In this article you will learn what tonsillitis is, how it happens, why it occurs and why it is dangerous. Get acquainted with all methods of physical treatment of the disease, their characteristics and mechanism of action. Physiotherapy for tonsillitis is an important component of complex treatment together with medication.

The basis of the physiotherapeutic procedure is the improvement of blood circulation due to vasodilation, resorption of infiltrate, reduction of swelling and signs of inflammation, analgesic and bactericidal effects, as well as activation of local and general immunity. The complex of physiotherapeutic procedures carried out for chronic tonsillitis is quite easy and can be used both in the hospital and at home. And the high therapeutic effect and painlessness make it possible to widely use them for the treatment of preschool children.

The lymphopharyngeal ring, which includes 6 tonsils, performs a protective function. Being a kind of barrier to infections and viruses on the way from the oral cavity to the respiratory tract, they produce macrophages and lymphocytes that destroy pathogenic microflora. The structure of the palatine tonsils has depressions (lacunae), where bacteria like to hide and multiply, causing inflammatory processes.

Classification

The cause of the development of the disease can be various pathogenic microflora. Physiotherapy of tonsillitis is closely related to the etiology of the disease. The causative agents of tonsillitis are listed below.

• Bacterial (hemolytic streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococcus, meningococcus).
• Viral (Epstein-Barr, rhinovirus, Coxsackie, herpes).
• Fungal (Candida, trichophytes).
• Mycoplasma, chlamydia.

In addition to these reasons, there are also accompanying factors that trigger the disease: hypothermia, stress, chronic foci of infections in the teeth, nasal cavity and ear, decreased immunity, trauma to the tonsils.

There are many classifications, but the most common is according to Preobrazhensky, depending on the clinical symptoms.

Stage	Form	Temperature	Duration	Clinical manifestations
Acute (angina)	catarrhal	37-38`C	6-7 days	Tonsils are swollen, red, pain when swallowing
	follicular	38-39`C	10-12 days	Follicles, bubbles of white pus (white spots), tonsils and lymph nodes are enlarged
	lacunar	39-40`C	10-15 days	Lump in the throat, inability to swallow, tonsils completely covered with white-yellow coating, purulent tonsils
Chronic	exacerbation of a simple form	37-39`C	5-7 days	Sore throat, swollen tonsils, pain
	toxic-allergic	39-40`C	10-14 days	Severe swelling and hyperemia of the tonsils, severe general condition

It is impossible to cure chronic tonsillitis. Therefore, it is important to treat the acute stage in a timely manner, preventing the disease from becoming chronic. And in case of transition, it is necessary to take measures to maintain long-term remission.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for angina is a set of procedures when the area of ​​the pathological focus is affected by a physical factor (current, magnetic field, ultraviolet and infrared rays, temperature). At this moment, various chemical and biological processes are activated, which has a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Physiotherapy should be carried out a few days after the onset of the disease. The main techniques are ultrasound, ultraviolet irradiation, laser therapy, microwave, UHF, inhalation, electrophoresis, ultraphonophoresis (phonophoresis) and mud therapy.

Ultrasound therapy (US) is the effect of sound vibrations on the tonsils, which causes activation of local immunity and cleansing of the contents of the lacunae. It is prescribed more often to adults, since a child may not be able to withstand a rather painful procedure.

Ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) can be general and local. When applied topically, a tube is inserted into the oral cavity, towards the tonsils. With general UV irradiation, the collar zone is irradiated. The procedure has a powerful bactericidal effect.

Laser therapy is a modern method of physical treatment. The process is painless, quick and very effective. Laser beams reduce pain and swelling and have a bactericidal effect. In addition, the laser allows for surgical removal of tonsils without blood loss and the risk of infection.

Carrying out ultraphonophoresis for chronic tonsillitis with aloe extract or an extract from medicinal mud is effective in case of adhesions on the tonsils. It is possible to use interferon to enhance immunity.

Ultrahigh-frequency therapy (UHF) activates the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, relieves swelling and inflammation in the tonsils. A particularly good effect is achieved by combining ultrasound and microwave therapy.

Electrophoresis is most often prescribed by a doctor in the presence of concomitant diseases and complications due to intoxication. For example, a physiotherapist will do an endonasal procedure with calcium for diseases of the nasal cavity. Galvanization of the cervicofacial region is carried out for diseases of the brain.

The inhalation process is simple and can be done at home. Due to the action of warm, moist steam, blood flow increases and swelling decreases. It is also possible to use the procedure in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Mud therapy has the ability to resolve adhesions that impede the outflow of pus from the lacunae of the tonsils. The mud is applied to the collar and front areas of the neck. More often this procedure is carried out in medical sanatoriums.

According to clinical studies, it has been proven that UHF therapy for angina can aggravate the pathological process in the lacunae of the tonsils. Therefore, its use in this disease is limited.

Contraindications

Physiotherapy is a completely safe process. But there are contraindications in which exposure to physical factors can worsen the patient’s general condition.

• Oncological diseases.
• Acute inflammatory processes accompanied by high fever.
• Blood diseases.
• Pregnancy (risk and benefit calculated).
• Individual intolerance.

Complications

Any disease is dangerous due to its complications, and especially if it concerns a preschool child. Tonsillitis is a source of infection and requires timely treatment to prevent the development of a number of diseases:

• Sepsis.
• Meningitis.
• Laryngitis, pharyngitis.
• Abscess, phlegmon.
• Transition to chronic form.
• Almond hypertrophy and difficulty breathing.
• Rheumatism.
• Heart and kidney diseases.
• Eczema, psoriasis.

The structures of hemolytic streptococcus are very similar to the proteins of the heart and kidney muscles. So when our immune cells destroy a bacterium, there is a good chance that our own cells will damage the heart and kidneys. This leads to the development of rheumatic heart defects and kidney failure.

If complications develop, the conservative method of treatment is replaced by surgery. Physiotherapy helps prepare the patient for tonsil removal and restore his condition after the intervention.

Prevention

Preventive measures will help avoid the occurrence of acute stages and maintain a long period of remission. The following activities are recommended:

• Once every six months, be examined by an ENT doctor.
• If you have chronic tonsillitis, undergo physical therapy once a year (hydromassage, general ultraviolet irradiation, calcium electrophoresis on the collar area, aeroion therapy, inhalations with vegetable oils).
• Healthy lifestyle.
• Timely sanitation of the oral cavity.
• Compliance with the work and rest regime.

Tonsillitis is dangerous even in a chronic, sluggish stage. During exacerbations, avoid contact with infants and people with reduced immunity.

Do not self-medicate, as this can lead to serious complications. Only a competent specialist can assess the severity of the disease and select a comprehensive treatment plan.

Pharyngitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pharynx. The disease is quite common; almost every viral infection leads to pharyngitis. If local or general immunity is reduced and the disease is not treated, the acute process can become chronic and occur regularly. Chronic pharyngitis is one of the most common ENT diseases, one of the most common reasons for visiting an otolaryngologist.

Causes

Pharyngitis can develop due to exposure to infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi), inhalation of polluted or dusty air, chemical and thermal irritation of the mucous membrane. The disease can also be of an allergic nature. Acute pharyngitis is rarely an independent process; most often it develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infections or other infectious diseases. Chronic pharyngitis has a long course and can be a secondary process for rhinitis and sinusitis, acute pharyngitis, and chronic tonsillitis.

The most common pathogens:

• rhinoviruses;
• parainfluenza and influenza viruses;
• coronaviruses;
• adenoviruses;
• streptococci and staphylococci;
• mushrooms of the genus Candida.

Factors contributing to the occurrence of pharyngitis

1. Hypothermia.
2. Breathing through the mouth when nasal breathing is difficult.
3. Drinking cold drinks.
4. Hot or cold food.
5. Decreased immunity.
6. Smoking (both active and passive).
7. Drinking alcohol.
8. Inhalation of air with high concentrations of dust.
9. Chronic diseases of the stomach and esophagus, accompanied by reflux.
10. Stagnation in the venous system in diseases of the lungs and heart.
11. Metabolic diseases.
12. Removal of tonsils.

Clinical picture

The main symptoms of pharyngitis:

• dryness, burning, sore throat;
• sore throat when swallowing (especially with an “empty throat” - swallowing saliva);
• low-grade fever, general condition practically does not suffer;
• a feeling of mucus running down the back of the throat and the need to cough up;
• Upon examination, the mucous membrane of the pharynx and palatine tonsils are hyperemic, and mucopurulent deposits are observed.

This process must be differentiated from angina, since the approaches to treatment have certain differences. The diagnosis of pharyngitis is established on the basis of clinical data, medical history, and examination by a specialist.

Variants of acute pharyngitis

• Viral.
• Fungal.
• Allergic.
• Bacterial.
• Traumatic.
• Pharyngitis caused by irritation of the mucous membrane (chemical or thermal).

Types of chronic pharyngitis

After examining the patient’s throat, the doctor will determine the nature of the pathological process and select the necessary treatment.

1. Catarrhal (symptoms of pharyngitis are moderate, intensify after eating hot, cold and spicy food, characterized by the accumulation of viscous mucus on the back wall of the pharynx in large quantities, coughing is stronger in the morning, may be accompanied by vomiting).
2. Atrophic (manifested by dry throat, formation of crusts on the mucous membrane).
3. Hypertrophic (symptoms of pharyngitis are pronounced).

Treatment

Treatment of pharyngitis must begin with eliminating its cause. If pharyngitis is bacterial, antibacterial drugs are prescribed; if it is associated with dust and other irritating factors, it is necessary to eliminate their influence. If pharyngitis is secondary, then it is necessary to treat the underlying disease that led to its development. For all types of pharyngitis, its course is aggravated by smoking, that is, treatment requires cessation of the action of this factor.

Therapeutic measures:

• gentle diet (exclude hot, cold, irritating foods);
• gargling (gargling solutions are used - chlorophyllipt, furatsillin; alkaline solutions; infusion of medicinal herbs - sage, calendula);
• oral antiseptics in the form of lozenges, lozenges (chlorhexedine, lysobact, faringosept, decatylene, etc.), and sprays are also prescribed (orasept, tantum verde, ingalipt, etc.);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.);
• warm compresses on the neck area;
• for bacterial pharyngitis, antibiotics can be prescribed, often local ones (bioparox).

If chronic pharyngitis is hypertrophic, then it is recommended to use laser coagulation and cryodestruction.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Treatment with physical factors is prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling, improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, increase immunity and reduce intoxication, as well as for sedative purposes.

The main methods of physiotherapy used to treat pharyngitis:

• inhalations using hormonal (budesonide, fluticasone) and non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, interferon, alkaline and oil inhalations;
• UHF therapy for the pharynx area;
• medicinal electrophoresis with hydrocortisone, potassium iodide (for hypertrophic pharyngitis), calcium chloride (for catarrhal pharyngitis), nicotinic acid and novocaine (for atrophy of the pharyngeal mucosa);
• ultrasound therapy on the pharynx area;
• magnetic therapy on the pharyngeal projection area;
• laser therapy on the back wall of the pharynx;
• EF irradiation of the pharyngeal mucosa for bactericidal purposes;
• aerotherapy (mainly air baths outside of exacerbation);
• thalassotherapy (moretherapy).

Spa treatment

Patients with pharyngitis in remission, in the absence of contraindications, are recommended to recover in the sanatoriums of Crimea, Sochi, Kuyalnik, Pyatigorsk, Gagra, etc. During the atrophic process, a prerequisite for recovery is a warm and humid climate. For patients with reduced adaptive capabilities and severe manifestations of pharyngitis, treatment in local sanatoriums is recommended.

Conclusion

Chronic pharyngitis is a condition that causes significant discomfort to patients. The atrophic process with constant dryness of the mucous membrane is especially painful in this regard; its manifestations can disrupt sleep and cause psychological disorders. To prevent chronicity of the process, it is necessary to promptly treat acute symptoms, give up bad habits, and use protective equipment when working with occupational hazards.

TVC, ABC of Health program, episode on the topic “Pharingitis: symptoms and treatment”:

Online magazine “Otolaryngologist”, video on the topic “Pharingitis: treatment at home”:

It comes in the following forms:

• Mixed. Phlegmonous.
• Herpetic. Fungal.
• Syphilitic.

Tonsillitis

toxic-allergic forms

Symptoms of sore throat and tonsillitis

Reasons	Staphylococci, streptococci. Pneumococci.	Adenoviruses. Herpes viruses. HIV. Paramyxoviruses. Epstein-Barr virus.
Manifestations	Acute onset.	Catarrh. The beginning is acute.
Symptoms	Increased body temperature. Symptoms of intoxication.
Throat examination	Redness of the tonsils. Defeat of lacunae.

Symptoms

Tonsillitis

Difference from pharyngitis

Signs

How not to confuse it with laryngitis

Treatment of laryngitis

Localization of laryngitis

Symptoms

Diagnostics

blood urine tests ECG

smear on flora

General

vitamins

• Stopangin.
• Trachisan.
• Decathylene.
• Strepsils.
• Faringosept.
• Lysobacter.
• Hexaspray.

Differences

• Physiotherapy.

Possible complications

Prevention

How to avoid getting a sore throat

Forecast

Sore throat and throat

Chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis, as a consequence of infectious diseases, are observed as separate diseases or appear simultaneously. For example, if during an acute respiratory infection the entire mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is affected by inflammation, then it can also affect the larynx.

In fact, when the disease is infectious, its acute course can cover all areas of the throat.

Characteristics of chronic sore throat

When pharyngitis and tonsillitis occur at the same time

Pharyngitis and chronic tonsillitis are pronounced manifestations of a bacterial infection, their treatment is based on classification and symptoms. If there is severe chronic pharyngitis, then it is not necessarily accompanied by tonsillitis and vice versa. Simply put, in most cases, pharyngitis and tonsillitis are considered as separate diseases, but their complex treatment has much in common.

Features and causes of chronic pharyngitis

Let's consider chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis as separate diseases in order to better understand the characteristics of their course and methods of treatment. Chronic pharyngitis should be considered a complication because usually the acute form ends without consequences.

Clinical picture of chronic pharyngitis:

Symptoms	Reasons	Location of inflammation	Stages of the inflammatory process
Sore, sore throat	Infectious: viral; bacterial; fungal. Non-infectious: toxic; burn; pharyngitis.	Banal Rhinopharyngitis Pharyngolaryngitis	Catarrhal;
Pain when swallowing
Feeling of dry throat
Presence of thick mucus in the throat
Pain radiates to ears
Temperature 37-38°C
Constantly feeling unwell
Hyperemia of the mucous membrane in the pharynx
Lymph nodes are enlarged and painful
Feeling of a lump in the throat
Desire to clear throat
Loose and edematous mucous membrane

Chronic pharyngitis occurs more often than it is diagnosed. The peculiarity of this disease is that the manifestations cause some discomfort, but are not critical for well-being.

Chronic tonsillitis and its causes

The bacterial nature of tonsillitis has been proven, so it occurs when the immune system is weakened. Frequent tonsillitis in children is due to the fact that their immunity has not yet fully developed, like that of an adult.

The tonsils in the throat are a special organ that belongs to the immune system. That is why doctors try to treat tonsils conservatively, since removing them weakens the body’s protective potential.

What characterizes chronic tonsillitis

Table. Characteristic features of tonsillitis:

Symptoms and signs	Reasons and factors	Forms of tonsillitis
Pain and discomfort in the throat	Bacteria and fungi: group β streptococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; fungi of the genus Candida Other reasons: hypothermia; weakened immune system; damage to the tonsils; deviated nasal septum; sinusitis; frequent sore throats; caries, periodontitis; hypersensitivity, allergies; improper treatment of sore throat	Catarrhal Phlegmonous Lacunar Follicular
Dry Throat Syndrome
Scratching in the throat
Constant coughing
Nasty odor from the mouth
Decreased vitality
Lethargy and apathy;
Temperature slightly elevated
Enlarged tonsils
Hyperemia of the mucosa
Curd plugs in gaps

The appearance of tonsillitis is caused primarily by improper functions of the immune system. Understanding this allows you to apply appropriate treatment methods.

Methods and methods for treating chronic throat diseases

Modern methods of treating tonsillitis

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis is based on getting rid of painful symptoms, eliminating the cause of the disease, and restoring temporarily lost immunity. For these purposes, comprehensive treatment of tonsillitis is carried out.

Treatment with drugs

Drugs are chosen only with the help of a doctor

In principle, all medicines produced by the pharmaceutical industry are tablets or capsules, which contain the main active ingredient and auxiliary ones that enhance the therapeutic effect. These chemicals integrate into cellular biochemical mechanisms and correct the damage caused by the infection.

Medicines used to treat tonsillitis

Table. Modern anti-inflammatory drugs:

Name of the drug	Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory
Diclofenac-potassium	Reduces temperature, relieves pain, acts as a moderate anti-inflammatory. Act on enzymes that cause the inflammatory process.
Diclofenac sodium
Diflunisal
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Ketoprofen
Clofezone
Lysine monoacetylsalicylate
Tiaprofenic acid
Phenylbutazone
Fenoprofen
Flurbiprofen
Celecoxib
Etodolac
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Ketorolac
Alka-Seltzer
FortalginTs
Plivalgin
Reopirin
Baralgin

Each medicine has instructions; these drugs can reduce the symptoms of the disease and stop degenerative processes. Antibiotics are also used in complex treatment to eliminate the cause of the disease.

Penicillins by origin
Amoxicillin	Penicillin antibiotics have a wide spectrum of action, inhibit the growth and development of most microorganisms by suppressing enzyme synthesis and stopping the formation of bacterial cell organelles
Augmentin
Trimafox
Flemoklav
Flemoxin
Related to macrolides
Azithromycin	Effectively act on bacterial strains resistant to penicillins, act on the processes of RNA replication of microorganisms
Zitrolide
Spiramycin.
Sumamed
Erythromycin
Cephalosporins
Suprax	Used to prevent complications of tonsillitis, act on bacterial nucleic acids
Cephabol
Zinnat
Cephalexin
Cefuroxime

In addition to antibiotics, sulfonamide drugs are used, which are effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Physiotherapy and home treatment

Photo. Laser treats pharyngitis and tonsillitis equally effectively

Physiotherapy is widely used to treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis since this method is safer for the body and does not affect the biochemical processes occurring in cells. To influence the course of the disease, special equipment and equipment are used. The video describes physiotherapy.

Basic methods of physiotherapy for pharyngitis and tonsillitis:

• mechanical therapy;
• treatment using hardware heat;
• treatment with light rays;
• treatment with electric and magnetic current.

Table. Features of physiotherapeutic effects:

Treatment method	Brief description
Amplipulse therapy	Delivery of a medicinal substance to a sore spot
Galvanotherapy, electrophoresis	Warming and analgesic effect
Acupuncture (acupuncture)	Ultraviolet radiation treatment, pain relief
Laser therapy	Relaxing, analgesic effect
Magnetotherapy	Monochrome and coherent radiation
Mechanotherapy (vibration therapy)	Vibration stimulates regeneration processes and relieves pain
Paraffin treatment	Analgesic effect
Bernard alternating currents	Stimulating and analgesic effect
Blue lamp	Sinusoidally modulated currents, pain relief
Thermotherapy	Low-frequency impulses have an analgesic effect and warm
Tube-quartz	Anti-inflammatory, anesthetic effect
UHF therapy	Warming effect increases blood flow
Ultrasound therapy (more than 16000 Hz)	Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect due to micromassage
Franklinization (statistical shower)	General health benefits
Electrical stimulation	Blood flow and analgesic effect
Electrophoresis	Analgesic effect

Physical therapy for chronic pharyngitis eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane, produces an analgesic effect, and inflammation goes away. With tonsillitis, the formation of plugs in the tonsils stops and they dissolve. The general condition improves, the body tone increases.

Treating a throat with home remedies

Chronic infectious diseases of the throat are treated at home by gargling with decoctions of medicinal herbs, steam inhalation and using a nebulizer. In addition to rinsing, honey is used, which is used to add to decoctions for drinking.

Of the herbs that are used to prepare decoctions with your own hands, they are best suited for rinsing:

• sage;
• chamomile;
• plantain;
• mint;
• calendula;
• coltsfoot;
• linden color.

Compresses applied regularly to the throat help with severe symptoms of the disease. For the treatment of chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis with home remedies, propolis is very useful if you simply chew it in small portions several times a day.

Prevention of chronic throat diseases

Chronic pharyngitis and tonsillitis can be prevented if you follow preventive measures. Preventing a disease is a much lower price than what you have to pay for treatment.

Healthy lifestyle

Running to health

Chronic pharyngotonsillitis with a healthy lifestyle goes away much faster, the patient regains his health, while simultaneously creating a reserve of it. A healthy lifestyle includes behavior and nutrition, adherence to simple rules that do not require material costs.

Rules for a healthy lifestyle:

1. You definitely need a good night's sleep, which requires at least 8 hours on average. Sleep is an integral part of our life, when self-regulation of the body occurs, its fine tuning.
2. Meals should be organized so that you do not overeat, and the food itself is, if possible, hot and contains dietary fiber, vitamins, fruits, and vegetables. Sugar and spices are added to dishes in minimal quantities.
3. Try not to eat at night.
4. After eating, it is not recommended to drink water for an hour.
5. Strong tea and coffee should be excluded from the daily diet.
6. Stop drinking alcohol and tobacco.
7. Do not eat canned foods.
8. active motor mode is required. Even if the work involves a sitting position, you need to provide breaks for warm-up exercises.
9. Observe the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands with soap when coming home, after eating and using the toilet.
10. Positive emotions are essential for health, so you need to avoid unpleasant situations.
11. For a healthy lifestyle, it is imperative to spend two hours a day in the fresh air.

Exercise and Wellness Activities

Physical exercise helps restore blood supply and microcirculation in organs and tissues. The best exercise for getting healthy is, of course, running. There is a system by Arthur Lydiard, which consists of jogging every day for half an hour.

This type of running strengthens the heart and blood vessels and cleanses the lungs. Yoga exercises help improve health. Even simple health-improving walks through a pine grove have a strengthening effect, and if you combine them with gymnastic exercises, the healing effect will not be long in coming.

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis are considered one of the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by inflammation and pain in the throat.

Both of these diseases most often develop against the background of viral or bacterial infections and have similar symptoms, which without a comprehensive diagnosis are sometimes very easy to confuse with other diseases.

In some cases, pharyngitis may be a concomitant pathology with tonsillitis.

Causes of tonsillitis and pharyngitis

Despite the similarity in symptoms, tonsillitis has some differences from pharyngitis, primarily in the location of the lesion. In the first case, the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils are covered, and in the second, the pharyngeal cavity.

The main causes of pharyngitis and tonsillitis are viral and bacterial pathogens.

They come from the environment or from infectious foci located in neighboring parts of the respiratory system.

What causes tonsillitis?

In the acute course of tonsillitis, the inflammatory process covers the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils, mainly the palatine tonsils, most often caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, less often by chlamydia, mycoplasma, viruses and Candida fungus.

Chronic tonsillitis is accompanied by prolonged inflammation of the tonsils and occurs as a consequence of tonsillitis, scarlet fever, measles, diphtheria, etc.

Factors contributing to the development of tonsillitis include:

• general hypothermia of the body or local cooling of the mucous membrane as a result of eating cold food or inhaling frosty air;
• weakening of local and general immunity;
• mechanical impact on the tonsils (trauma, surgery);
• disorders of the nervous system;
• violation of nasal breathing;
• previous colds;
• allergies (can be a cause and consequence of chronic tonsillitis).

Chronic tonsillitis can develop from an acute type of illness, therefore the most important method of preventing chronicity is considered to be timely and correct treatment of exacerbations.

What contributes to the occurrence of pharyngitis

Unlike tonsillitis, pharyngitis, as a rule, is provoked by viral pathogens, among which are:

• rhinovirus;
• adenovirus;
• coronavirus;
• influenza virus;
• parainfluenza

Acute pharyngitis is considered a seasonal disease, occurring mainly in the autumn-winter period, when exacerbations of acute respiratory viral infections occur.

If adequate treatment is not carried out at an early stage of the acute course of the disease, a bacterial infection is added to the viral inflammation.

The following factors can provoke the progression of pharyngitis:

• individual characteristics of the structure of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and digestive system;
• systematic inhalation of dusty, hot, dry or smoky air;
• constant work with harmful chemical components;
• dependence on nasal vasoconstrictors;
• smoking and alcohol;
• allergic reactions;
• endocrine and metabolic disorders;
• pathologies of the kidneys and cardiovascular system.

The chronic form of pharyngitis can occur against the background of pathologies of the digestive system, when during sleep the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus and penetrate the pharynx.

Such processes can occur with gastroreflux disease or hiatal hernia.

In this case, treatment of pharyngitis must be accompanied by the elimination of the main cause, otherwise all methods of therapy will bring temporary and insufficient results.

Very often, chronic pharyngitis develops due to pathologies of the nasopharynx, when mucous secretions flow down the back wall of the pharynx and infect it.

Symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis have similar external manifestations and symptoms; in order to differentiate these diseases and prescribe the correct treatment, the doctor carries out a comprehensive diagnosis.

How does tonsillitis manifest?

The initial stage of acute tonsillitis is characterized by an increase in temperature from 38 °C; symptoms intensify during the course of the disease:

• sore, dry and constricted throat;
• painful swallowing, discomfort when drinking liquids and food, in severe cases the patient cannot even swallow saliva;
• During pharyngoscopy, pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane, hyperemia of the palatine tonsils, and narrowing of the lumen of the pharynx are noted;
• the tongue becomes covered with a serous coating;
• depending on the form of the disease, the tonsils may become covered with a mucous white film, yellowish bubbles and a gray-yellow coating;
• there are painful sensations, aches in the muscles of the whole body and general malaise;
• submandibular lymph nodes enlarge.

A distinctive feature of acute tonsillitis is that with a decrease in temperature, damage to the mucous surface of the throat becomes more pronounced.

Untimely treatment of acute tonsillitis leads to chronic inflammation of the tonsils, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• compaction of the surface of the sky;
• soreness and enlargement of lymph nodes;
• loose structure of the tonsils with the formation of thread-like adhesions on their surface;
• discharge of purulent formations on the mucous membrane of the tonsils;
• normal temperature readings.

Clinical picture of pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis begins with soreness, dryness and discomfort in the throat when swallowing; as the disease progresses, unpleasant painful sensations in the throat accompany the patient constantly.

Depending on the etiology of inflammation, the following symptoms may occur:

• irradiation of pain to the ears;
• enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes;
• redness of the posterior surface of the pharynx, palatine ridges, inflammation of lymphoid granules. But unlike tonsillitis, inflammation in the tonsils is not observed.

Often the cause of chronic pharyngitis is untimely treatment of the acute form of the disease, as well as frequent colds.

With the development of chronic pharyngitis, the patient is constantly tormented by dryness and a feeling of a lump in the throat, he feels the need to cough, and is often forced to swallow mucus that is secreted on the back wall of the throat.

Due to these factors, the patient's sleep is disturbed and he becomes irritable.

Chronic pharyngitis rarely develops as an independent disease, so its treatment should be aimed not only at alleviating symptoms, but also at eliminating the underlying cause.

Diagnosis of diseases

Before prescribing treatment for tonsillitis or pharyngitis, the otolaryngologist conducts a comprehensive diagnostic study, which allows one to assess the severity of the disease and identify concomitant pathologies.

Diagnostic examination for tonsillitis

To diagnose chronic tonsillitis, a clinical blood test is prescribed, which reveals a characteristic increase or decrease in leukocytes.

For the toxic-allergic form of tonsillitis, a blood test is prescribed for O-antistreptolysin, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor.

A smear on the microflora is also taken from the mucous surface of the tonsils, which can reveal the presence of diphtheria bacillus, which causes the formation of thick films on the tonsils.

In some cases, an ECG and x-ray of the paranasal sinuses are performed. During pharyngoscopy the following phenomena are noted:

• inflammation of the palatine ridges;
• when pressing on the tonsil, plugs or purulent mucus are released;
• tonsils in children are enlarged, have a crimson or reddish tint and a loose structure; in adults, tonsils are of medium size and have a pale surface.

Diagnosing pharyngitis

Examination of a patient with pharyngitis may reveal the following signs:

• hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane;
• granular structure of the pharynx, secretion of mucous exudate;
• hypertrophy of lymphoid follicles.

A clinical blood test may show an increase in lymphocytes, which indicates the viral nature of the inflammation; an increased content of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR indicate a bacterial etiology.

Pharyngoscopy can reveal the spread of inflammation to the palatine arches and tonsils, with swelling of the uvula observed.

With lateral pharyngitis, lymphadenoid ridges and granules, increased in size, are noted on the side walls of the pharynx, which is more typical for exacerbations of chronic inflammation.

Sometimes complications of pharyngitis are diagnosed, spreading to the hearing organs, larynx, nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses.

What treatment is prescribed

In order to prescribe the correct treatment for tonsillitis or pharyngitis, it is important to clearly differentiate them from other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as to identify the true cause of the development of inflammation.

In both cases, complex therapy is provided, including symptomatic and etiotropic treatment methods.

Therapy of acute tonsillitis

Therapeutic effects for acute tonsillitis are aimed primarily at alleviating symptoms and are based on local remedies:

• taking systemic antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Amoxicar);
• gargling with drugs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects (Furacilin, Miramistin, Eludril, Rivanol);
• use of local antiseptic and painkillers (Falimint, Strepsils, Septolete);
• irrigation of the tonsils with antiseptics (Ingalipt, Kameton);
• antipyretic drugs to combat temperatures above 38.5°C (Paracetamol, Theraflu, Rinza, Panadol);
• treatment of tonsils with products containing higher temperature iodine (Lugol, Iodinol);
• immunomodulatory drugs (Anaferon, children are prescribed rectal suppositories Viferon, Genferon).

As an auxiliary treatment of acute tonsillitis, folk remedies are highly effective.

One of the most common products used in this case is lemon; at the initial stage of the disease, it is recommended to gradually chew half the fruit along with the zest, and then do not eat food for an hour.

Rinsing with decoctions of chamomile, sage leaves, mint, calendula and coltsfoot has also proven effective for tonsillitis.

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis

Treatment of chronic tonsillitis is as follows:

• washing the palatine tonsils with antiseptic solutions (Octenisept, Chlorhexidine);
• regular rinsing of the mouth with a copper-silver aqueous solution;
• use of local immunomodulators (Ribomunil);
• adding essential oils to solutions for inhalation and rinsing;
• physiotherapeutic procedures for the throat and lymph nodes (ultrasound, laser therapy, magnetic therapy, FEF);
• Daily sanitation of the mouth, nose and paranasal sinuses.

How is acute pharyngitis treated?

Therapy for acute pharyngitis does not involve the use of antibiotics unless a bacterial infection has occurred.

The standard treatment regimen for pharyngitis includes the following means and methods:

• gargling at least 6 times a day (Furacilin, solutions of soda and sea salt, decoctions of chamomile and calendula, mineral water);
• inhalation and throat irrigation with antiseptic solutions (Chlorophyllipt, Angilex);
• tablets and lozenges containing sulfonamides (Faringosept, Septifril);
• immunostimulating antiviral drugs (Viferon, Kagocel, Arbidol);
• plenty of warm drinks;
• dry compresses on the neck area;
• following a diet that excludes hard, spicy and fatty foods;
• regular wet cleaning of the patient’s room.

Therapeutic measures against chronic pharyngitis

Treatment for chronic pharyngitis involves, first of all, eliminating the factors that caused the development of the disease; for this it is necessary to sanitize infectious foci in the oral cavity and nasopharynx, correct the deviated nasal septum, and treat the digestive system.

Taking antibiotics is indicated only in cases of hyperthermia and severe enlargement of lymph nodes. The most common and effective broad-spectrum drugs are Summed and Amoxiclav.

Treatment of chronic pharyngitis involves taking antihistamines to reduce swelling of the pharynx (Suprastin). To relieve an intense cough, drugs that reduce the cough reflex (Codelac) are used.

A mandatory method for pharyngitis is rinsing every half hour; for this you can use pharmaceutical antiseptics (Lugol, Hexoral), alkaline solutions or herbal decoctions.

Tonsillitis, like pharyngitis, are the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which are characterized by inflammation and pain in the throat. Both diseases are usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, so they manifest themselves in the same way and without proper diagnosis they are difficult to distinguish from other diseases. Sometimes pharyngitis appears as a complication of tonsillitis.

Causes of tonsillitis

The main difference between tonsillitis and pharyngitis is the location of the lesion. With tonsillitis, inflammation is observed in the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils, with pharyngitis - in the pharyngeal cavity. The main causes of diseases are viruses or bacteria that enter the respiratory system from the outside or are located in other parts of the respiratory system. The main causative agents of tonsillitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus, less often this occurs due to chlamydia, mycoplasma, viruses or fungi.

In the depths of the throat, at the base of the arch, there are 2 tonsils. What are tonsils? This is a collection of lymphocytes that take part in protecting the body. It is in the tonsils that sore throat or tonsillitis occurs. The moment a microorganism (usually streptococcus) enters and infects the throat, inflammation occurs. The tonsils, trying to fight the infection, increase in size and fight the microbe, as a result of which a purulent coating appears on their surface.

With tonsillitis, the tonsils become inflamed and pustules appear on them.

Acute tonsillitis can occur due to:

• general hypothermia of the body, as well as against the background of taking cold foods, water, inhaling frosty air;
• weakening of protective functions;
• mechanical impact on the tonsils;
• previous colds;
• allergies.

This disease is extremely dangerous and can cause serious complications. Acute tonsillitis lasts about 1 – 2 weeks, after which the disease can become chronic. To prevent the transition of acute tonsillitis into a chronic form of the disease (this happens quite often), the disease should be treated at an early stage. Tonsillitis should be treated only with medications that the doctor will select individually.

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Symptoms of tonsillitis

If pharyngitis differs from tonsillitis in cause and location, then their symptoms are often very similar. Initially, with tonsillitis, the body temperature rises to 38.5 and above. Afterwards, during the day, the symptoms worsen. A person begins to experience a feeling of soreness, constriction, and dryness in the throat. As a result of enlarged tonsils, there will be difficulty swallowing foods, liquids, and sometimes saliva.

Characteristic signs of tonsillitis or tonsillitis are the coating of the tongue with a gray coating, and the tonsils with white or yellow bubbles. The patient experiences symptoms such as pain and aches in the limbs, and a deterioration in overall health. There is an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes.

In the acute form of tonsillitis, when the temperature drops, all symptoms worsen. Improper treatment of the disease will invariably lead to the appearance of chronic tonsillitis, in which the surface of the palate becomes thicker, the lymph nodes become enlarged and begin to hurt, and the structure of the tonsils changes (their surface becomes loose, and adhesions may appear).

Chronic tonsillitis can occur with normal body temperature, but with a deterioration in the general condition of the patient. An exacerbation will occur with the slightest decrease in immunity and, as a result, conservative treatment will simply be powerless. In this case, adults and children can be treated through surgery.

You can learn more about tonsillitis, its causes and treatment from the article: Tonsillitis: symptoms, treatment and causes.

Causes of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis differs from tonsillitis in that it is caused by viruses. Most often it occurs against the background of:

• rhinovirus;
• adenovirus;
• influenza virus;
• parainfluenza;
• coronavirus.

Pharyngitis occurs most often in autumn or winter, during the seasons when colds worsen. Against the background of chronic pharyngitis, when correct treatment was not carried out in the acute period, a bacterial infection develops, which complicates the course of the disease and aggravates unpleasant symptoms.

Pharyngitis can progress due to:

• individual structural features of the mucous membranes of the digestive system and pharynx;
• constant inhalation of hot fumes, dust, smoke;
• regular contact with chemicals;
• dependence on certain medications that are used to treat nasal congestion or to relieve symptoms of sinusitis;
• smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• allergic reaction;
• metabolic and endocrine disorders;
• pathologies of the kidneys, heart or blood vessels.

Chronic pharyngitis is often detected together with pathology of the digestive organs, in which food from the stomach returns back to the esophagus and enters the pharynx. This form of pharyngitis can be provoked by gastroreflux disease and hiatal hernia. Treatment of the disease in this case will take place in parallel with the main cause, which provokes the appearance of constant relapses. The cause of chronic pharyngitis may be pathology of the nasopharynx.

Clinical manifestations of pharyngitis

Symptoms of pharyngitis, in the acute period of the disease, are manifested by soreness, dryness and discomfort in the throat during swallowing. This main symptom of pharyngitis will accompany the disease throughout the entire period.

Depending on the cause of inflammation, symptoms such as:

• localization of pain in the throat and ears;
• enlargement and tenderness of the cervical lymph nodes;
• the back of the pharynx, palatine ridges, and lymphoid granules become inflamed. If tonsillitis is manifested by damage to the tonsils, then with pharyngitis they remain absolutely clean.

Chronic pharyngitis occurs due to lack of proper treatment during the acute period or when frequent colds occur. Against the background of chronic pharyngitis, adults experience a feeling of dryness and a lump in the throat. The patient constantly coughs, trying to get rid of the obstruction in the throat.

Chronic pharyngitis is also characterized by a deterioration in a person’s general well-being. This especially affects the emotional state, since he cannot get a good night's sleep due to discomfort in the throat. As a result, this leads to irritability and nervousness in adults.

Treatment of chronic pharyngitis should be carried out only after the underlying cause of the disease has been identified. It makes no sense to treat the manifestations of infection alone, since this will only bring short-term relief.

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases

Diagnosis and treatment of tonsillitis and pharyngitis

Before treating a disease that has caused unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to conduct a correct diagnosis. To do this, they take blood for analysis, a smear from the tonsils in case of inflammation, an ECG, and radiography. To confirm tonsillitis, a visual examination of the throat is sufficient, which will be red, with a loose layer of tonsils and the appearance of a characteristic coating on them. If it is chronic, then adhesions will be observed on the surface of the tonsils, coloring them a rich scarlet color. In children, unlike adults, all signs will be more pronounced. If pharyngitis is suspected, a visual examination of the throat and pharyngoscopy will be performed.

Treatment of the disease is carried out only after the cause of inflammation has been identified and differential diagnostics have been carried out, helping to exclude diseases of the respiratory system with similar clinical signs.

Treatment of tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis should be treated with antibacterial agents, gargling with Furacilin or Miramistin, using antiseptics and painkillers that act directly in the throat (Lizak, Doctor Mom, etc.). Additionally, sprays are prescribed that irrigate the tonsils, such as Orasept, Tantum Verde, etc. Treatment with antipyretics is indicated during the acute period of the disease, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature. To do this, use Panadol, Nurofen or combination drugs that are administered intramuscularly.

Treatment of the chronic type of disease consists of using an inhaler, rinsing and gargling, strengthening the immune system with the help of immunomodulators, and using physiotherapeutic procedures. Do daily nasal rinsing and gargling using medications or folk remedies. A good remedy that is prescribed to adults and children is sea salt, which is used to rinse and wash the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Treatment of pharyngitis

Treatment of pharyngitis in the acute period is recommended to include gargling (using chamomile or sage decoction, soda solution), inhalation and throat irrigation with Angilex, Chlorophyllipt. A product produced in the form of lollipops, Septifril Darnitsa, helps relieve pain symptoms.

Treatment must be accompanied by drinking plenty of fluids and humidifying the air in the room. Dry compresses are used to warm the throat, relieve inflammation and relieve unpleasant symptoms. Treatment should be accompanied by a diet that excludes spicy, fatty and solid foods.

Chronic pharyngitis requires a careful examination of the body to identify factors that provoke relapses of the disease. First of all, treatment of teeth, gums, and correction of a deviated nasal septum, if any, is carried out.

Treatment is also carried out for the digestive organs, having previously undergone an ultrasound and gastroscopy. Antibacterial therapy for the chronic form is indicated only when the lymph nodes are enlarged. To reduce swelling of the pharynx, antihistamines are prescribed. The antitussive drug Bromhexine or Codelac helps relieve a severe cough. Gargling is carried out regularly, at least 3-5 times a day, using medications, infusions or decoctions based on herbal ingredients.

» Treatment of tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis

Recent studies have shown that chronic tonsillitis in women negatively affects the functioning of the ovaries. The resulting hormonal deficiency has a bad effect on the condition of the mucous membranes of the female genitourinary organs. This opens a direct path for the infection to penetrate “to the upper floors” of the reproductive system, for example, to the uterine appendages. Therefore, tonsillitis must be treated in a timely manner.

With the help of medicinal plants, rinses, inhalations, and rinsing of the tonsils are carried out.

Gargle with warm infusions 4-5 times (or more) a day.

Washing is done daily or every other day (the temperature of the infusion should be 37-38°C). During the course of treatment you need to carry out 10-12 washes. A course of inhalations usually includes 15 procedures, the duration of one inhalation is 5 minutes.

• Mix 1 part eucalyptus leaves, 2 parts walnut leaves and 3 parts chamomile flowers. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of the crushed mixture. Let it brew for 1 hour, then strain.
• Take 1 part lingonberry leaves, 1.5 parts plantain leaves, 2 parts meadow geranium rhizomes. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of the crushed mixture, leave until cool, and strain.

For chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis

For inhalation and rinsing, medicinal plants containing tannins and having an anti-inflammatory effect are used. Herbs that have analgesic properties can also be included in the preparations.

• Take 1 part lavender flowers, 2 parts peppermint leaves, 4 parts oak bark. Grind everything and mix. 1 tbsp. Place a spoonful of the mixture in a thermos and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 4 hours, then strain.
• Mix chamomile flowers and calamus bark in a 2:1 ratio. Pour 1 tbsp. spoon of the collection with 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew, strain,

Rinse your mouth with warm infusions of these herbal teas several times a day. Also use them for inhalation (30-50 ml of infusion per procedure).

For chronic atrophic pharyngitis

Carry out rinsing and inhalation using herbal infusions that soften the mucous membrane of the pharynx.

• Take 1 part of white acacia flowers, 2 parts of blackberry leaves, 3 parts of meadow grass. Grind everything and mix. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture, let it brew for 1 hour, strain.
• Mix 1 part peppermint leaves, 2 parts yarrow herb and 3 parts raspberry bark. 1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of crushed extract, leave for 1 hour, strain.

Pour 1/2 cup of anise seeds with 1 cup of water, boil for 15 minutes, strain. Add 1/4 cup linden honey and bring the broth to a boil again, then remove from heat and pour in 1 tbsp. a spoonful of cognac. Take 1 tbsp. spoon every half hour. This remedy was especially loved by Russian singers; it helped get rid of professional pharyngitis in 1 day.

In India, for many years, all throat diseases, including pharyngitis, were treated by gargling with clay. And it is no coincidence, because clay is an ideal sorbent that absorbs mucus, which is teeming with bacteria.

Pour 1 teaspoon of clay (special sterile clay, which is sold in pharmacies) with 1 glass of water at room temperature, stir. Gargle 6 times a day with 1 glass of the mixture. The course of treatment is 1 week.

At the first sign of pharyngitis, the emperor gargled with cognac (2 tablespoons) every hour. By the way, a similar method has long been used by Georgian healers. Only they advised gargling not with cognac, but with dry red wine, heated to temperature. body tours.

Galina Andreevna RULENKO.

How not to confuse pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

Perhaps all young parents make the same mistake at least once in their lives - they make a diagnosis themselves and begin to treat their child for a sore throat. As a result, everything ends in complications or, even worse, the disease enters the chronic stage. Why is this happening? The answer is simple - the mistake lies in an incorrect diagnosis.

Officially, there is no such disease as tonsillitis, and inflammation of the tonsils and severe sore throat are called tonsillitis in medical parlance. However, it would seem that the name does not matter and the treatment should work in any case. However, everything is not so simple.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are two similar diseases and can easily be confused. The treatment of these diseases is somewhat different, and if the approach is incorrect, the matter can easily end in complications. So, to prevent this from happening, let’s figure out whether pharyngitis is very different from tonsillitis and how not to confuse these ailments.

The essence of diseases and their differences

First of all, these two diseases differ in symptoms; the difference is not very big, but you can still notice it. In order to understand, let's talk about the symptoms of each disease separately, and then summarize.

You should know that pharyngitis, tonsillitis and all other ailments associated with the throat usually arise for the same reasons, but are located in different places. So, what is tonsillitis and what should be its treatment? If, upon examination, the doctor discovers that the patient has inflamed tonsils and pustules on them and, at the same time, a completely healthy back wall of the throat and mucous membranes, it is time to talk about tonsillitis. There are some other signs:

• The tonsils are greatly enlarged.
• The mucous membrane of the tonsils is very loose with a bright burgundy tint.
• The jaw lymph nodes are enlarged.
• The lacunae of the tonsils are filled with a cheesy mass of white or yellowish color.
• The palatine arches are swollen.
• Breathing is difficult, and the timbre of the voice usually changes, becoming more hoarse.
• Tonsillitis is characterized by high temperatures up to 39 degrees.

Even if you have all these symptoms, do not rush to self-medicate, it is better to go to the clinic for qualified medical help, otherwise you can only harm yourself. The situation is similar with pharyngitis - it is also very difficult to diagnose it yourself. If we talk about symptoms, they are usually the following:

• There will definitely be a feeling of soreness and irritation in the throat. You may feel a foreign body in your throat. Such symptoms are due to the fact that with pharyngitis, unlike tonsillitis, not only the tonsils are irritated, but also the entire surface of the mucous membrane of the throat and pharynx.
• The patient develops a slight cough. Its cause is dry throat and pharynx.
• The jaw and cervical lymph nodes are enlarged and painful.
• Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, like any acute respiratory infection causes an elevated temperature, however, in the case of pharyngitis it is low, maximum 38 degrees.
• Externally, the mucous membranes, especially the back wall, look red and swollen.
• The patient will certainly experience general intoxication of the body, hence the loss of strength, muscle pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Features of treatment

First of all, we will discuss the treatment of tonsillitis. You should know that this disease is exclusively bacterial in nature, so treatment is usually as follows:

• Antibiotics. Treatment with them can only be prescribed by a specialist. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. You'll only hurt yourself.
• Gargling with herbal decoctions and saline solution; in particularly advanced cases, you can use a concentrated solution of furatsilin.
• You can use sprays and various aseptic tablets to relieve a sore throat.
• If pus forms, you can use a sodium chloride solution to rinse - it can draw out the pus from the tonsils.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis have little similarity in symptomatic treatment methods. However, taking antibiotics to get rid of pharyngitis is pointless. The disease is caused solely by a viral nature, so the main treatment should be as follows:

• Steam inhalations.
• Hot foot baths and a warm neck bandage.
• Milk with honey.

For pharyngitis, you can also use sprays and tablets, and in particularly advanced cases, antiviral drugs will help you get better.

Prevention

Now you know that two practically similar diseases have completely different, and mutually exclusive, treatment methods. However, if a doctor must understand the methods of treatment, then in terms of prevention everything is much simpler. It doesn’t matter what you’re afraid of catching, the preventive measures will still be the same. So, to be healthy you need to follow a few simple tips:

• Get outdoors more often.
• Try to minimize all contact with sick people. If you need to care for someone, use a medical mask, you can anoint the wings of your nose with oxolinic ointment.
• Take vitamins and mineral complexes, they often contain elements necessary for good immune function.
• During the cold season, you can take antiviral drugs for prevention, then treatment will definitely not be needed.

How to treat chronic tonsillitis and laryngitis at home?

Despite the fact that pharyngitis and tonsillitis cause inflammation in the pharynx and pain, the causes of their occurrence are different. Therefore, separate recommendations are provided for the treatment of each disease.

With tonsillitis, body temperature rises to 7.5 - 38 degrees. The patient complains of pain in the tonsils. The throat looks swollen and red. The cause of the disease lies in the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, such as streptococci, staphylococci, as well as yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. Particularly severe pain in the throat is observed in the acute form. Treatment of tonsillitis should be carried out with the mandatory participation of a doctor. But people's advice will help make it much more effective.

It is recommended to keep a tiny piece of propolis in your mouth even during sleep. Propolis perfectly stimulates the immune system and helps strengthen the body's defenses. In addition, to improve immunity, it is useful to drink juice made from fresh chopped onions. It is first mixed with honey in equal parts. During the day you need to drink the juice of 3 - 4 medium onions. Aloe juice is also very suitable for combating microorganisms. To obtain it, cut a leaf of the plant and squeeze it. Every day for 1.5 weeks you should drink about 1 teaspoon of juice. To eliminate the risk of the disease becoming chronic, you can repeat the course of treatment with aloe after a month.

Treatment of inflamed tonsils is carried out using rinses. Garlic is especially good in this regard, as it has a powerful antibacterial effect. Grind 5 medium-sized cloves and mix the resulting mass with 2 tablespoons of dry sage. Then, the mixture is brewed with a liter of boiled water. The infusion should be simmered in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. The resulting composition can be drunk in 3-4 doses or gargled with it throughout the day.

A herbal collection consisting of linden flowers (1 share) will help get rid of the infection. chamomile (3 shares) and oak bark (2 shares). Brew 1 tablespoon of the mixture with 1 glass of boiled water and leave to simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat. Natural honey is added to the finished infusion. As in the previous recipe, the product can be used internally or used for rinsing. During the day it is recommended to prepare 3-4 servings of the product.

Chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis provoke soreness in the throat, as well as discomfort when swallowing. But, unlike tonsillitis, pharyngitis can develop not only as a result of infection with pathogenic bacteria. The disease can be bacterial, viral, traumatic, allergic, fungal and streptococcal. Therefore, it is important to use folk remedies under the supervision of a professional physician.

If bacterial pharyngitis or tonsillitis is present, treatment with propolis will have a good effect. But, if for tonsillitis it is enough to suck on a small piece of medicine, for pharyngitis it is recommended to prepare a tincture. The crushed propolis is poured into a glass of cold water to separate impurities and wax. The propolis that has sunk to the bottom is taken out and filled with 96% alcohol (30 grams of propolis, 100 ml of alcohol). The product should be infused for a week. All this time it is necessary to periodically shake the container. The finished medicine is filtered and mixed with peach oil or glycerin (1 part tincture, 2 parts oil). This medicine is used to lubricate the mucous membrane of the nasal passages for 2 weeks.

If pharyngitis is accompanied by a cough, it is advised to prepare a decoction specifically for gargling. Add a tablespoon of sage to half a liter of water and, optionally, the same amount of any of the herbs: chamomile, plantain, thyme or calendula. Boil the decoction for 15 minutes, after which add a tablespoon of natural, preferably fresh, honey and a pinch of citric acid. The finished broth can be drunk and used for rinsing.

Garlic is used in many recommendations on how to treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis. For pharyngitis, syrup made from peeled garlic cloves will be especially useful. You will need about half a glass. The garlic is thoroughly crushed and, placed in an enamel container, is generously poured with buckwheat honey. The honey should completely cover the mass. Heat the container over low heat and, stirring constantly, simmer the mixture for 20 minutes. The crushed garlic should actually dissolve in the honey. Leave the mixture covered until it cools completely. Then, the syrup is heated again. If it becomes too thick, you can dilute the syrup with a small volume of distilled water. The product is filtered and stored in a cool, unlit place. Drink a tablespoon every hour to reduce pain.

Pharyngitis, as well as tonsillitis, should be treated immediately after the first symptoms appear. However, it should be remembered that using only traditional methods can lead to a worsening of the disease and transition to a chronic form.

The article “How to treat chronic tonsillitis and laryngitis at home? "and other medical articles on the topic "ENT diseases or Otorhinolaryngology" on the IOD website.

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In the human throat there are accumulations of lymphoid tissue in the form of granules and tonsils. They participate in the formation of the lymphoepithelial barrier, where the birth and maturation of lymphocytes and antibodies occurs, and contact between the body and the external environment occurs.

How does tonsillitis differ from sore throat?

The palatine tonsils are involved in the formation of immunity, digestion in the oral cavity, remove excess lymphocytes, and have a close connection with hormonal organs - the pituitary gland, thymus, thyroid gland, and adrenal cortex.

Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Acute inflammation - sore throat. Chronic – chronic tonsillitis. Sore throat also occurs in other tonsils (lingual, pharyngeal, nasopharyngeal), but this is a very rare process.

During a sore throat, local acute inflammation occurs, which is caused by bacterial flora, fungi, adenoviruses, fusiform bacillus, spirochete. It may be a manifestation of infectious diseases and blood diseases.

It comes in the following forms:

• Catarrhal. Follicular. Lacunarnaya.
• Mixed. Phlegmonous.
• Simanovsky-Vincent. Necrotic.
• Herpetic. Fungal.
• Sore throat due to diphtheria. Measles. Scarlet fever. For HIV infection.
• Sore throat with leukemia. Monocytic. Agranulocytic.
• Syphilitic.

Tonsillitis

As a persistent chronic lesion of the palatine tonsils, the entire body as a whole is involved in the process. It has microbial causes, but only its exacerbations can be called sore throat. Their frequency depends on seasonality, the state of defenses, the duration of the disease, and the pathogenicity of the pathogen. It happens in simple and

toxic-allergic forms

Symptoms of sore throat and tonsillitis

Viral and bacterial form

The diversity of microbial flora that causes tonsillitis has its own characteristics of clinical manifestations:

Reasons	Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus. Staphylococci, streptococci. Fusiform rod, spirochetes. Pneumococci.	Adenoviruses. Herpes viruses. HIV. Paramyxoviruses. Epstein-Barr virus.
Manifestations	Inflammation of the tonsils from catarrhal to phlegmonous. Acute onset.	Catarrh. The beginning is acute.
Symptoms	Sore throat, worse when swallowing. Increased body temperature. Symptoms of intoxication.	Complaints as with bacterial tonsillitis. Symptoms of rhinitis, conjunctivitis.
Throat examination	Redness of the tonsils. Purulent plaque from small to filmy rashes. Defeat of lacunae.	Inflammation in the form of catarrhal changes, no purulent plaque. The palatal arches and uvula may be inflamed. With herpes - vesicular blisters and ulcers.

Tonsillitis has its own clinical picture depending on the form of the disease. The symptoms of tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis vary.

How to distinguish viral and bacterial forms of sore throat in the photo

Symptoms

1. Sore throat can manifest as low fever, redness of the throat, burning, soreness, pain when swallowing - catarrhal form.
2. High temperature, severe sore throat, worse when swallowing, weakness, headache. Purulent rashes on the surface of the follicles, enlarged tonsils, swelling of the arches. There may be erosions on the mucous membrane - follicular tonsillitis.
3. Lacunar tonsillitis has similar symptoms, but is more severe. Purulent discharge in the form of islands on the mucous membrane of the tonsils can merge into a continuous plaque. Peripheral lymph nodes enlarge, become painful, and the general condition is impaired.
4. Herpetic sore throat is characterized by sudden onset, high fever, sore throat, and blistering rashes on the surface of the tonsils. Symptoms of intoxication are pronounced. Unilateral conjunctivitis occurs.

Tonsillitis

A sign of chronic tonsillitis may be purulent contents of the tonsils, the presence of tonsillitis during life, or characteristic anatomical changes in the tonsils. Typically, exacerbations of the disease occur up to six times a year; there may be a nonanginal form in patients with weakened immune systems.

1. Purulent plugs in the lacunae of the tonsils, redness and swelling of the palatine arches, adhesions between them, peripheral lymphadenopathy are signs of a simple form of chronic tonsillitis.
2. In the first degree of the toxic-allergic form, periodic low-grade fever, weakness, malaise, decreased ability to work, joint pain, and cardiac dysfunction may be observed.
3. The second degree is characterized by prolonged body temperature within subfebrile levels, heart rhythm disturbances that are recorded on the ECG, pain in the joints, lower back, heart, enlargement and tenderness of the submandibular and anterior cervical lymph nodes.

Difference from pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx; with tonsillitis, the tonsils are affected. Pharyngitis accompanies colds caused by viruses. The causative agents of acute pharyngitis in 70% are viruses, tonsillitis - bacterial flora.

With pharyngitis, the inflammatory process spreads to the back and side walls of the pharynx, the lateral ridges, the auditory tube, and can spread to the palatine tonsils, but the back wall of the pharynx will certainly be inflamed. Tonsillitis has its own localization - the palatine tonsils.

Pharyngoscopy allows you to determine the localization of inflammation. In patients with pharyngitis, mucus flows down the reddened back wall of the pharynx (in acute form), there may be granulation (granular pharyngitis), thinning of the mucous membrane (atrophic pharyngitis).

When examining the throat of patients with tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils covered with purulent plaque are visible; the uvula and palatine arches may swell. The wall of the pharynx is not inflamed.

The photo shows a throat with pharyngitis and sore throat

Signs

1. Patients are concerned about burning, dryness, and sore throat. There may be congestion in the ears, headache, feeling of a foreign body in the throat. The temperature is normal or slightly increased.
2. Often there is bad breath, dryness, a tickling in the throat, and swallowing may be difficult. During a long conversation, there is a need to “wet your throat.”
3. Characteristic is ear congestion that goes away after a sip.
4. When examining the pharynx, reddened mucous membrane of the posterior and lateral walls, granulations, thinning are visible, there may be mucus, crusts, granulations, a network of convoluted inflamed vessels.
5. A dry cough may bother you.

How to distinguish a sore throat from pharyngitis, see our video:

How not to confuse it with laryngitis

The larynx connects the pharynx and trachea. This organ performs protective, respiratory and voice-forming functions. When its mucous membrane becomes inflamed (laryngitis), all three functions are disrupted.

Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. With tonsillitis, the immune and protective function suffers. In this case, the production of lymphocytes will be disrupted, the infection does not encounter obstacles to its spread and can quickly reach other organs through the lymphatic vessels.

What these diseases have in common is that both processes arise as a result of inflammation and are accompanied by sore throat. The degree of pain and localization are different.

Treatment of laryngitis

and tonsillitis is dealt with by an otolaryngologist.

Localization of laryngitis

Symptoms

1. Catarrhal laryngitis is accompanied by acute hoarseness, a feeling of a foreign body in the throat and discomfort. The temperature may be normal or low-grade.
2. With infiltrative laryngitis, the disease affects the muscles, ligaments, and cartilages of the larynx. Patients are worried about high temperature, severe sore throat, lack of voice, and general health is impaired.
3. Phlegmonous laryngitis is severe. Patients are worried about severe sore throat, high body temperature, poor general condition, and breathing may be impaired. The apogee of phlegmonous laryngitis can be a laryngeal abscess.
4. False croup develops when there is inflammation under the vocal space. When the mucous membrane swells, symptoms of difficulty breathing occur. The danger is acute laryngeal stenosis, which can lead to death from suffocation.
5. Laryngitis may be accompanied by a dry cough with sputum that is difficult to separate.

How to recognize laryngitis and false croup, says Dr. Komarovsky:

Diagnostics

If the above diseases are the result of inflammation, maybe it’s not worth dwelling on each of them separately? No and no again. Only correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and recovery.

Questioning the patient, examining him and additional examination methods make it possible to prescribe adequate treatment, avoid complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Additional examination methods (general clinical

blood urine tests ECG

smear on flora

and sensitivity to antibiotics) make it possible to determine its severity and the presence of complications.

In addition to tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, as individual inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, there is streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis (tonsillitis). The causative agents of the disease can be beta hemolytic streptococcus group A, viruses, fungi, bacteria, chlamydia.

The diagnosis is made based on complaints of sore throat, high fever, redness of the tonsils, pharynx, uvula, and characteristic discharge. The acute onset of the disease and enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes speak in favor of this pathology. Pharyngoscopy and smear culture for microbial flora make it possible to determine the causative agent of the disease and the localization of the process.

If inflammation spreads from the tonsils to the larynx, tonsillolaryngitis develops. All symptoms of the disease are characteristic of laryngitis and tonsillitis. This often occurs with viral infections.

Colds can also occur as pharyngolaryngitis. Most often this occurs with acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, and adenoviral infections. The treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis is similar if it is of bacterial origin. Viral diseases are treated symptomatically.

General

The treatment regimen consists of limiting physical and vocal stress. Home regimen, in cases of moderate severity - bed rest for two days. In severe cases - hospitalization in a hospital.

Hygienic measures consist of providing the patient with separate utensils, a separate room that is ventilated twice a day for 30 minutes, daily wet cleaning and air humidification.

The diet should consist of lactic acid and vegetable products, food is prepared in the form of purees and liquid dishes, and served warm. You need to drink a lot, consume

vitamins

Avoid foods that irritate the mucous membrane, animal fats, spices, smoked foods, alcohol, tobacco, and carbonated drinks.

The main treatment for bacterial inflammatory diseases is antibiotics. Preference is given to penicillins (Augmentin, Flemoxin, Amoxiclav), macrolides (Sumamed) and cephalosporins (Cefotaxime, Cefuraxime).

Local antibiotics include Bioparox, Gramicidin, and Chlorophyllipt. Antiseptics are used to sanitize the throat:

• Stopangin.
• Trachisan.
• Decathylene.
• Strepsils.
• Faringosept.
• Lysobacter.
• Hexaspray.

But for sore throat, the course of antibiotics lasts 10 days, and pharyngitis and laryngitis can be cured without antibiotics. Complicated forms require seven days of use of these medications. Physiotherapeutic procedures are not prescribed during the acute period. In all cases, vitamins and antihistamines are used.

Differences

• Timing of antibiotic prescriptions.
• Physiotherapy.
• Pharyngitis and laryngitis can be cured without antibiotics (uncomplicated forms).
• Treatment of laryngitis and pharyngitis as for viral infections.
• Mucolytics and cough suppressants are prescribed.
• For the treatment of chronic laryngitis and pharyngitis, UHF on the neck area, oil and medicinal inhalations, electrophoresis, and darsonval are recommended. For tonsillitis, ultraviolet radiation is prescribed to the tonsil area.

These diseases have a lot in common. Treatment has its own characteristics. It is important to know the cause in order to influence it correctly.

Possible complications

The first place among the complications of tonsillitis is occupied by rheumatism, damage to the heart and kidneys. If the infection spreads, sepsis may develop. There may be complications such as paratonsillitis, retropharyngeal abscess, acute lymphadenitis, otitis media, parapharyngeal abscess. With inadequate treatment, the disease becomes chronic.

Prevention

The disease is very contagious - it is transmitted through household items, by airborne droplets, and through close contact with sick people. But the presence of a microbial agent is not a prerequisite for its development.

A decrease in the body's defenses, a lack of vitamins, physical exhaustion, chronic diseases in the oral cavity, nose, stress, and unfavorable living conditions are the factors due to which tonsillitis can develop.

How to avoid getting a sore throat

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the form of the disease, duration and severity. With uncomplicated forms and adequate therapy, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.

Pharyngitis in adults and children occurs more often than other diseases during the epidemic season. Symptoms of pharyngitis in the vast majority of cases are a component of ARVI, because many viruses infect the mucous membrane of the pharynx. To prevent the disease from becoming chronic, when exacerbations of unpleasant sensations in the throat are repeated at the slightest hypothermia, pharyngitis must be treated correctly and on time.

Is it possible to recover quickly?

When discomfort and pain in the throat appear, many reach for antibiotics, thinking that a sore throat is developing. But acute tonsillitis in the “classic” version is much less common than pharyngitis, because the main cause of the latter is ARVI and influenza viruses, which are incredibly common in autumn and winter. Therefore, if there is a “cold season”, contact with a sneezing or coughing person, or visiting crowded places, it is better not to rush to take antibacterial tablets. Viral pharyngitis, which accounts for up to 80% of all inflammations of the pharynx, can be quickly cured using antiviral agents and symptomatic medications, but not antibiotics.

With a normally functioning immune system in adults, drug treatment for pharyngitis may not even be necessary: ​​sometimes simple folk remedies will help get rid of the disease in just 3-5 days. In childhood, it is necessary to treat pharyngitis, as it easily turns into tracheitis and laryngitis and is often complicated by a bacterial infection. With adequate therapy and early initiation, the pathology can be cured in 3-10 days, which depends on the state of the immune system and the severity of the disease.

Chronic pharyngitis is quite difficult to cure forever, especially if it has become hypertrophic or atrophic: sometimes the patient even needs surgery to eliminate all signs of the disease. Also, recovery will depend on the presence of provoking factors - smoking, abuse of hot and cold food, work in hazardous industries, so the treatment process can be very delayed.

Where should pharyngitis be treated?

The vast majority of cases of pharyngitis are treated at home, and this applies to all categories of patients, including infants and pregnant women. But in children, monitoring the therapy process by a pediatrician is mandatory, because secondary infection of the upper respiratory tract with bacteria is very common in them. When viruses weaken the protection of the pharynx and larynx, the patient develops laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, and these conditions can be more dangerous to health. When secondary complications develop, children under one year of age are hospitalized; in older children, the indications for hospitalization are the individual characteristics of the course of the disease.

In addition, for viral and bacterial pharyngitis, treatment in a hospital will be required in the presence of severe somatic diseases and immunodeficiencies, with a body temperature above 39 degrees, which is not brought down by standard medications, if diphtheria is suspected. Urgently transport the child to the hospital if laryngospasm and signs of laryngeal stenosis occur.

Cough with pharyngitis

With pharyngitis, an infection - viruses, bacteria, less often fungi - affects the mucous membrane of the pharynx, its lateral ridges, as well as regional lymph nodes. When microbes settle on the mucous membrane of the throat, they begin to secrete waste products that are toxic to humans. Viruses and bacteria cause inflammation and irritation of the nerve receptors located on the surface of the pharynx, which is why a reflex reaction occurs in the form of a dry cough. Later, a large amount of mucus begins to be produced, which flows down the back wall of the throat, and the cough turns from dry to wet.

With chronic pharyngitis, the mucous membrane thickens, granules and growths appear on the back wall of the pharynx (hypertrophic pharyngitis). This causes a very unpleasant feeling of the presence of a foreign body, which prompts the person to cough constantly. With atrophic pharyngitis, the urge to cough is provoked by thinning of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, its severe dryness, and constant soreness. Thus, with any type of pharyngitis, cough is its most characteristic symptom, which should be eliminated with the help of proper therapy. Read the rules for treating cough with pharyngitis

Drug and surgical treatment

For viral pharyngitis, interferon drugs or other antiviral drugs are prescribed orally, which will prevent the pathogens from spreading to other parts of the respiratory tract. For bacterial pharyngitis, an important way to prevent more serious pathologies (laryngitis, bronchitis) is to irrigate the pharynx with antibiotic sprays. Tablets and injections with antibacterial drugs will be required only if complications develop in the bronchi and lungs.

For any type of pharyngitis, it is important to use antiseptic solutions for gargling, take syrups and other cough remedies. To soften the throat, oil drops in the nose, which will flow down the back wall of the throat, are well suited, as well as irrigation with sea water, lozenges with essential oils, inhalations, and humidifying the air in the room. Homeopathy is also used, as well as a special diet that will help eliminate foods that irritate the throat.

Chronic pharyngitis is treated by taking immunomodulators, throat irrigation and injections of proteolytic enzymes, regeneration stimulants. Physiotherapy procedures are also mandatory - magnetic therapy, laser, electrophoresis. With hypertrophic pharyngitis, granules and growths require cauterization with silver and acid solutions. If there is no effect, cryotherapy or removal of hypertrophy areas with a laser is recommended, and if the lateral ridges grow, surgical intervention may be planned.

Traditional therapy

Gargling with warm decoctions of herbs and infusions is an important part of the treatment of pharyngitis, which is recommended by traditional medicine. You should rinse as often as possible so that the infection quickly “loses ground,” and it is advisable to start procedures after detecting the first signs of pathology. If a high temperature is observed with pharyngitis, it can also be quickly and successfully brought down with folk remedies.

Traditional healers advise drinking various remedies with honey, milk, juices, and herbal infusions internally to soften the throat and improve the body's resistance to infection. If you decide to be treated with folk remedies, it is important to monitor the dynamics of the disease and, if pharyngitis progresses and turns into laryngitis and tracheitis, immediately begin the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Treatment methods in children

In children, pharyngitis can immediately turn into inflammatory processes in the underlying parts of the respiratory system. Parents must carefully monitor the nature of the cough and remember that a paroxysmal dry cough at night is a sign of developing laryngotracheitis. Children are more often prescribed antibiotics for pharyngitis than adults, but most situations can still be dealt with using inhalations, irrigating the throat with sprays and frequent gargling. In the absence of allergies, you can give your child folk remedies - warm milk with honey, alkaline mineral water, teas with thyme, plantain, etc. Any action regarding the child’s therapy must be agreed upon with the pediatrician in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

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Inflammation of the larynx often occurs in people under 40 years of age. Pathology occurs for various reasons: environmental, hereditary, attacks by pathogenic agents, infections. When pharyngitis is diagnosed, treatment should be comprehensive. They resort to pharmaceutical, folk and physiotherapeutic remedies. The article describes modern methods of combating pharyngeal disease in adults.

Inflammation of the larynx usually occurs due to exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and allergic reactions. Sometimes the disease appears against the background of other colds.

Typical causes of pharyngitis.

1. Damage to laryngeal tissues by viral agents. This is one of the most common causes of inflammation. Provocateurs can be adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses, coronavirus and cytomegalovirus. If left untreated, a secondary bacterial infection often develops.
2. Bacteria in contact with the mucous membranes of the larynx. More often, pathology in adults is provoked by streptococci.
3. Damage to throat tissue by mycotic agents. Fungal pharyngitis occurs in people with weakened body defenses, or if uncontrolled treatment with antibiotics was carried out. Inhalation or use of systemic glucocorticosteroids has a negative impact on the course of a fungal disease.
4. Increased sensitivity to allergens.
5. Laryngeal injuries. Appears during surgery, or when a foreign body enters the pharynx. Alkalies and acids can also injure tissue.
6. Hypothermia and overheating of the body.
7. Against the background of chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
8. Regular drinking and smoking.
9. The condition of the nasopharynx directly affects the larynx. Advanced rhinitis and sinusitis, constant breathing through the mouth, uncontrolled use of nasal drops.
10. Carious teeth not treated in time.

The quality of polluted air a person absorbs has a detrimental effect on the tissues of the throat. There are different types of pharyngitis. For example:

• fungal;
• viral;
• ray;
• allergic type.

All of these varieties require individual therapy. How to treat pharyngitis directly depends on the causative agent of the disease. Before prescribing a therapeutic regimen, the doctor conducts a visual examination and evaluates the results of laboratory tests. How to treat pharyngitis also depends on the age of the patient, the presence of other advanced diseases, and the severity of the disease.

On average, you can recover from inflammation of the larynx in 7-14 days. This is possible provided you follow the doctor's recommendations. Pharyngitis, symptoms and treatment in adults are closely interrelated. To reduce clinical manifestations, topical medications are prescribed. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antihistamine medications are also used.

Prevention of the disease pharyngitis helps prevent pathology. The main feature is strengthening the immune system.

Streptococci.

Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis in adults

Clinical manifestations largely depend on what form of the disease the patient has. In any case, a person experiences pain and a sore throat. This phase occurs diffusely, all parts of the larynx are susceptible to inflammation: the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. The pathology often begins against the background of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, and influenza. The classic symptoms of pharyngitis, in acute form, usually pronounced, give the patient a lot of discomfort. This stage often appears against the background of an untreated catarrhal phase.

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis in adults.

1. Sore throat when swallowing, patients complain of rawness in the throat.
2. Soreness can radiate to the hearing organs. This happens when the tubopharyngeal ridges were involved in the lesion process.
3. Sometimes the temperature rises to subfebrile levels.
4. When performing pharyngoscopy, swelling and redness of the throat tissue is noted. Swelling spreads to the tongue, the mucous membrane can become covered with purulent deposits.
5. Sometimes the cervical lymph nodes are involved in the inflammatory process; they become painful on palpation.
6. A sore throat causes coughing attacks.

Treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults should begin immediately. The sooner the patient receives therapeutic help, the faster the recovery will occur. If you do not fight this stage, it will become chronic. Acute and chronic pharyngitis differ from each other in clinical signs. The untreated phase is localized more clearly than the acute stage. The lesion is located on one of the parts of the larynx. Chronic pharyngitis can be atrophic, catarrhal, granulosa, hypertrophic.

Manifestations of advanced inflammation of the larynx.

1. Sensation of scratching, dryness in the throat.
2. Dry cough symptom.
3. The tissues of the throat are pale, thin, and have a lacquered sheen.

Complications of pharyngitis are divided into early and late. The first ones occur on days 7-14 of the disease, the second phase of consequences occurs on days 14-21. They can be irreversible and affect not only the respiratory tract, but also other organs. Infectious pharyngitis is most dangerous due to complications that are listed in the text below.

Sore throat.

Catarrhal form

The initial phase of inflammation of the larynx is considered the simplest. It manifests itself with mild symptoms and is easily treatable.

With pharyngitis at the initial stage, the following manifestations occur.

1. Mild sore throat when swallowing food.
2. Sensation of the presence of a foreign object in the throat.
3. The cough appears in the morning, accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting.
4. Sputum actively accumulates in the throat.

Symptoms and treatment of pharyngitis is information that every person should know. Thanks to awareness, it will be possible to identify the pathology in time and cure it without consequences. To eliminate the initial form of sore throat, local medications and folk remedies are sufficient; it is not necessary to resort to antibiotics and antiviral medications. During the catarrhal phase of the disease, pharyngitis, consequences rarely occur. Typically, complications include a transition to an acute form. Sometimes the advanced phase occurs without going through the initial stage. To know how viral pharyngitis manifests itself, the photo is given below.

Hypertrophic form

The hypertrophic type of inflammation of the throat is characterized by noticeable changes in the mucous membrane. Lymphoid tissue grows in the area of ​​the larynx where inflammation has formed.

With hypertrophic pharyngitis, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

• sore, sore throat;
• pain when swallowing;
• dry throat.

Treatment of acute pharyngitis of the hypertrophic form requires an integrated approach. The use of traditional methods is allowed.

Atrophic form

With the arthophic variety of the disease, the mucous membrane becomes thinner, areas covered with a crust appear on it, and areas with injected capillaries are noted. Purulent pharyngitis, photo below.

Symptoms of an atrophic type of sore throat:

• dry throat, the patient drinks a lot of fluids;
• unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• soreness in the larynx.

Complications after atrophic pharyngitis are easy to avoid if you maintain the full course of treatment.

Why is pharyngitis dangerous if left untreated?

Inflammation of the posterior wall of the larynx is fraught with dangerous consequences. Some of them can even lead to death.

Complications of pharyngitis.

1. Transition of the acute phase into the chronic course.
2. Peritonsillar abscess. This consequence is inherent in pharyngitis of a bacterial nature, usually a streptococcal pathogen. Lymph nodes enlarge, pain in the throat intensifies, hyperthermia appears, and a foul odor comes from the mouth.
3. Against the background of an abscess, the risk of infectious agents entering the blood increases. Because of this, sepsis appears, which poses a threat to the patient’s life.
4. Retropharyngeal abscess. This phenomenon is characterized by an extensive purulent inflammatory process in the tissue of the retropharyngeal zone.
5. Addition of laryngitis and bronchitis.
6. The appearance of rheumatic joint damage. The consequence occurs after the infection penetrates them. The joints swell and hyperthermia is noted. The heart muscle is also affected.
7. Otitis media develops and the auditory tube becomes inflamed.
8. Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes.
9. Sialadenitis. The inflammatory process affects the salivary glands.

The consequences of pharyngitis are much more difficult to cure than the disease itself. Therapy can take from 14 days to 1 month. It is easier to prevent the development of consequences than to fight them. Treatment of chronic pharyngitis in adults is the best way to eliminate the consequences of the disease.

Peritonsillar abscess.

The main methods of treating acute pharyngitis in adults

When fighting pharyngitis, qualified medical care is required. It involves an examination by an otolaryngologist, a throat smear for flora to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs, sometimes a consultation with a gastroenterologist, blood and urine tests, and an ultrasound of the abdomen are needed. The upper respiratory organs and mouth area are also sanitized to exclude the presence of adenoids, deviated nasal septum, sinusitis, rhinitis and caries. The patient is prescribed drugs that enhance immunity. Doctors recommend reducing the influence of harmful environmental factors on throat tissue (smoking, inhaling chemicals).

How to cure pharyngitis? Therapeutic scheme.

1. Taking antibiotics, treating the throat with medicinal drugs, lubricating the mucous membrane of the back wall of the larynx.
2. Oil-alkaline, herbal inhalations. Flushing the oropharynx with antiseptic liquids.
3. Use of pharmaceutical medications with local influence.

The therapeutic course lasts 10-14 days, treatment measures must be carried out every day. The patient should create favorable conditions for recovery. You need to give up alcohol and cigarettes, wet clean the room once a day, and ventilate the room 2-3 times a day.

Antibiotic therapy

Antibacterial medications are prescribed to people suffering from pharyngitis in order to eliminate signs of the disease, normalize the condition of the body, and extinguish the vital activity of pathogenic bodies. Antibiotics are used only for bacterial pharyngitis.

Often prescribed antibacterial agents for inflammation of the back of the throat.

1. Penicillin series – Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav.
2. If the patient is allergic, or the medications do not work, cephalosporins are prescribed - Cefazolin, Ceftriaxone.
3. Macrolides are prescribed if a person is intolerant to the previous two series of antibiotics. They are less toxic and tend to accumulate in the body. For example, Azithromycin, Erythromycin.

Antibacterial drugs are used no longer than 5-10 days, since they have a powerful effect and accumulate in the body. Uncontrolled use of such drugs is prohibited; bacteria are able to develop immunity to the active components.

Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs

If the back wall of the throat is affected, accompanied by severe symptoms, it is recommended to use combination medications with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.

1. It is better to give preference to sprays (Stopangin, Faringosept).
2. Lozenges for resorption (Strepsilsu, Septolete).

Gargling is carried out 3-6 times a day. Ready-made antiseptics (Furacilin, Miramistin) and herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula, mint) are used as a solution. Salt and soda liquids also effectively relieve pain, sore throat, and have a bactericidal effect.

Vitamin therapy

To cure pharyngitis, you should increase the body's protective properties. Vitamin courses are suitable for such purposes. It is necessary to focus on microelements C, E, A, B2. Vitamins should be taken in a course according to the instructions.

Basic methods of treating acute pharyngitis in adults.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of pharyngitis

In the fight against pharyngitis, they resort to unconventional methods. They complement medications and enhance their effect.

Popular traditional medicine recipes for inflammation of the back of the throat.

1. A mixture of bee nectar and garlic is widely used to combat pharyngitis. Take a chopped vegetable clove and mix it with buckwheat honey. Heat the mixture over low heat for 20 minutes until it reaches a uniform consistency.
2. Dilute the finished syrup with water, strain, and cool.
3. Take 1 tablespoon once an hour.

The following recipe is also effective for severe symptoms of pharyngitis.

1. Wash the spruce buds, boil, strain.
2. Add bee nectar and propolis to the mixture in a 1:1 ratio.
3. Warm the mixture, take 1 tablespoon orally three times a day.

You need to be treated with these recipes until the signs of the disease completely disappear. As an independent stage of therapy, they are unsuitable.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic measures are prescribed to reduce inflammation, swelling, stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Also, these measures increase the body’s protective properties and reduce intoxication.

Basic physiotherapeutic procedures against pharyngitis.

1. Inhalation measures using anti-inflammatory drugs (Budesonide, Fluticasone).
2. UHF therapy for the throat area.
3. Electrophoresis with hydrocortisone, potassium iodide.
4. Ultrasound therapy of the throat cavity.
5. Magnetotherapy.
6. Laser therapy.
7. FUF irradiation.
8. Thalassotherapy.

Physiotherapy is prescribed during the period of subsidence of symptoms. The procedures are carried out in a medical facility.

UHF therapy.

Prevention of pharyngitis in adults

To prevent inflammation of the back of the throat, you should improve your health. It is advised to resort to hardening and sports. Prevention will help not only strengthen the body’s protective properties, but also improve a person’s overall well-being.

How to prevent pharyngitis.

1. Avoid contact with people with viral respiratory diseases, or wear a mask.
2. Don't get too cold, dress appropriately for the weather. Overheating is also fraught with the development of diseases.
3. Avoid smoking. This process causes irritation of the larynx and provokes the entry of pathogenic agents into it.
4. Treat colds promptly, as they can cause pharyngitis.
5. Take vitamin courses and eat a balanced diet.

According to WHO, more than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from chronic ENT diseases, and their number doubles every 10 years.

The field of medicine that deals with diseases of the ENT organs is called otorhinolaryngology , translated from Greek: “otos” - ear, “rhinos” - nose, “larynx” - larynx, “logos” - teaching. Each ENT disease has its own symptoms, clinical picture and treatment. Let's consider diseases such as pharyngitis and laryngitis (without stenosis).

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis (from lat. pharyngitis) - acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissue of the pharynx.

Causes

Pharyngitis can occur against the background of complete health, but more often after acute respiratory viral infections or previous infectious diseases - whooping cough, scarlet fever, influenza. Provoking factors: the presence of permanent foci of inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, chronic fatigue, hypovitaminosis, inhalation of cold or dirty air, the influence of chemical irritants - alcohol and tobacco.

Based on their origin, pharyngitis is divided into viral and bacterial.

Main symptoms

« Sore" or "scratching" in the throat, sore throat, cough, headache, hoarse voice, general malaise, slight rise in temperature - up to 37.5 o C.

Treatment

It is recommended to talk less, gargle with sage, chamomile or other anti-inflammatory drugs, drink milk with honey, take inhalations, hot foot baths, make a warm warm compress on the neck, topical antimicrobial drugs, which include antiseptics, essential oils, local painkillers agents, less often - antibiotics or sulfonamides, antimicrobial drugs in the form of rinses, inhalations, tablets and lozenges, antihistamines, physiotherapeutic treatment.

For long-term chronic pharyngitis, in addition to local treatment, restorative treatment is prescribed.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx and its folds (ligaments).

Causes

Epidemics of viral infections (late autumn, winter, early spring), overstrain of the larynx and vocal cords (when you have to speak for a long time and loudly, this is usually observed in teachers, artists, singers, announcers); Laryngitis can also be caused by prolonged exposure to air conditioning, drinking cold drinks, ice cream, inhaling dusty air, smoking and alcohol.

Main symptoms

Acute pharyngitis or acute laryngitis accompanies almost all colds!

Treatment

Treatmentacute laryngitis aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease. It is recommended not to talk for 5-7 days, it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol, and exclude spicy, sour, cold, hot foods, seasonings, and spices from the diet. Vitamins, immunomodulators, antimicrobial sprays and other medications are prescribed.

Recommended: warm drink (milk, still mineral water, warm green tea with chamomile and mint), gargling with a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, oregano, mother and stepmother, sage, warm alkaline inhalations, inhalation of antibiotic aerosols, heat on the neck (bandage or warming compress), hot foot baths (42-45.0 C for 15 minutes), breathing exercises, for coughs, decoctions of expectorant herbs and mucolytics are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic treatment - see below.

IN treatment of chronic laryngitis preference is given aromatherapy– treatment with essential oils of medicinal plants (fir, eucalyptus, mint, menthol), which have an antiseptic, softening effect and have a positive effect on the psyche - soothe or tone it.

Physiotherapeutic methods for pharyngitis and laryngitis include: inhalation, laser therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, novocaine electrophoresis on the larynx, UHF and microwave therapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, mud applications.

Laser (magnetic-infrared-laser) therapy is highly effective in the treatment of various ENT diseases, such as:

Rhinitis - acute, chronic, vasomotor, atrophic, subatrophic, allergic;

Sinusitis;

Sinusitis;

Frontitis;

Acute catarrhal otitis;

Chronic mesotympanitis - otosclerosis, tinnitus, hearing loss;

Chronic tonsillitis;

Pharyngitis;

Laryngotracheitis;

Postoperative period after tonsillectomy, adenotomy and other ENT operations.

Laser therapy for ENT diseases can quickly improve the patient's condition; its effectiveness reaches 89-95%.

Scheme of laser therapy with the RIKTA device for pharyngitis and laryngitis (without stenosis):

Impact areas:

1. Projection of the larynx (the border of the submandibular region and the anterior surface of the neck) frequency 50 Hz 2 minutes;

2. Trachea at the level of the thyroid cartilage frequency 5 Hz 2 minutes;

3. Upper third of the sternum frequency 5 Hz 2 minutes;

4. Paravertebral along the cervicothoracic spine, scanning at 1000 Hz for 2 minutes on each side;

5. Nozzle No. 1 or No. 2 from the KON-1 set, frequency 1000 Hz, 2 minutes through the mouth in the direction of the pharynx.

Course: 7-10 sessions, 1 session per day.

The use of laser acupuncture for any pathology increases the effectiveness of treatment:

Conducting a laser therapy session using laser acupuncture for a patient with chronic pharyngitis

Laser therapy for pharyngitis and laryngitis (without stenosis) allows you to relieve or reduce pain, eliminate swelling, cough, discomfort in the oropharynx, improve the overall adaptive capabilities of the body: increase resistance to stress, improve sleep, increase performance in adults and school performance in children by improving concentration and memory.

Along with this, the use of laser therapy enhances the effectiveness of drug treatment.

The immunomodulatory effect of laser therapy with RIKTA devices persists for six months after one course (5-6 sessions) of treatment, which is why it is enough for healthy people to carry out 2 courses of seasonal prevention of viral infections - in spring and autumn.

Prevention of pharyngitis and laryngitis

- timely treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections;

Hardening the body;

Quitting bad habits - smoking and alcohol;

Take care of your health.

Be healthy!

Increased body temperature, itching, sore throat and sore throat when swallowing, redness and swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, dry irritating cough, rhinitis and exudate. All these are symptoms of pharyngitis. The disease occurs mainly against the background of a viral or bacterial infection, and occurs in children much more often than in adults. Which is understandable: in childhood, the immune system develops and strengthens, but sometimes does not yet fully perform its protective functions. Therefore, parents should know what pharyngitis is and how it occurs, and how it is treated.

Pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the back of the throat

Pharynxitis (pharyngitis) - translated from Latin “pharynx” means “throat”, and the suffix -itis indicates inflammation. The name of the disease speaks for itself. Pharyngitis is an inflammatory process that spreads to the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx, tissue of the soft palate, and in a complicated course, affecting lymphoid tissue.

As an isolated condition, pharyngitis is rare. It is more of a symptom, a consequence of the progression of the underlying disease. And it develops when microbes, viruses, and allergens come into contact with the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.

Therefore, its symptoms can be supplemented by signs of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, allergic reactions, hypothermia, etc. The peak incidence occurs during periods of seasonal epidemics - autumn and spring.

In newborns and children under 2 years of age, pharyngitis is especially severe - due to the immaturity of the respiratory system and mucous membranes.

The condition of children is aggravated by an increase in body temperature to 40°C, they refuse to eat, sleep poorly, become capricious, and foci of inflammation provoke the development of complications: otitis media, conjunctivitis, acute catarrhal rhinitis, edema and stenosis of the larynx, suffocation.

Symptoms of pharyngitis manifest themselves depending on the type of disease and the form of its course. Therapeutic measures are also developed taking into account the causes of inflammation and the severity of damage to the mucous membranes.

Types and forms of the disease

Pharyngitis is a disease that occurs depending on what pathogen caused the inflammation, how extensive the damage to the mucous membranes is, whether there are aggravating factors, whether soft tissues and lymph nodes are affected, etc. The disease is classified according to the degree of influence of all these factors on its development.

What is pharyngitis like?

1. Spicy. It usually develops rapidly, as a secondary sign of an acute respiratory infection, and lasts up to a month.
2. Subacute. Lasts more than 30 days. It develops when seeking help untimely or due to unqualified treatment of acute pharyngitis.
3. Chronic. Lasts 6 months or more. It develops as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membranes by aggressive agents (allergens, gastric juice during reflux) or against the background of other chronic ENT diseases (sinusitis, adenoiditis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis). In turn, it is divided into:

   catarrhal (or superficial) - only the mucous membrane of the pharynx becomes inflamed, occurs without profound changes in the structure of the mucous membranes and tissues;

   • lateral - when inflammation spreads to the lateral ridges (side walls) of the pharynx;

   granulosa - when inflammation affects the lymphadenoid elements located under the mucosa, and ulcers form on its surface in the form of red nodules or granules;

   hypertrophic - with proliferation of lymphoid tissue;

   atrophic - over a long period of time, the pharyngeal mucosa becomes thinner (atrophies), this is the last and most severe stage of chronic pharyngitis.

4. Viral. When the mucous membranes become inflamed due to exposure to influenza or parainfluenza viruses, rhinovirus, adenovirus or coronavirus (including herpes, enterovirus - in this case, pharyngitis is defined as herpetic, enterovirus). Aphthae (aphthous) form on the pharyngeal mucosa - very painful ulcers. Transmitted by droplets. It is more often registered in children who attend school or preschool institutions.
5. Bacterial. It develops when pathogenic bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, etc.) come into contact with the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.
6. Allergic. From irritation of mucous membranes by inhaled allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, car exhaust, mold, etc.), dry air.
7. Gribkov. When fungal spores get on the mucous membranes. This form of the disease occurs mainly in infants, as a complication of candidal stomatitis and thrush of the oral mucosa.

Pharyngoscopy (examination of the pharynx), laboratory tests of blood from a finger, urine, and a smear of mucus from the throat help doctors diagnose and classify pharyngitis.

An increase in ESR and leukocytes in the blood indicates an inflammatory process. The number of neutrophils is increased - inflammation is caused by bacteria, lymphocytes - by viruses. Mucus analysis identifies the infection and provides information about the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibacterial and antiseptic drugs (if the cause of the disease is bacteria).

In children, in 70–90% of cases, acute pharyngitis develops due to infection of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and respiratory tract with viral microflora.

Video: treating pharyngitis (Children's doctor)

Treatment in a child

Pharyngitis in children is treated by an otolaryngologist (ENT) or a pediatrician. In the absence of serious complications, therapeutic measures can be carried out at home - on an outpatient basis.

Hospitalization is mandatory:

• newborns and babies up to one year old - due to the high likelihood of developing complications and the need for constant monitoring of the condition by specialists;
• in severe cases of the disease - high temperature, purulent discharge, severe swelling of the mucous membranes;
• with an infectious etiology of pharyngitis - when inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa is caused by scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles (to prevent infection of others).

Pharyngitis therapy is always comprehensive and includes:

• symptomatic treatment - to alleviate the condition;
• treatment aimed at eliminating the source of inflammation and normalizing the pharyngoscopy picture.

Any procedures and medications can only be prescribed to a child by the attending physician. Self-medication leads to complications and increases the risk of the disease becoming chronic.

Treatment of pharyngitis begins, first of all, with lifestyle correction. It is important that the child is in a favorable environment, eats properly, stays hydrated, breathes fresh air, and does not get overtired.

An air humidifier is a device that will benefit all family members. With sufficient hydration of the mucous membranes, they perform their protective functions more effectively. And with pharyngitis, humidified air is less irritating to inflamed mucous membranes

What will the doctor's orders be?

1. Bed rest. For pharyngitis, it is mandatory in the first few days of the disease, when the baby’s body temperature is high and he experiences pain. Next, you need to focus on the child’s condition. If he feels well, moderate physical activity is welcome: it speeds up metabolism.
2. Walks. Allowed and recommended during the recovery stage. In the acute period, they are undesirable. They will be replaced by regular ventilation and wet cleaning of the room where the patient is. It is very good if the air in the room is humidified using a special humidifier (this will help reduce a sore throat). If you don't have a humidifier, you can hang wet towels.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. Necessary for sufficient hydration of mucous membranes.
4. Diet correction. It is necessary to exclude from it those foods that irritate the mucous membrane: too hot or very cold, spicy, hot, salty, sour. As well as carbonated drinks and sweets. Food should be easily digestible and contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.
5. Voice mode. Its observance during pharyngitis is recommended so that inflammation does not spread to the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal cords.

Medicines are used according to indications; the treatment strategy can be adjusted depending on test results and assessment of the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

Drug therapy

The choice of certain medications depends on the type and form of pharyngitis. What was used to treat the neighbor's boy is unlikely to be suitable for your baby. The selection of therapeutic methods is individual for each child.

With the help of medications, the primary disease is eliminated and the inflammatory process in the pharyngeal mucosa caused by it is stopped. At the same time, erosive lesions are healed, epithelial defects are removed, swelling is removed, and the production and discharge of mucus is normalized.

Video: cough medicines (Dr. Komarovsky)

Table: medications for the treatment of pharyngitis in children

Group of drugs	Names	Action	Indications	Contraindications	Features, recommendations
Antipyretics, painkillers	Paracetamol; Eferalgan; Ibufen; Cefekon.	At elevated body temperatures, they relieve fever, reduce pain in the oropharynx, in addition, some have an anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) effect.	Conditions accompanied by increased body temperature and pain: respiratory viral diseases, inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and respiratory tract, among others.	Hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition.	For children under 6 years of age, it is better to give medications in syrup form (this also applies to other medications). Antipyretics are prescribed when body temperature is above 38 degrees.
Antihistamines	Loratadine; Zodak; Parlazin; Suprastin.	They neutralize the response of the immune system to allergens entering the body (into the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, in particular), and reduce swelling.	Allergic reactions of any origin, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, etc.		Prescribed if the cause of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa is allergens. And also as part of complex therapy for other types of pharyngitis to reduce swelling and prevent its spread to the mucous membranes of the soft palate and larynx.
Vasoconstrictors	Farmazolin; Naphthyzin; Knock spray.	They have a pronounced vasoconstrictor effect. Reduce swelling and exudation. They facilitate nasal breathing during rhinitis, which is a frequent accompaniment of pharyngitis.	Acute rhinitis with respiratory infections.	Intolerance to components, dry inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa.	Vasoconstrictor drops (sprays) are used in short courses to avoid addiction and the development of vasomotor rhinitis.
Bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory topical application	Furacilin; Rotokan; Chlorophyllipt; Eucalyptus; Inhalipt; Bioparox; Strepsils; Falimint; Faringosept; Sore throat; Decathylene.	Used as local therapy. They destroy microflora sensitive to active substances, are used locally as analgesics, and restore the integrity of the mucous membranes.	Inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.	Individual intolerance to the components, for aerosols - children under 2 years of age, for tablets and lozenges - children under 6 years of age.	Aerosols are not recommended for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of developing bronchospasm. Tablets and lozenges can be given to children from 6 years of age, when they already know how to dissolve them. It is correct to use bactericidal agents 1–2 hours before meals or 1–2 hours after.
Antitussives	Tusuprex; Sinecode; Codeine; Ascoril; Clenbuterol; Berodual.	They inhibit the cough center, relieve spasms, expand the lumen of the respiratory tract, making attacks of irritating cough due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and oropharynx occur less frequently and become less intrusive.	Dry debilitating cough with respiratory diseases and bronchospasm	Individual sensitivity, should not be taken simultaneously with expectorants	Antitussives are produced not only in the form of syrups and tablets, but also in the form of fine inhalers that act locally, which is why the effect of their use wears off faster.
Expectorants	Mukaltin; Bromhexine; Gerbion.	Stimulate the production and facilitate the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract. Some have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.	Diseases of the respiratory tract with the formation of viscous, difficult to separate sputum	Intolerance to components. Do not take simultaneously with antitussives.	Prescribed on the 3rd–4th day of the disease, when the swelling of the mucous membranes decreases.
Immunomodulators, antiviral	Kipferon; Kagocel; Interferon; Anaferon; Ingavirin; Engystol; Immunoflazid.	Immunomodulators activate the immune response to pathogenic microflora entering the body, antiviral drugs destroy the cell membranes of viruses and prevent their reproduction.	Immunomodulators are prescribed for frequent respiratory diseases in a child, as a prophylactic agent, and for ARVI - in order to mobilize the body's defense mechanisms. Antiviral agents - for infection with influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rotavirus, coronavirus, herpes simplex virus, etc.	Individual intolerance	It is advisable to take antiviral drugs in the first days after infection. When the inflammatory process of viral origin has already started, there is no need to prescribe these medications.
Antibiotics	Ecomed; Sumamed; Macropen; Amoxiclav; Miramistin; Flemoxin.	Broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs. Effective against pathogenic microflora sensitive to their active ingredients.	Bacterial infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.		For children under 6 years of age, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of a suspension.
Lacto- and bifidobacteria	Bifidumbacterin; Linux; Hilak Forte; Yogurt.	Drugs that regulate the balance of intestinal microflora	Dysbacteriosis, including those caused by taking antibiotics	Individual sensitivity	Prescribed while taking antibiotics to prevent dysbiosis, as well as during the recovery period - to normalize the intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system.
Multivitamin complexes	Pikovit; Supradin; Multitabs; Vitrum; Sana-Sol.	They replenish the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body and strengthen the immune system.	Treatment of hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis, prevention of immune deficiency	Allergic reactions to components, hypervitaminosis.	They are prescribed in the acute period to activate the immune response, as well as in long-term courses for the purpose of prevention, more often during seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
Homeopathy	Viburkol suppositories; Apis; Arsenicum; Hepar sulfur; Mercurius; Lycopodium.	More often these are combined drugs of natural origin that have analgesic, sedative, bactericidal, anti-edematous, and anti-inflammatory effects.	Symptomatic treatment and prevention of diseases of the oropharynx and upper respiratory tract.	Individual reaction to the components of the drugs.	Homeopathic remedies are effective only when prescribed individually by an experienced homeopathic physician, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease. Although some of them are successfully used by neonatologists and pediatricians to alleviate the condition of even their youngest patients (Viburkol, Homeovox, etc.).

Systemic antibiotics for pharyngitis in children are usually prescribed when antiviral therapy and the use of local antiseptics do not give the desired effect. Or on the 5th day after the first symptoms of the disease appear if the clinical picture worsens.

In case of fungal infection of the mucous membranes of the pharynx (pharyngomycosis), antifungal therapy is necessarily indicated:

• Fluconazole (Itraconazole, Ketoconazole);
• or Levorin (Nystatin, Natamycin);
• or Terbinafine.

Photo gallery: drugs for complex therapy of childhood pharyngitis

Derinat - vasoconstrictor drops, also contribute to the restoration of mucous membranes Viburkol (suppositories) - a complex homeopathic preparation, has an antipyretic, analgesic, sedative effect, approved for infants
Lizobakt - local antiseptic
Panadol - antipyretic, active ingredient paracetamol
Vitamins - multivitamins to strengthen the immune system
Stoptussin - a herbal remedy for cough Bifiform - a drug for normalizing intestinal microflora Hexoral - a bactericidal agent for local use Alphabet - a multivitamin complex Augmentin - an antibacterial agent for systemic use
Cetrin - prescribed to neutralize an allergic reaction, relieve swelling
Claritin is an antihistamine
Lacidophilus - regulates intestinal microflora
Lazolvan - has an expectorant effect Ambrobene - expectorant
Lugol - local antiseptic
Aconite is a homeopathic remedy used for acute pharyngitis Nurofen is an antipyretic with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effect
Arbinol - antiviral agent Vibrocil - has a vasoconstrictor and anti-allergenic effect Erespal - antitussive syrup
Viferon suppositories stimulate the immune response to the invasion of foreign microflora into the body
Suprax is an antibiotic for the treatment of pharyngitis caused by bacteria sensitive to its active substance

As for antipyretic drugs, products containing acetylsalicylic acid are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Nasal drops Protargol and Collargol (colloidal silver solution) fight well against both viral and bacterial microflora. They reduce swelling and mucus production. Therefore, they are very often prescribed to children suffering from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx. The drugs differ in the concentration of silver in them. Protargol (silver up to 8.3%) is suitable for kids, Collargol (silver up to 70%) is suitable for older children.

Video: antiviral agents (Komarovsky E. O., children's doctor)

Inhalations

Inhalation therapy for diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx in children is effective for several reasons.

Firstly. During the procedure, the mucous membranes are moistened, which helps normalize their function and eliminate subjective discomfort in a sick child.

Secondly. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are cleared of mucus and dried crusts, which helps reduce their irritation. In this case, the cough, which is a reflex response to their presence in the respiratory tract, stops.

And thirdly. Using an inhaler, medications are delivered directly to the inflamed areas of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and act locally. In uncomplicated cases of the disease, this is quite sufficient, and systemic antibacterial drugs are not prescribed.

• steam inhalations (warm, but in no case hot steam);
• warm - coarse aerosol;
• nebulizer - fine spray.

Solutions for inhalation are prescribed as follows:

• saline solution with the addition of bronchodilators and antihistamines, hormonal and antibacterial agents;
• sea ​​water preparations;
• alkaline mineral water (Borjomi or Narzan) or sodium chloride solution 1%;
• with decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage) - in the absence of allergies;
• with oils (sea buckthorn, fir, thuja, eucalyptus) - in the absence of allergies;
• with the addition of propolis tincture (if the child does not have an allergic reaction to bee products);
• with furatsilin, etc.

Procedures are carried out 1–4 times a day, depending on the drugs used. In most cases, the basis for preparing solutions is saline solution (or alkaline mineral water). Before and after inhalation, you should not eat or drink for 1–2 hours.

Your child’s attending physician will tell you how to prepare solutions for inhalation, how many times a day to administer them, and how long the course of treatment will last. Some solutions can also be used to rinse or irrigate the oropharynx.

For children who do not yet know how to gargle, it is irrigated using a small rubber syringe. In this case, the child’s head should be turned to one side and tilted slightly forward so that the solution can flow freely and not enter the respiratory tract.

Video: treating a throat - gargling (E. O. Komarovsky)

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out with the aim of stabilizing the condition of the mucous membranes and directing the inflammatory process towards regression. Some are designed to restore the normal state of the tissues and epidermis of the pharynx.

These could be:

• heat therapy, paraffin therapy - local exposure to dry heat (heated salt, sand, paraffin);
• UVR - visible and invisible ultraviolet rays (topically on the throat, quartz tube of the nose) have a noticeable bactericidal effect;
• electrophoresis - when drugs are delivered directly to areas where the inflammatory process progresses, using a direct electric current, the therapeutic effect of drugs introduced into the body in this way is prolonged;
• UHF - ultra-high frequency therapy has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, etc.

When lymphatic tissue grows (hypertrophic pharyngitis), it is cauterized with a laser, galvanic current or liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).

Surgical intervention

Possible with chronic pharyngitis - granulosa and hypertrophic. Tonsils in children are removed only when indicated - in case of frequent relapses or severe symptoms. The operation is called tonsillectomy.

To restore nasal breathing when lymphatic tissue grows, adenotomy (adenoids are removed), polypotomy (polyps are removed), septoplasty (the shape of the nasal septum is corrected).

But again, emphasis should be placed on the fact that these operations are a last resort when conservative treatment does not bring the desired effect.

Folk remedies

At home, remedies prepared according to traditional medicine recipes will help speed up the child’s recovery. Many of them are recommended by certified physicians. And their effectiveness has been tested for more than one generation.

But you should not prescribe this or that drug to your child on your own. Be sure to consult with your doctor about the possibility of using any traditional recipe.

Garlic with honey for pharyngitis

Acts as an antiseptic and tonic. Use is only possible if the child is not allergic to honey or bee products.

Ingredients:

• garlic - 1 head (medium);
• honey (preferably linden) - 100 ml (or 0.5 cups).

Preparation.

1. Peel the garlic.
2. Grind using a garlic mince (you can grate it on a fine grater).
3. Place in an enamel bowl.
4. Fill with honey.
5. Place in a water bath for 20 minutes - the garlic should dissolve in the honey.
6. Then let the mixture sit, covered, for 30 minutes.
7. Place the syrup in the water bath again for 10 minutes.
8. Cool and strain.
9. Store garlic syrup in a dark place.

Give your child 0.5–1 teaspoon (depending on age) 3–4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, until his health improves.

Infusion of medicinal herbs for rinsing

Gargling during inflammatory processes in the oropharynx moisturizes the mucous membranes and disinfects them.

Ingredients:

• dry chamomile - 1 part;
• sage (dry raw materials) - 1 part;
• dried calendula flowers - 1 part;
• dried eucalyptus leaves - 1 part;
• water (boiling water) - 1 glass (200 ml).

Preparation.

1. Prepare an herbal mixture by mixing chamomile, sage, calendula and eucalyptus in equal proportions.
2. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture (approximately 8–9 g), place it in a teapot (or a thermos), and pour boiling water over it.
3. Leave for at least half an hour.
4. Strain.
5. Cool until the infusion is warm (not hot).

Let your child gargle with herbal infusion 3-5 times a day. 1 hour before the procedure and 1 hour after the baby should not eat or drink anything.

Ginger tea

Relieves irritation in the throat, softens cough, strengthens the immune system.

Ingredients:

• fresh ginger root (chopped) - 1 tbsp. l. (10–12 g);
• water (boiling water) - 1 tbsp. (200 ml);
• lemon - 1 slice;
• honey - to taste (if there is no allergy).

Preparation.

1. Pour boiling water over chopped ginger root (you can peel it and grate it).
2. Leave covered for 30 minutes.
3. Strain.
4. Add a slice of lemon and honey to your tea.

Give the child warm 2-3 times a day, 100-200 ml, depending on age, until the condition improves.

You can prepare ginger with milk for a child with a dry, irritating cough: 1 tbsp. l. grated ginger, pour 200 ml (1 tbsp.) of milk and boil for 20 minutes over low heat, cool, strain, divide the portion into 4 portions.

Rosehip tea

Restores and strengthens the back wall of the pharyngeal mucosa. You can also add medicinal herbs (sage, lemon balm, linden blossom) and viburnum berries to it (prepare the collection in equal proportions and take 1 tbsp per 250 ml of water). Then the drink will acquire antiseptic and immunomodulatory properties.

Ingredients:

• rose hips - 1 tbsp. l. (10–12 g);
• water (boiling water) - 200 ml (1 tbsp.);
• honey - to taste (if there is no allergy);
• sea ​​buckthorn oil - 1–2 drops.

Preparation.

1. Place rose hips in a thermos and pour boiling water over them.
2. Leave for at least 2 hours.
3. Strain.
4. Before giving it to your child, add honey and sea buckthorn oil to the tea.

A child should drink this tea 1-2 times a day, 100-200 ml, for 2-3 months.

Potato-honey flatbread

Modern doctors do not recommend alcohol compresses, as well as mustard plasters and jars for use by children. But no one doubts the effectiveness and safety of the good old potato cake.

When preparing honey-potato cake, you can add 0.5 tsp. mustard powder. But keep in mind that then the child will feel a burning sensation during the procedure. Therefore, for children under 6 years old, it is better to make flatbreads only with potatoes and honey - without mustard

Ingredients:

• potato tubers (medium size) - 2 pcs.;
• honey - 2 tsp. (8 g).

Preparation.

1. Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins until tender.
2. Cool it so it is not hot.
3. Place the tuber on the inside of your wrist for a while: you should feel a pleasant warmth, but not a burning sensation.
4. Mash the potatoes with a fork and mix them with honey.
5. Form into 2 flatbreads.
6. Place one on the front of the child’s neck (but without affecting the thyroid gland).
7. The other is on the chest, in the middle, where the bronchi are (circling around the heart area).
8. Cover both cakes with wax paper or just a plastic bag, wrap the appliqué areas with a warm scarf.

The duration of the procedure is 30–40 minutes. When you remove the cakes, grease the skin under them well with goose fat (goat fat, badger fat).

With adequate treatment, pharyngitis in children is cured in 1–2 weeks. The disease rarely becomes chronic. But the main condition for this is timely detection and competent treatment of the primary disease, the consequence of which is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.

Children, especially children under 2–3 years old, get pharyngitis quite often. But this disease is quite treatable at home. Consultation with a doctor is required. Its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Therefore, only timely accurate diagnosis and competent therapy can prevent the development of complications.