What is the most effective medication for acute exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
During an acute exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, symptomatic medications should be selected based on specific symptoms, although there may not be a single "most effective" drug. Commonly used medications include antibiotics, throat lozenges, inhaled corticosteroids, and antitussive-expectorant drugs. If the acute episode is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to suppress or kill bacteria and control the spread of inflammation.
When chronic pharyngitis acutely exacerbates, symptomatic medications should be selected based on specific symptoms; however, there may not be a single "most effective" drug. Commonly used medications include antibiotics, heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese patent medicines, throat lozenges, glucocorticoid雾化吸入药物 (inhaled via nebulization), and antitussive and expectorant drugs. The details are as follows:
1. Antibiotics: If the acute episode is caused by bacterial infection, these drugs can be used to inhibit or kill bacteria, control the spread of inflammation, and relieve symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in the throat. However, they should only be used after a confirmed diagnosis of bacterial infection to avoid blind overuse.
2. Heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese patent medicines: Examples include Pharyngitis Tablets and Pudilan Xiaoyan Tablets. These medicines help clear heat, remove toxicity, reduce swelling, and soothe the throat. They are notably effective in relieving symptoms like sore throat, dryness, and a burning sensation in the pharynx. With relatively mild properties, they are suitable for辅助控制炎症 (assisting in controlling inflammation).
3. Throat lozenges: Such as Xihongshuang Lozenges and Herba Siegesbeckiae Lozenges. When dissolved slowly in the mouth, these act directly on the pharyngeal mucosa, quickly alleviating dryness, pain, and foreign body sensation in the throat. They also freshen breath and can be used as an auxiliary treatment for daily symptom relief, taken as needed.
4. Nebulized glucocorticoids: In cases of severe pharyngeal inflammation with obvious swelling and hoarseness, these medications can be administered via inhalation nebulization. The drug acts directly on the local site of inflammation, rapidly reducing mucosal edema and inflammatory response, thereby relieving discomfort.
5. Antitussive and expectorant drugs: If the acute exacerbation is accompanied by frequent coughing and sputum production, these medications can help thin mucus, relieve bronchial spasms, reduce irritation from coughing on the throat, and prevent further damage due to persistent coughing.
Before using any medication, it's essential to identify the underlying cause of the acute flare-up of chronic pharyngitis—avoid self-medicating without guidance. Always follow the instructions on the label or your doctor’s advice regarding dosage and duration. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after three days of treatment, seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan. Additionally, drink plenty of water and avoid overusing your voice.
