Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, causing throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes accompanied by coughing or fever. Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the Otorhinolaryngology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, states that children often suffer from acute pharyngitis, while adults typically experience chronic or recurrent pharyngitis. Below are several reasons why adults frequently experience recurrent pharyngitis.

Untreated otorhinolaryngology conditions often lead to recurrent pharyngitis. Chronic sinusitis, for instance, causes a continuous flow of pus down the back of the throat, irritating the mucosa and leading to repeated inflammation and persistent throat discomfort. Additionally, unresolved allergic rhinitis, a deviated nasal septum, or chronic tonsillitis can become chronic sources of inflammation, silently irritating the pharyngeal lining.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of recurrent pharyngitis. Stomach acid refluxing into the pharyngeal area irritates the mucosa, causing inflammation with symptoms like throat pain, heartburn in the sternum, burping, and acid regurgitation. This constant irritation contributes significantly to frequent pharyngitis recurrence.

Environmental factors and lifestyle habits also play a crucial role in recurrent pharyngitis. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption weaken the pharyngeal mucosa, making it susceptible to prolonged inflammation and slow recovery. Sudden weather changes, living or working in polluted environments, excessive use of air conditioning, consuming too much spicy food, and frequent exposure to dust and chemicals are all factors that can trigger recurrent pharyngitis.

Furthermore, living or working with infected individuals, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, increases the risk of cross-infection.

Dr. Hang advising a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Infections from bacteria and virus strains are a significant cause of pharyngitis. According to Dr. Hang, hundreds of different virus and bacteria strains can cause pharyngitis. An individual who has just recovered from pharyngitis can easily become reinfected by a different pathogen, especially when their immune system is weakened after a previous illness. This often leads patients to believe their condition has recurred, when in fact, it is a new infection episode.

Dr. Hang emphasizes that frequent recurrent pharyngitis not only impacts quality of life but can also lead to dangerous complications. If caused by streptococcal bacteria, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to distant organs, causing inflammation in areas like joints or the pericardium.

To limit frequent pharyngitis recurrence, individuals should completely treat chronic sinusitis, reflux, and other underlying conditions. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and refrain from eating spicy or hot foods. It is important to keep the throat warm, drink sufficient water, and exercise to boost immunity. Wear a mask when outdoors or when in contact with sick individuals. Limit sharing cups and spoons, rinse the nose and throat daily with saline solution, and get flu and pneumococcal vaccinations as recommended.

Individuals experiencing prolonged recurrent pharyngitis should consult an ENT specialist to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. This helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic or masking other serious illnesses.

Uyen Trinh