Chronic pharyngitis
"The sensation of dryness in the throat is very frequent and usually improves by increasing the intake of liquids daily (at least 2 liters)".
DR. JORGE DE ABAJO LARRIBA
SPECIALIST. OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic inflammatory and/or irritative process, with no infectious component, of the pharyngeal mucosa. It can be simple, hypertrophic or atrophic.
According to the clinical symptomatology, three types of chronic pharyngitis can be distinguished: simple chronic pharyngitis, hyperplastic chronic pharyngitis (granular) and dry chronic pharyngitis (atrophic).
What are the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis?
In the chronic pharyngitis the symptoms that exist are varied, but in general very different from those of the infectious pharyngo-tonsillitis: sensation of dryness, of hindrance, or of phlegm in the pharynx, punctured pain of the throat, need to cough frequently, etc.
The most common symptoms are:
- Punctured throat pain.
- Sensation of dryness in the pharynx.
- Need to cough.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
You may have chronic pharyngitis
What are the causes of chronic pharyngitis?
There is no single cause of chronic pharyngitis and it has been related to many different adverse situations: excessive heat or cold, environmental dryness, external irritants (such as dust, fumes, abuse of nasal vasoconstrictors or tobacco, etc.), mouth breathing, hormonal disorders (menopause, hypothyroidism, etc.), previous surgery to remove the tonsils, aging, etc.
It seems that in chronic pharyngitis there is a constitutional weakness of the pharyngeal mucosa.
How is chronic pharyngitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis is based on the patient's medical history and examination.
Chronic symptoms and circumstances that aggravate the condition lead to the suspicion of chronic pharyngitis.
In many cases, it is useful to perform some laboratory tests that help the physician to assess the severity of the condition and to prevent possible complications, such as a blood count, globular sedimentation rate, or antistreptolysin (ASLO) level determination.
How is chronic pharyngitis treated?
In chronic pharyngitis, which does not have an infectious component, the treatments usually used (vitamin complexes, mucoregulators, ointments or nasal ointments, etc.) may produce a relief of the symptoms.
In these cases it is usually advisable to avoid adverse environments (very dry, smoky, etc.) and those factors that worsen the symptoms (cold or hot food, excessive air conditioning or heating, etc.).
When pharyngo-tonsil infections become chronic, appear repeatedly, or have generated serious complications, surgical treatment may become necessary and the patient may require an adenoidectomy, a tonsillectomy, or both simultaneously.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Otolaryngology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Navarra Clinic is a national and world reference in numerous highly specialized surgical procedures.
We have the latest technology and we perform all diagnostic tests in less than 48 hours in order to offer our patients the best solution in the shortest time possible.
We were one of the first centers in Spain to use robotic surgery in the surgical treatment with the Da Vinci® System.
Organized in specialized units:
- Otology - Hearing.
- Rhinology - Nose.
- Pharyngology - Throat.
- Laryngology - Voice.
- Balance disorders.
- Head and neck problems.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the treatment of hearing problems.
- Pioneers in axillary surgery to avoid scarring.
- National reference center in tissue sealing for tonsil removal.
Our team of professionals
