What are the typical symptoms in infants/infants?
Children suffer more often from pharyngitis than adults. This is partly due to the fact that in children the tonsils, the central organ of the immune system, are involved in the inflammation. In the case of an acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, the symptoms usually appear very suddenly.
Children typically suffer from severe sore throats. The throat feels dry and scratchy. Swallowing difficulties occur, especially pain during the swallowing process.
This leads to children refusing food. This can be an indication of an illness, especially in small children, who cannot express their symptoms in any other way. The mucous membrane of the throat is reddened and may be covered with pus.
The inflammation can be accompanied by coughing and rhinitis or even inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis). The lymph nodes in the jaw area are often palpably swollen. Children can develop fever and headaches as a result of pharyngitis. Sometimes children also suffer from unspecific disease symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain.
What are the typical symptoms of chronic pharyngitis?
The symptoms of chronic pharyngitis do not appear suddenly, but over a longer period of time. In some cases, the symptoms are less pronounced than in acute pharyngitis, but they are still distressing. People with chronic pharyngitis often describe a dry, scratchy feeling in the throat.
Those affected can get a lump feeling in the throat, which can develop into a pronounced foreign body sensation in the throat (globe syndrome). They often have the urge to clear their throat and typical irritable cough. This cough is often accompanied by the secretion of a viscous mucus.
Chronic pharyngitis can also cause difficulty swallowing and a choking sensation. Complaints in the throat and chesty cough can cause serious sleep problems. Chronic pharyngitis can be caused by certain triggers such as tobacco smoke, dry air or chemicals. It is therefore important to find the trigger of the symptoms and avoid them if possible. Further information about chronic pharyngitis can be found here: chronic pharyngitis
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