Can figs treat pharyngitis?

Jul 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, figs cannot treat pharyngitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. However, if choosing to consume figs, select fresh and ripe ones, and avoid eating unripe figs to prevent their sour and astringent taste from irritating the throat. When consuming, chew slowly and thoroughly, control the portion size, and avoid eating too much at once. If symptoms of throat discomfort worsen after consumption, seek medical attention promptly.

Generally speaking, figs cannot treat pharyngitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, submucosal tissues, and lymphoid tissues, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, excessive voice use, or environmental irritants. Treatment requires targeted measures based on the specific cause—for instance, antiviral medications for viral infections and antibiotics for bacterial infections, along with local treatments such as gargling and nebulization to relieve symptoms. As a fruit, figs do not possess properties that can kill pathogens or reduce inflammation, and thus cannot replace medical treatment for pharyngitis. However, figs do contain some moisture and vitamins, and their relatively soft texture can provide nutrition to the body without causing strong irritation to the throat. This may make the throat feel somewhat more comfortable.

Nevertheless, only fresh and ripe figs should be selected, and unripe figs should be avoided due to their sour and astringent taste, which could irritate the throat. Figs should be chewed slowly and consumed in moderation—do not eat too much at once. If symptoms of throat discomfort worsen after consumption, stop eating figs immediately and seek medical attention promptly. Never delay proper medical treatment by relying on figs alone.

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What should I do if my throat feels like it's being cut with a knife?

In general, a sore throat that feels like a knife cut may be caused by excessive use of the voice, irritation from spicy or hot foods, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute epiglottitis, or other similar conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, and other methods. In daily life, it is important to keep the throat warm and avoid cold exposure. Wearing a mask when going outdoors can also help prevent irritation from dust.

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What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of pharyngitis include sore throat, dry throat, hoarseness, cough, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. In addition, some patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fever and headache. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should avoid eating spicy or excessively hot foods in daily life.