How to determine if you have pharyngitis
Nov 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, the diagnosis of pharyngitis can be made through a comprehensive assessment of local symptoms in the throat. Key diagnostic indicators include sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, abnormal swallowing, throat dryness or discomfort, and voice changes. Symptoms of pharyngitis are often associated with excessive voice use, dietary irritants, and environmental factors. It is advisable to avoid loud shouting and reduce the intake of spicy foods in daily life.
Generally, whether one has pharyngitis can be determined by comprehensively evaluating local symptoms in the throat. The key diagnostic indicators mainly include sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, swallowing abnormalities, dryness and discomfort in the throat, and voice changes. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Sore throat: The nature of pain varies depending on the type of condition. Acute pharyngitis typically presents with sudden, severe throat pain characterized as stabbing or burning, which worsens during swallowing or speaking. In some individuals, the pain may radiate to the ear. Chronic pharyngitis, on the other hand, usually manifests as dull or distending pain that occurs intermittently.
2. Foreign body sensation in the throat: Patients often feel as if there is sputum-like material stuck in the throat, with a sticky secretion seemingly adhering to the area—something they cannot cough up nor swallow down. This sensation is most noticeable upon waking in the morning and tends to worsen with emotional stress or prolonged silence. However, it may temporarily subside during eating due to distraction of attention.
3. Swallowing abnormalities: During acute episodes, swallowing causes significant pain. Patients may refuse food due to discomfort and might even find swallowing saliva painful. In chronic pharyngitis, swallowing is more commonly associated with a mild obstructive sensation rather than obvious pain, making it feel as though food does not pass smoothly through the throat.
4. Throat dryness and discomfort: A persistent dry feeling in the throat is common, which cannot be fully relieved even with frequent drinking. The sensation intensifies in air-conditioned rooms, dry environments, or after prolonged voice use. Some people may frequently clear their throats as a result, but excessive throat clearing can further irritate the mucosa and exacerbate discomfort.
5. Voice changes: When inflammation affects the vocal cords, voice alterations occur. During acute phases, sudden hoarseness, lowered pitch, and in severe cases, loss of voice may develop. In chronic stages, the voice becomes rough and tires easily; prolonged speaking leads to worsening hoarseness, which partially improves after rest.
Symptoms of pharyngitis are often related to excessive voice use, dietary irritation, and environmental factors. It is important in daily life to avoid loud shouting, reduce intake of spicy foods, and maintain throat moisture. When the above symptoms appear, adequate rest and proper throat care can help alleviate discomfort.
