Chronic Pharyngitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Chronic pharyngitis

Hello Doctor: At the beginning of October, I experienced cold symptoms, starting with a dry throat, followed by coughing and a runny nose for about a week.
After that, I was left with a persistent cough that causes pain in the center of my chest.
An ENT specialist diagnosed me with bronchitis, and after taking medication for seven days, my cough has improved.
Now, in early November, I still have an itchy sensation in my throat and continue to cough.
(In mid-October, due to ongoing chest pain, I had a chest X-ray done by a pulmonologist, who indicated that my lungs were clear, suggesting that the pain might be due to the previous coughing or a posture issue causing a strain in my chest muscles, which hurts when I take deep breaths.) During this time, I also experienced mild gastroesophageal reflux and consulted a gastroenterologist for medication.
Currently, I feel that my throat is fine upon waking, but after I start moving around, I begin to feel the itchiness and start coughing.
Occasionally, I cough once or twice, but some days I hardly cough at all.
However, at night, my coughing worsens.
Could these symptoms indicate chronic pharyngitis, and what care or treatment should I pursue? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Kuo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/08

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, you may be experiencing chronic pharyngitis or bronchial sensitivity.
It is recommended to reduce the intake of coffee, tea, and desserts.
Wearing a mask can help avoid inhaling cold air.
If there is no improvement, you should return to the gastroenterology and pulmonology departments for further examination.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/11/08

More Info

Chronic pharyngitis is a condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the pharynx, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including a sore throat, cough, and a sensation of itchiness or irritation in the throat. Your description of symptoms following an upper respiratory infection aligns with the typical presentation of chronic pharyngitis.

Symptoms
The symptoms you've experienced, such as a dry throat, persistent cough, and occasional chest pain, can indeed be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. The fact that your symptoms have persisted even after initial treatment suggests that there may be underlying factors contributing to your condition. Common symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include:
- A persistent sore throat or scratchy sensation
- Dryness in the throat
- Frequent coughing, especially at night
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- Hoarseness or changes in voice

Causes
Chronic pharyngitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Infections: Viral infections are common culprits, but bacterial infections can also contribute.

2. Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can irritate the throat.

3. Environmental Irritants: Smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes can lead to chronic irritation.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to irritate the throat.

5. Postnasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the throat from sinus issues can lead to irritation and coughing.

6. Chronic Sinusitis: This can contribute to ongoing throat irritation due to mucus drainage.

Treatment Options
Managing chronic pharyngitis often involves addressing the underlying causes. Here are some treatment options you might consider:
1. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help soothe a dry throat. Warm teas with honey or broths can be particularly soothing.

2. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air, which may alleviate throat dryness and irritation.

3. Avoid Irritants: If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, consider quitting or reducing exposure. Avoiding allergens and irritants in your environment can also help.

4. Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help if allergies are a contributing factor. If GERD is suspected, medications to reduce stomach acid may be beneficial.
5. Throat Lozenges: Sucking on lozenges can provide temporary relief for throat irritation.

6. Nasal Sprays: If postnasal drip is an issue, saline nasal sprays or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and mucus production.

7. Voice Rest: If your job or lifestyle involves heavy voice use, consider giving your voice a break to reduce strain on your throat.

8. Consultation with Specialists: If symptoms persist, it may be beneficial to consult with an ENT specialist for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests or treatments, such as allergy testing or imaging studies.

9. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can improve your overall immune function and reduce the frequency of infections.

Conclusion
Chronic pharyngitis can be a frustrating condition, especially when it interferes with daily activities. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes, you can significantly improve your symptoms. If your symptoms continue or worsen, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

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