Introduction
Chronic pharyngitis is a long-lasting or permanent inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. It is only referred to as chronic pharyngitis if it lasts more than 3 months. Chronic pharyngitis is characterized by a fluctuating symptomatology and presents itself quite differently.
Forms of chronic pharyngitis
Depending on the presentation, three main forms can be distinguished: A simple pharyngitis (pharyngitis simplex), in which the mucous membrane of the throat is not changed or is slightly inflamed. In hyperplastic pharyngitis (pharyngitis chronica hyperplastica) the pharyngeal mucosa is thickened. In atrophic pharyngitis (pharyngitis sicca) the mucosa is rather thin and shiny. Chronic pharyngitis is relatively common and usually occurs in middle age, with men being affected more often than women.
Causes of chronic pharyngitis
There are various causes that can trigger chronic pharyngitis. Depending on the cause, chronic pharyngitis is described differently. Pharyngitis chronica respiratoria, for example, is triggered by various environmental noxious agents.
These include, for example, obstructed nasal breathing, which causes the affected person to breathe through the mouth. This leads to the mucous membrane drying out more quickly and thus becoming inflamed. This form of chronic pharyngitis can also be triggered by dry, dusty air, cigarette smoke or other noxious substances such as radiation or environmental toxins.
Furthermore, it is possible to develop chronic pharyngitis with drugs such as cortisone sprays, antidepressants or neuroleptics. Past tonsillitis or chronic sinusitis can also be responsible for chronic pharyngitis. Another form of chronic pharyngitis is pharyngitis chronica digestiva, which is caused by alcohol or excessively hot or spicy food.
Pharyngitis chronica allergica is caused by allergic diseases. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism or gastrointestinal diseases are considered to be triggers of the so-called pharyngitis chronica metabolica. – Causes of sore throats
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If the thyroid gland becomes underactive (so-called hypothyroidism), the thyroid hormones in the blood are reduced.
These are not only important for growth, heart and cell differentiation but also for healthy hair, skin and mucous membranes. If too few thyroid hormones are produced, the mucous membrane can no longer regenerate sufficiently. This can lead to dryness, especially in the throat, which is constantly exposed to environmental noxae through respiration.
This can promote inflammation in the throat and, if underactive thyroid glands are not treated, can lead to chronic inflammation of the throat. If the stomach produces too much acid, this can lead to heartburn and acidic belching (so-called reflux) into the oesophagus up to the mucous membrane of the throat. As the mucous membrane of the throat is not designed to cope with the acidic pH of the stomach acid, it is attacked and becomes inflamed.
Especially if the reflux is strong and persists for a long time, a chronic pharyngitis can develop. Read more about reflux here. HIV is an immune deficiency caused by viruses.
Therefore it can, especially in the early stages, in addition to other symptoms such as fever, inflammation of the throat. Due to the immunodeficiency the body is generally more susceptible to infections by bacteria, fungi and viruses. This can also lead to recurring infections and pharyngitis, some of which can be chronic. However, chronic pharyngitis as a sign of an underlying HIV disease is very unspecific and therefore should not be seen as a sure sign of an infection with the HI virus.
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