Granular pharyngitis is a form of chronic pharyngitis. Prolonged inflammation continuously irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing lymphoid tissues in the posterior pharyngeal wall to proliferate. This proliferation forms small, raised granules as part of the body's defense mechanism. These granules are not tumors or isolated infections, but an immune response to chronic inflammation.

Multiple factors contribute to granular pharyngitis, including prolonged rhinosinusitis, chronic tonsillitis, allergies, inhalation of smoke or pollutants, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Curing granular pharyngitis depends on accurately identifying its underlying cause. Effective control of these factors helps reduce inflammation and symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, and constant throat clearing.

Patients who do not manage risk factors, such as continued smoking, untreated sinusitis, or prolonged acid reflux, often experience frequent recurrence of granular pharyngitis instead of complete resolution.

Persistent or frequently recurring sore throat requires an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist examination. Illustration: Duy Anh

Granular pharyngitis treatment varies depending on the specific cause, rather than following a universal protocol. Patients with bacterial infections typically require antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. In allergy-related cases, individuals must control allergens and use antihistamines when necessary.

Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease or laryngopharyngeal reflux should adjust their diet, lose weight if overweight, avoid eating close to bedtime, and use prescribed medications to alleviate chronic sore throat. If patients also have chronic tonsillitis or prolonged rhinosinusitis, these conditions require simultaneous treatment to reduce the risk of pharyngitis recurrence.

Lifestyle changes also help reduce the risk of recurrence. These include adequate hydration to keep the mucous membranes moist, gargling with physiological saline, limiting alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining appropriate air humidity.

It is advisable to visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at a hospital for examination, diagnosis, and a tailored treatment plan, which can lead to a faster recovery.

Master of Science, Doctor Pham Vu Hong Hanh

Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat

Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic