Pharyngitis: how to feel better tomorrow
I. What is pharyngitis? We understand the intricacies of the disease.
Pharyngitis, or inflammation of the pharynx, is a widespread disease characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. This area, located in the back of the mouth, plays a key role in breathing, swallowing and speech. Pharyngitis can manifest itself in various forms, from slight discomfort to intensive pain, which impedes swallowing and communication. Understanding the causes, symptoms and methods of treatment of pharyngitis is the key to quick and effective recovery.
A. Determination and localization of inflammation.
Pharyngitis is a general term denoting inflammation of the pharynx. The sip, in turn, is a muscular canal located behind the nasal cavity and mouth, extending to the esophagus and trachea. Inflammation can affect various sections of the pharynx, including palatine tonsils (tonsillitis, which is a special case of pharyngitis), the posterior wall of the pharynx and side rollers. Localization of inflammation can vary depending on the cause and type of pharyngitis.
B. Classification: acute and chronic pharyngitis.
Pharyngitis is classified into two main forms: acute and chronic.
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Acute pharyngitis: This form is characterized by a sudden beginning and a short -term course, usually not exceeding two weeks. Acute pharyngitis is most often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms are usually pronounced brightly and include sore throat, redness and swelling of the pharynx, pain during swallowing, and sometimes fever.
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Chronic pharyngitis: This form is characterized by a long and recurrent course, often associated with constant irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Chronic pharyngitis can be caused by various factors, such as smoking, air pollution, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB) and chronic infections. Symptoms are usually less pronounced than in acute pharyngitis, but may include a constant sensation of dryness or sore throat, the need to cough, voice and discomfort when swallowing.
C. Viral vs. Bacterial pharyngitis: key differences.
Determining the cause of pharyngitis – viral or bacterial – is crucial for choosing the right treatment.
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Viral pharyngitis: It is the most common cause of pharyngitis, which accounts for up to 90% of cases. Viral pharyngitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause a cold or influenza, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses and paragraphippus. Symptoms of viral pharyngitis are usually less pronounced than with bacterial, and are often accompanied by other symptoms of colds, such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing and headache. Treatment of viral pharyngitis is usually aimed at alleviating symptoms, since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
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Bacterial pharyngitis: The most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis is the streptococcus of group A (Streptococcus pyogenes), which causes streptococcal pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. Bacterial pharyngitis is often characterized by more pronounced symptoms, such as severe sore throat, swallowing pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and increasing the cervical lymph nodes. For diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis, strepttest is often required, and treatment includes antibiotics to destroy bacteria and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
II. Causes of pharyngitis: from viruses to allergens.
Understanding the factors contributing to the development of pharyngitis helps in prevention and effective treatment. The causes of pharyngitis are diverse and include infections, environmental factors and other health conditions.
A. Infectious agents: viruses, bacteria and fungi.
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Viruses: As mentioned earlier, viruses are the most common cause of acute pharyngitis. Various viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza and paragricppa viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (causing mononucleosis) and the herpes simplex virus, can cause inflammation of the pharynx.
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Bacteria: Streptococcus group A (Streptococcus pyogenes) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis, especially in children. Other bacteria, such as Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Chlamydia Pneumoniae and Arcanobacterium Haemolyticum, can also cause pharyngitis, although less often.
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Fungi: In rare cases, pharyngitis can be caused by a fungal infection, such as candidiasis (thrush). Falcon pharyngitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, people who take immunosuppressants, and people who take antibiotics for a long time.
B. Environmental factors: irritants and allergens.
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Irritants: The effect of various irritants, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemicals and dry air, can cause irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, leading to pharyngitis.
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Allergens: Allergies to pollen, mold, animal hair and other allergens can cause allergic rhinitis, which may be accompanied by inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) due to constant drainage of mucus on the back of the pharynx (postnasal syndrome).
C. Other reasons: GERB, tumors, and injuries.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB): GERB is a condition in which gastric acid is thrown into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. In some cases, gastric acid can reach the pharynx, causing irritation and inflammation, leading to pharyngitis.
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Tumors: Tumors of the pharynx, larynx or tongue can cause chronic inflammation and sore throat.
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Injuries: Grace injuries, such as swallowing a foreign body or surgical intervention, can cause inflammation and pharyngitis.
D. Risk factors: who is subject to the disease?
Certain factors can increase the risk of pharyngitis.
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Age: Children and adolescents are more susceptible to streptococcal pharyngitis than adults.
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Weakened immune system: People with a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people who take immunosuppressants, and people with chronic diseases are more susceptible to infectious reasons for pharyngitis.
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Smoking: Smoking irritates the mucous membrane of the pharynx and increases the risk of chronic pharyngitis.
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The impact of irritants: Work in contaminated air or frequent exposure to chemicals increases the risk of pharyngitis.
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Allergies: People with allergies are more susceptible to pharyngitis caused by allergic rhinitis.
III. Symptoms of pharyngitis: how to recognize the disease.
Recognition of pharyngitis symptoms is the first step to timely treatment. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disease.
A. The main signs: sore throat, redness and edema.
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Sore throat: It is the most common symptom of pharyngitis. Pain can vary from mild discomfort to intensive pain that impedes swallowing and speech.
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Redness and swelling of the pharynx: When examining the pharynx, you can see the redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, especially in the area of the tonsils and the posterior wall of the pharynx.
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Pain when swallowing (Line -fuel): Swallowing can be painful or difficult.
B. Related symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose and others.
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Fever (fever): The fever is more common with bacterial pharyngitis, but can also be observed with viral pharyngitis.
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Cough: The cough can be dry or productive (with sputum release) and often accompanies viral pharyngitis.
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Runny (rhinitis): A runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing often accompany viral pharyngitis.
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Headache: A headache can occur with any type of pharyngitis, but more often occurs with bacterial pharyngitis.
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Increasing cervical lymph nodes: The increase and soreness of the cervical lymph nodes are often observed with bacterial pharyngitis.
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Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are more common with bacterial pharyngitis, especially in children.
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Hoarse voice: The hoarse of the voice can be caused by inflammation of the vocal cords, which can accompany pharyngitis.
C. Distinctive signs of viral and bacterial pharyngitis.
Although the symptoms can overlap, there are some distinctive features that can help in the differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial pharyngitis.
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Viral pharyngitis: Often accompanied by other symptoms of colds, such as a runny nose, cough and sneezing. The fever is usually low (up to 38.5 ° C). The tonsils can be slightly increased and reddened, but purulent raids are usually absent.
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Bacterial pharyngitis (streptococcal pharyngitis): It is characterized by a sudden onset of severe sore throat, pain during swallowing, fever (often above 38.5 ° C), headache, nausea, vomiting and increasing the cervical lymph nodes. The tonsils are often covered with purulent raids. Coughing and runny nose are usually absent.
IV. Diagnosis of pharyngitis: how to determine the cause of the disease.
Proper diagnosis is necessary for prescribing effective treatment. Diagnosis of pharyngitis includes an anamnesis collection, a physical examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests.
A. The collection of anamnesis and a physics examination.
The doctor collects information about the symptoms, medical history, contact with sick people and other risk factors. Physical examination includes inspection of the throat, assessment of the state of tonsils and lymph nodes, as well as measuring body temperature.
B. Streptate: rapid detection of streptococcal infection.
Streptatest is a quick and reliable method for identifying streptococcus of group A in the throat. The test is carried out by taking a smear from the throat and analyzing it for the presence of streptococcus antigens. The test results are usually available within a few minutes. A positive result of the streptestest indicates streptococcal pharyngitis and requires antibiotic treatment.
C. Laboratory studies: a general blood test and sowing from a pharynx.
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General blood test: A general blood test can help identify signs of infection, such as an increased amount of leukocytes. However, it does not allow to determine the specific cause of pharyngitis.
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Sowing from the pharynx: Sowing from a pharynx is a more accurate method for detecting bacterial throat infections. A smear from the throat is placed in a special nutrient medium, where bacteria multiply. Then bacteria are identified and their sensitivity to antibiotics is determined. Sowing from a pharynx is usually used if the streptwatest is negative, but the suspicion of bacterial pharyngitis is preserved.
D. Differential diagnosis: distinguish from other diseases.
It is important to distinguish pharyngitis from other diseases that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
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Tonylove: Inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It is often part of pharyngitis, but can occur in isolation.
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Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx. It is characterized by hoarse of voice and pain when swallowing.
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Epiglott: Inflammation of the dumbbell. It is a life -threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
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Infectious mononucleosis: A viral disease causing inflammation of the pharynx, an increase in lymph nodes and fatigue.
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SARS (acute respiratory viral infection): The general name for viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, which can cause pharyngitis.
V. Treatment of pharyngitis: how to alleviate the symptoms and accelerate recovery.
Treatment of pharyngitis depends on the cause of the disease. The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
A. Home remedies: abundant drink, throat rinsing and air moisturizing.
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Abundant drink: The use of a large amount of liquid (water, tea, broth) helps to maintain hydration and dilute mucus.
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Rinse of the throat: Rinsing the throat with a warm salt solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) helps reduce inflammation and sore throat. Rinse the throat several times a day.
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Air moisture: The use of a humidifier of air helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the pharynx and alleviate dryness and sore throat.
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Rest: A sufficient rest helps the body fight infection.
B. Right -making drugs: painkillers, antipyretic and antiseptics.
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Anesthetic and antipyretic drugs: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen help reduce sore throat and reduce body temperature.
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Antiseptics for the throat: Lollows, sprays and throat rinsing solutions containing antiseptics (for example, chlorhexidine, benzidine) help reduce the amount of bacteria in the throat and relieve pain.
C. Drug treatment: antibiotics with a bacterial infection.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed only with bacterial pharyngitis, usually caused by streptococcus of group A. The most commonly used antibiotics are penicillin and amoxicillin. It is important to undergo a full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms have improved to completely destroy bacteria and prevent complications.
D. Alternative methods of treatment: herbal fees and folk remedies.
Some people use alternative treatment methods to alleviate the symptoms of pharyngitis. However, it is important to remember that the effectiveness of these methods is not always proved by scientific research, and they should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor.
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Herbal fees: Herbs, such as chamomile, sage, eucalyptus and licorice root, have anti -inflammatory and antiseptic properties and can be used to rinse the throat or in the form of tea.
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Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti -inflammatory properties and can help relieve sore throat. It is recommended to use honey in its pure form or add it to warm tea. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
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Lemon: Lemon contains vitamin C and has antiseptic properties. It is recommended to add lemon juice to warm tea or water.
E. When to see a doctor: symptoms that require medical care.
In most cases, pharyngitis takes place independently for several days. However, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor.
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Strong sore throat that makes it difficult to swallow and speech.
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High temperature (above 39 ° C).
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Difficult breathing.
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Strong headache or pain in the neck.
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Increase in cervical lymph nodes.
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Rash.
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Purulent raids on the tonsils.
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Lack of improvement for several days.
VI. Pharyngitis Prevention: How to reduce the risk of the disease.
The prevention of pharyngitis includes measures aimed at reducing the risk of infectious agents and minimizing the effects of irritating factors.
A. Hygiene: Washing hands and avoiding contact with sick people.
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Washing hands: Regular washing of hands with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections.
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Avoid contact with sick people: Try to avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections.
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Using antiseptic hand for hand: The use of antiseptic tools on alcohol -based hands can help destroy microbes if there is no way to wash hands with soap and water.
B. Strengthening immunity: a healthy lifestyle and vitamins.
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Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep, helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
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Vitamins and minerals: The use of products rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, can help support the immune system.
C. The avoidance of irritants: refusal of smoking and humidification of air.
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Refusal of smoking: Smoking irritates the mucous membrane of the pharynx and increases the risk of chronic pharyngitis.
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Air moisture: The use of a humidifier of air helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the pharynx and alleviate dryness and sore throat, especially in winter.
D. vaccination: against influenza and other infections.
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Influenzation against influenza: Influenza vaccination helps prevent flu pharyngitis.
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Vaccination against other infections: Vaccination against other infections, such as measles, rubella and mumps, can also help prevent pharyngitis caused by these infections.
VII. Pharyngitis in children: features of the course and treatment.
Pharyngitis in children has some features that must be taken into account in diagnosis and treatment.
A. Streptococcal pharyngitis: The most common cause in children.
Streptococcal pharyngitis is the most common cause of pharyngitis in children, especially at the age of 5 to 15 years. Symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis in children can be more pronounced than in adults, and often include severe sore throat, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
B. Diagnostics and treatment: testing and antibiotics.
Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in children includes a streptop or sowing from a pharynx. With a positive result, antibiotics are prescribed, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. It is important to undergo a full course of antibiotics to completely destroy bacteria and prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
C. Features of home care: Comfort and child safety.
When caring for a child with pharyngitis, it is important to provide him with comfort and safety.
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Abundant drink: Offer your child often drink water, juice, broth or tea.
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Light food: Offer the child soft and easily swallowed food, such as soup, yogurt or mashed potatoes.
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Availability of irritants: Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants.
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Antipyretic drugs: Give the child antipyretics (paracetamol or ibuprofen) in accordance with the instructions.
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Grassing the throat (for older children): Teach the child to rinse the throat with a warm saline solution.
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Rest: Provide the child enough time to relax and sleep.
VIII. Falingitis complications: when you should worry.
Untimely or improper treatment of pharyngitis can lead to serious complications.
A. Streptococcal complications: rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
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Rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever is a serious complication of streptococcal pharyngitis, which can affect the heart, joints, brain and skin. Symptoms of rheumatic fever can appear a few weeks after the streptococcal pharyngitis and include fever, joint pain, rash, involuntary movements and heart inflammation.
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Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys, which can also be a complication of streptococcal pharyngitis. Symptoms of glomerulonephritis may include swelling, blood in the urine and increased blood pressure.
B. Other complications: Paratonsillar abscess and mediastinitis.
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Paratonsillary absencs: Paratonsillar abscess is a cluster of pus between the tonsil and the pharynx wall. Symptoms of paratonsillar abscess include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and trisma (spasm of chewing muscles).
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Mediastinitis: Mediastinitis is an inflammation of the mediastinum (space in the chest between the lungs). Mediastinitis is a rare, but dangerous complication of pharyngitis, which can lead to death.
C. Prevention of complications: timely treatment and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.
The prevention of pharyngitis complications includes timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations. If streptococcal pharyngitis is suspected, consult a doctor to conduct a streptestrack and prescribing antibiotics. It is important to undergo a full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms have improved to completely destroy bacteria and prevent complications.
IX. Life with chronic pharyngitis: symptoms management and exacerbation prevention.
Chronic pharyngitis requires constant management of symptoms and exacerbations prevention.
A. Identification and elimination of causes: irritants, allergens and GERB.
The first step in managing chronic pharyngitis is the identification and elimination of causes that cause inflammation. This may include refusal of smoking, avoiding effects of stimuli, treatment of allergies and GERB management.
B. Supporting therapy: air moisture, rinse of the throat and a change in lifestyle.
Supporting therapy helps alleviate the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis.
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Air moisture: The use of a humidifier of air helps to moisturize the mucous membrane of the pharynx and alleviate dryness and sore throat.
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Rinse of the throat: Rinsing the throat with warm saline solution or herbal infusions helps reduce inflammation and sore throat.
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Life change change: A change in lifestyle, such as the use of a sufficient amount of liquid, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and regular physical exercises, can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
C. Treatment of related diseases: allergies and GERB.
Treatment of concomitant diseases, such as allergies and GERB, can help reduce inflammation in the throat and alleviate the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis.
D. Regular visits to the doctor: control and prevention of complications.
Regular visits to the doctor are necessary to control the state and prevention of complications of chronic pharyngitis. The doctor can evaluate the state of the pharynx, prescribe the necessary research and adjust the treatment if necessary.
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