What are the symptoms of acute pharyngitis?

Common symptoms of acute pharyngitis include sore throat, dryness in the throat, hoarseness, cough with sputum, fever, and fatigue. The details are as follows:

1. Sore throat: This is a common symptom, with pain severity varying among individuals. In mild cases, discomfort occurs only during swallowing; in severe cases, persistent stabbing or burning pain may develop, significantly worsening during swallowing and even affecting normal eating and speaking.

2. Throat dryness: After being irritated by inflammation, the mucous membrane in the throat experiences abnormal secretory function, leading to dryness. Patients often feel a foreign body sensation in the throat that is difficult to relieve. They frequently drink water to moisten the throat, but the relief is temporary and dryness tends to recur quickly.

3. Hoarseness: When inflammation affects the vocal cords, it causes congestion and swelling, resulting in a deeper, rougher voice. In severe cases, speaking may become difficult or voice loss may occur entirely. This symptom becomes more pronounced after prolonged talking.

4. Cough and sputum production: Inflammation in the throat stimulates mucosal secretions and causes discomfort, leading to coughing. Initially, the cough is usually dry, but later may be accompanied by white or light yellow sputum, which is generally minimal in amount.

5. Fever and fatigue: Some patients develop systemic symptoms such as low-grade or moderate fever, along with physical weakness, poor mental state, and reduced appetite. Fever typically subsides gradually once the inflammation is under control.

When symptoms of acute pharyngitis appear, it's important to rest adequately, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid spicy or irritating foods. If symptoms persist or worsen—such as high fever that does not subside or difficulty breathing—prompt medical attention is necessary. Anti-infective treatment should be administered under a doctor’s guidance.