How to treat severe pharyngitis
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, the treatment of severe pharyngitis mainly includes general management, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and symptomatic supportive treatment. In addition, patients must follow medical advice to use medications properly during treatment and should not discontinue medication on their own. It is important to ensure indoor ventilation, maintain air humidity, and avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke.
Generally, treatment methods for severe pharyngitis mainly include general management, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and symptomatic supportive care. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. General Management
Patients should maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth with warm saline after meals to reduce bacterial growth. Strict voice rest is essential to allow the throat adequate recovery time and prevent further mucosal damage from overuse. Daily routines should include sufficient sleep, a diet primarily consisting of lukewarm liquid foods, increased intake of warm water, and avoidance of spicy or irritating foods.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can rapidly relieve throat discomfort. Commonly used methods include nebulized inhalation and infrared irradiation. Nebulized inhalation delivers medication directly to the pharyngeal mucosa, reducing congestion and swelling; infrared irradiation improves local blood circulation, accelerating inflammation resolution and mucosal repair.
3. Medication
Drug therapy is the core approach. For patients with bacterial infections, antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules may be prescribed under medical guidance. For viral infections, antiviral agents like ribavirin granules, acyclovir tablets, or oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be used.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
According to TCM theory, severe pharyngitis is associated with excessive internal heat and toxin accumulation or yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire. Treatment typically involves using herbs that clear heat, detoxify, nourish yin, and soothe the throat, such as Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and Xuanmai Ganju Granules. Acupuncture at selected points such as Hegu (LI4) and Lianquan (CV23) can help alleviate sore throat symptoms.
5. Symptomatic Supportive Care
For patients with high fever, sustained-release paracetamol tablets can be used to reduce body temperature. Those experiencing severe throat pain may use Compound Sarcandra Glabra lozenges. If breathing difficulties occur, immediate medical attention is required, including oxygen supplementation; in severe cases, tracheotomy may be necessary to maintain airway patency.
In addition, during treatment, patients must follow medical instructions strictly regarding medication use and should not discontinue treatment on their own. Indoor ventilation should be maintained along with appropriate humidity levels, while exposure to dust, smoke, and other irritants should be avoided. If symptoms fail to improve or worsen after three days of treatment, timely re-evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan are recommended.
