Can figs treat pharyngitis?

Jul 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, figs cannot cure pharyngitis. However, appropriate consumption of figs by patients with pharyngitis may help alleviate throat discomfort caused by pharyngitis. The detailed explanation is as follows: Patients with pharyngitis should control the quantity when consuming figs, avoiding excessive intake at one time to prevent additional strain on the throat. Fresh, ripe figs are recommended.

Generally speaking, figs cannot treat pharyngitis, but pharyngitis patients may benefit from moderate consumption of figs to alleviate throat discomfort caused by pharyngitis. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Pharyngitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, environmental irritants, excessive voice use, and other factors leading to inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and submucosal tissues. Treatment requires targeted medications and scientifically-based lifestyle improvements. Figs are merely a common fruit; although they contain vitamins, minerals, and some plant active compounds, these components cannot eliminate the pathogens causing pharyngitis or fundamentally reduce the inflammatory response in the throat, thus failing to achieve the effect of treating pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis patients should control the quantity when consuming figs, avoiding excessive intake at one time to prevent additional burden on the throat. Fresh, ripe figs are preferable, while overly sour or unripe figs should be avoided to prevent irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa. It is best to chew slowly and thoroughly when eating figs. Those allergic to figs should avoid them completely. If symptoms of throat discomfort worsen, timely medical attention should be sought instead of relying on figs for relief, which may delay proper treatment.

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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.