonal exacerbation;
excessively dry air.

Poor nutrition weakens all types of immunity, when the body “overloads” calories and does not receive the substances that are needed for complete cell repair: animal protein, vitamins and microelements.

A risk factor is pregnancy, when the mother's body wastes many resources, and hormonal changes change the reactivity of tissues. Treatment of pregnant women is a difficult task when the leading role is given to local drugs that cannot be absorbed into the blood and harm the fetus.

The situation is worsened by chronic diseases of the internal organs, when the metabolism is perverted and the body cannot quickly and effectively respond to the invasion of infection. Dental problems (especially teeth that have been in an untreated condition for a long time) often provoke inflammation in the oral cavity and pharynx.

Manifestations of pharyngitis

It all starts with discomfort in the throat, when a sore throat appears and it becomes difficult to swallow due to pain. The pain is less acute than with sore throat or acute tonsillitis, but is constant. Body temperature rarely rises or reaches subfebrile levels. If pharyngitis occurs as part of an acute respiratory viral infection, the condition is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication. With chronic pharyngitis, bad breath may appear.

Manifestations in children and adults also include ear congestion because the lining of the eustachian tube swells. Almost always, inflammation is accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes - submandibular and occipital, which are easy to feel under the skin. A dry cough may be bothersome, which is caused by irritation of the larynx, and not inflammation of the bronchial tree.

Symptoms of general intoxication are mild and include headache, some weakness, and weakness.

Imudon® for chronic pharyngitis

In the chronic course of the disease, restoration of local immunity plays a key role in therapy3. Imudon® contains a mixture of lysates of 12 bacteria and the fungus C. albicans

, which help the immune system recognize and remember the most common pathogens of pharyngitis and other respiratory infections4. Due to the unique bacterial lysates in its composition, Imudon® helps you recover twice as fast*,7. The drug activates local protective mechanisms of the oropharynx:

Increased production of your own lysozyme and immunoglobulin A in saliva;
Improving the quality of phagocytosis - the process of recognition and digestion of pathogenic microbes by special immune cells;
Stimulation of the production of interferon, which has strong antiviral activity;
Restoration of beneficial microflora of the oral cavity4,5.

The drug acts against all common viruses and bacteria, which most often cause inflammation in the throat. In case of chronic pharyngitis, Imudon® should be taken not only during an exacerbation, but also as a prophylactic course to reduce the frequency of relapses in the future6.

Instructions

More details
*when added to symptomatic therapy 1. A.V. Gostry, A.V. Simonova et al. Chronic pharyngitis: etiology, pathogenesis, treatment. New approaches to assessing etiopathogenesis. Archive of Internal Medicine. 2019; 1:33-40; 2. Aznabaeva L.F., Arefieva N.A. Immune aspects of chronic tonsillitis. Journal of Otolaryngology. 2013; 4: 4-9; 3. Vyasaeva A.A. Immunotherapy for chronic pharyngitis: indications. RMJ. 2010; 30: 112-118; 4. Instructions for medical use of the drug Imudon® lozenges dated 07/02/2018. 5. Sentsova T.B., Balabolkin I.I., Bulgakova I.A., Korotkova T.N., Ryleeva I.I. Clinical and immunological effectiveness of Imudon® for infectious stomatitis in children with atopic diseases/Issues of modern pediatrics. – 2004. – No. 3. – P.69-72. 6. Garashchenko T. I., Volodarskaya V. G. A mixture of bacterial lysates for topical use in the prevention and treatment of chronic tonsillitis in children // Issues of modern pediatrics. - 2009; 8 (6): 112–115 7. Kladova O. V. et al. Clinical effectiveness of Imudon® in patients with tonsillopharyngitis against the background of acute respiratory diseases // Children's infections. - 2005. - No. 1. - P. 55–59. The material was developed with the support of Abbott to improve patient health awareness. The information in the material is not a substitute for healthcare advice. Contact your doctor. RUIMD192382 dated 07/29/2019.

Diagnosis of pharyngitis

Ignoring a sore throat is a mistake and extremely dangerous. Difficulty swallowing can occur with a sore throat, inflammation can spread to the middle ear or turn out to be a manifestation of diphtheria, a severe infection.

In a typical case of pharyngitis, diagnosis begins with an examination performed by an otolaryngologist using a headlight and instruments. Only a doctor can distinguish simple catarrhal inflammation from scarlet fever, measles or rubella, which require completely different medical measures.

To clarify the diagnosis, CELT specialists confirm the diagnosis with bacterial smears, laboratory and other necessary examinations. In case of concomitant diseases, related specialists are involved for consultation.

Treatment of pharyngitis

Treatment of pharyngitis depends on the form and stage of the disease and should only be prescribed by a doctor. An attempt at self-treatment may not only not help, but also cause harm. If you start taking antibiotics during a viral infection, this is not only ineffective, but also extremely harmful for a weakened body.

In this case, recovery is delayed or the process may become chronic, and complications may arise. In addition, the uncontrolled use of various medications without understanding the ultimate purpose of their purpose changes the resistance of bacteria and viruses to such an extent that the medications cease to be effective in the future.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the necessary medications. These can be antiviral agents, antibiotics, immunity boosters, moisturizers and others. The drugs are prescribed orally or locally.

CELT specialists pay special attention to the treatment of atrophic pharyngitis, since this condition is precancerous. Monitoring of patients continues until stable remission is achieved. ENT doctors at the CELT clinic always strive to cure acute inflammation to the end, so as not to leave the infection a chance to return.

The hidden danger of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory process localized on the mucous membrane of the throat. The degree of susceptibility to infection does not depend on age and gender.

Many, not understanding why pharyngitis is specifically dangerous, do not attach much importance to the symptoms of the disease, believe that everything will go away on its own, or begin self-medication.
This is the main mistake - such actions can lead to an advanced form that provokes global health problems. Untreated pharyngitis causes complications that affect the nose, ears, blood vessels, heart and kidneys. Therefore, the disease should be carefully treated until complete recovery, unconditionally following all doctor’s prescriptions. It is important to remember that the consequences are very difficult to eliminate.
Pathologies can cause serious damage to health. The most severe complication is the occurrence of malignant neoplasms and cancer. Complications that appear against the background of an advanced form of pharyngitis can appear not only in the throat, but also affect neighboring and more distant areas and organs.

The most common complications after pharyngitis are divided into 2 groups: local and systemic diseases.

Our services in otorhinolaryngology

The administration of CELT JSC regularly updates the price list posted on the clinic’s website. However, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings, we ask you to clarify the cost of services by phone: +7

Service name	Price in rubles
Appointment with a surgical doctor (primary, for complex programs)	2 700
Taking ENT smears	600
Rinsing tonsil lacunae (1 side)	1 200

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