pharyngitis Pharynx refers to a circular structure in the vertical plane of the pharynx, with the uvula and the free margins of the soft palate on top, the tongue base below, and the palatoglossal arches and palatopharyngeal arches on the sides. These four structures collectively form a narrow, ring-like portion known as the pharyngeal isthmus. Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the mucosal tissues in the pharyngeal isthmus, representing a specific type of pharyngitis. Most patients experience mild symptoms, and the prognosis is generally favorable.

The pharynx refers to a ring-shaped structure in the vertical plane of the throat, with the uvula and the free edges of the soft palate on the top, the tongue base on the bottom, and the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches on the sides, which together form a narrow, ring-shaped portion known as the pharynx. Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the mucosal tissues in the pharynx, and it is a specific type of pharyngitis. Most patients experience mild symptoms, and the prognosis is generally good.

Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the mucosal tissues in the pharynx, commonly caused by bacteria and viruses, and includes the following types:

Herpetic pharyngitis

This is an acute upper respiratory tract infection in children caused by enteroviruses, with the main pathogens being Coxsackie virus type A and enterovirus 71.

Vincent's angina

Also known as ulcerative membranous pharyngitis or ulcerative tonsillitis, it is a subacute tonsillitis caused by infection with fusiform bacilli and spirochetes.

Infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis

This is an acute or subacute infectious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Other types

Leukemic pharyngitis

Refers to pharyngitis that occurs in patients with leukemia.

Neutropenic pharyngitis

Refers to a condition in which a decreased number of neutrophils leads to a weakened immune function, resulting in the disease.

Viral infection

Herpetic pharyngitis is mainly caused by infection with Coxsackie virus type A and enterovirus 71, while infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial infections such as fusiform bacilli and spirochete infections can also lead to pharyngitis, as seen in Vincent's angina.

Systemic diseases

Systemic diseases such as neutropenia and leukemia can also lead to the occurrence of pharyngitis.

Herpetic pharyngitis

The pharynx often presents with herpes, initially showing congestion, and subsequently, scattered milky white herpes can appear on the pharynx, tonsils, soft palate, hard palate, uvula, and even the entire oral cavity. The herpes are surrounded by redness and swelling. After 2-3 days, the herpes enlarge, rupture, and form yellow ulcers, gradually recovering slowly.

Vincent's angina

There is often a symptom of pharyngeal pain, mostly on one side, accompanied by headache, back and joint pain, and low fever. The pharynx has a thick and foul-smelling false membrane, which is yellow or gray-white in color, composed of necrotic material, easily wiped away, with small bleeding points after wiping.

Infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis

The symptoms of pharyngeal pain are mild, with a feeling of pharyngeal obstruction, diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal cavity and soft palate mucosa, tonsillar swelling, and some patients may have a false membrane on the tonsils, which is easy to wipe off.

Others

Neutropenic pharyngitis

There are symptoms of pharyngeal pain, sometimes severe. Examination may reveal necrotic ulcers in the pharynx, covered with dark brown false membranes, with pale, ischemic surrounding tissues. The soft palate and gums often show similar lesions.

Leukemic pharyngitis

There are no symptoms of pharyngeal pain, but due to the infiltration of leukemia cells, the tissues such as the tonsils swell. Due to anemia and decreased platelets, petechiae and ecchymosis can be seen under the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. In the early stage, one tonsil may be infiltrated and swollen, followed by surface necrosis covered with gray-white false membranes, often accompanied by swelling, ulcers, or necrosis of the oral mucosa, gum swelling, and pallor.

Herpetic pharyngitis is a common respiratory infection, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, pharyngeal pain, cough, and other respiratory symptoms. Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common, and in infants and young children, symptoms may include drooling, refusal to eat, and irritability.

Vincent's angina is often accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes on the affected side, and patients may have bad breath and a thick coating on the tongue.

Infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis is accompanied by systemic lymph node enlargement, high fever, headache, and acute symptoms, sometimes accompanied by rash and hepatosplenomegaly.

Other patients with pharyngitis may also experience systemic symptoms such as fever, as well as local symptoms such as tonsillar enlargement, large and deep ulcers, bleeding, hepatosplenomegaly, and bad breath.

Dietary care

A light diet is recommended, with an emphasis on consuming nutritious and easily digestible fluids or semi-fluid foods, such as rice porridge and vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. Avoid consuming very cold, hot, or spicy foods.

Oral care

Clean the oral cavity with saline solution daily to prevent secondary bacterial infections. For young children, wipe the oral cavity with saline solution, and avoid letting them suck on their fingers to prevent oral mucosal injury and subsequent infection.

Temperature care

When a child's temperature exceeds 38°C, physical cooling methods such as sponging with lukewarm water can be used, while also taking care to prevent the child from getting chilled. If physical cooling is ineffective and the temperature does not decrease but instead rises, oral antipyretic medication can be used to reduce the fever.

Herpetic pharyngitis

Isolation

Once a patient is suspected of having herpetic pharyngitis, they should seek medical treatment at the nearest healthcare facility and implement isolation measures to prevent the spread from the source of infection.

Interrupting the transmission route

Herpetic pharyngitis is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract and fecal-oral route. To prevent transmission, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene habits, wash hands frequently, and ensure good ventilation to interrupt the transmission route.

Protecting susceptible populations

Due to the general susceptibility of the population to herpetic pharyngitis, measures such as suspending classes and taking breaks should be taken to protect susceptible children when patients with the disease appear in places such as kindergartens and nurseries.

Vincent's angina

Patients need to pay attention to oral hygiene and actively treat dental diseases. In cases of recurrent Vincent's angina, tonsillectomy can be performed 3-4 weeks after an attack.

Infectious mononucleosis pharyngitis

Preventive measures are similar to those for herpetic pharyngitis, as it is also caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Pharyngitis caused by systemic diseases

The main focus is on treating the primary disease and maintaining personal hygiene to avoid cross-infection.