How to treat chronic pharyngitis for a complete cure?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Chronic pharyngitis requires comprehensive treatment to achieve a "definitive cure" by eliminating the underlying causes, local medication, physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine regulation, and lifestyle interventions. A single treatment approach is unlikely to result in recovery, and long-term, standardized management must be consistently maintained. If symptoms persist for more than 3 months or are accompanied by worsening dysphagia or hoarseness, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Chronic pharyngitis requires comprehensive treatment to achieve a "definitive cure," including eliminating causative factors, local medication, physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation, and lifestyle interventions. A single treatment approach is unlikely to result in full recovery, and long-term, standardized management must be consistently maintained. If symptoms persist for more than three months or are accompanied by worsening dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or hoarseness, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Eliminate underlying causes: Avoid excessive voice use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to dust or irritating gases. Treat predisposing conditions such as rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to reduce persistent irritation of the throat and prevent recurrent inflammation at its source.

2. Local medication: Use prescribed mouthwashes or gargling solutions to clean the throat and relieve discomfort. Nebulized inhalation may be used when necessary to reduce mucosal congestion and swelling. Avoid prolonged self-administration of antibiotics to prevent microbial imbalance.

3. Physical therapy: Utilize treatments such as laser therapy or low-temperature plasma to repair damaged throat mucosa and improve local blood circulation. This is particularly suitable for patients with chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis characterized by mucosal thickening and hyperplasia.

4. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation: Based on individual constitution and pattern differentiation, use TCM herbs or proprietary Chinese medicines that clear heat, benefit the throat, nourish yin, and moisten dryness. Combine with acupuncture or acupoint massage to relieve symptoms, regulate organ function, and reduce recurrence.

5. Lifestyle intervention: Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late. Eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy or greasy foods. Engage in moderate exercise to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.

In daily life, maintain indoor air humidity, avoid loud speaking or prolonged voice use, rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to clean the throat, stay away from allergens and irritating environments, and consistently practice healthy habits to promote complete resolution of inflammation and prevent recurrence.

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