Granular pharyngitis: what it is and how it differs from other types

In the conclusion after a throat examination it says "chronic pharyngitis", and next to it there is another word — granular, atrophic, hypertrophic or lateral. It sounds like a diagnosis from another life, although it is still the same pharynx, which has simply become inflamed not for the first time. Let's calmly sort out what these words mean and how the forms differ from each other.

What pharyngitis is and what forms it has

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissue of the pharynx. It can be acute, which develops immediately after exposure to an aggressive factor — infection, an irritating gas, food that is too hot or cold, overheating or chilling. And chronic, when the mucous membrane is irritated for a long time; chronic pharyngitis has phases of exacerbation and remission.

Most often pharyngitis is caused by viruses — adenoviruses, influenza; the second most common cause is microorganisms, less often fungi of the genus Candida and non-infectious irritants: hot, cold or polluted air, chemicals. Not infrequently, inflammation in the pharynx is maintained by a nearby focus — sinusitis, rhinitis, caries, as well as snoring or trauma to the pharynx. Most cases occur in the cold months and spread easily among close contacts.

Chronic pharyngitis and its symptoms

With chronic pharyngitis, the symptoms are milder than with acute: dryness or a scratchy sensation in the throat, often a dry and distressing cough, and an exacerbation resembles acute pharyngitis.

• Dryness or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Dry and distressing cough
• Phases of exacerbation and remission

The names of the forms describe what the mucous membrane looks like on examination. The doctor gives the name of the form based on the examination picture.

Other forms

The names of other forms — atrophic, hypertrophic, lateral — also reflect what the doctor sees when examining the pharynx. The exact form is determined by the doctor based on the examination picture, not on the description of sensations.

How pharyngitis is diagnosed

The doctor examines the throat — this is pharyngoscopy, during which redness of the mucous membrane is visible, and sometimes small ulcerations. If a bacterial cause is suspected, for example a streptococcal infection, a rapid test or throat swab is taken; streptococcal pharyngitis is not diagnosed by symptoms and examination. Other tests are prescribed depending on the suspected cause. Acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis are distinguished separately: with tonsillitis the inflammation is local in the palatine tonsils, with pharyngitis it is more diffuse.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if a sore throat does not go away within a week, if it occurs frequently, if there is a lump in the mouth or neck or a small ulcer that persists for more than three weeks. A separate reason is a high temperature, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, a rash, signs of dehydration. With weakened immunity, for example due to diabetes or chemotherapy, help is needed earlier.

A scratchy sensation by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if it is difficult to breathe or swallow, if the person cannot swallow saliva and it dribbles out, if a high-pitched whistling sound is heard on inhalation or the condition rapidly worsens.

The material is for reference: only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and distinguish the forms of pharyngitis on examination, so do not postpone the visit if the throat does not let up.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer