What are the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis?
Nov 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, chronic pharyngitis, as a chronic inflammatory disease of the pharyngeal mucosa, commonly presents symptoms including a sensation of foreign body in the throat, dryness and discomfort in the pharynx, mild sore throat, irritative cough, and abnormal pharyngeal mucosa. Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis tend to recur frequently; therefore, it is important in daily life to avoid excessive voice use, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods, and maintain moisture and cleanliness of the oral cavity.
Generally, chronic pharyngitis—an inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes of the throat—commonly presents with symptoms such as a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dryness and discomfort in the pharynx, mild sore throat, irritative cough, and abnormal changes in the pharyngeal mucosa. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Sensation of a foreign body in the throat: This is the most typical symptom. Patients often feel as though mucus or a foreign object is stuck in the throat, neither able to be coughed up nor swallowed. This sensation is particularly noticeable upon waking, worsens with excessive talking or emotional stress, and temporarily improves during eating.
2. Dryness and discomfort in the throat: A persistent dry feeling in the throat is common and often difficult to relieve even with frequent drinking. The dryness intensifies in dry or polluted environments or after prolonged voice use. Some patients frequently clear their throats as a result, which may further aggravate pharyngeal irritation.
3. Mild sore throat: The pain is usually dull or prickling, mild in intensity, and occurs intermittently. It is often triggered by excessive talking, consuming spicy or irritating foods, staying up late, or exposure to cold. Pain is typically localized in the posterior part of the throat and tends to resolve on its own with rest.
4. Irritative cough: This is typically characterized by paroxysmal dry coughing, with little or no sputum production. Coughing is easily induced when brushing teeth in the morning or upon exposure to dust, smoke, or other irritants. In severe cases, it can disrupt sleep and daily communication; some patients may also experience nausea during coughing episodes.
5. Abnormalities of the pharyngeal mucosa: Upon examination, diffuse congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa is observed, appearing dark red. Lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall are hyperplastic and swollen. In some patients, the lateral pharyngeal bands may also appear congested and thickened, with small amounts of viscous secretions adhering to the mucosal surface.
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis tend to recur frequently. Daily prevention should include avoiding excessive voice strain, reducing intake of spicy and irritating foods, and maintaining oral moisture and hygiene to alleviate throat discomfort and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
