1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Pharyngitis

by Edmund Owen

PHARYNGITIS. The pharynx, or upper portion of the gullet (seen to a large extent on looking at the back of the mouth) is frequently the seat of a chronic inflammatory condition, usually associated with derangements of the digestive organs, or with syphilis or gout; sometimes it is due to much speaking or to excessive tobacco-smoking—especially of cigarettes. On inspection, the inflamed mucous membrane is seen unduly red and glazed, and dotted over with enlarged follicles. The condition produces considerable irritation and “dryness,” with cough and discomfort, which may eventually become chronic. Treatment consists in removing all sources of irritation, in rectifying gastric disturbance, and in the application of the electric cautery, of astringent lotions or of mild caustic solutions. The pain may be relieved by spraying with certain anodyne solutions. In the case of adenoid growths (see Adenoids) there is often an associated granular appearance of the pharynx, due to enlargement of the minute glands of the mucous membrane. The inflamed pharynx of the orator (“clergyman's sore-throat”) may be put right by lessons in elocution or by complete rest for a time. The gouty throat may call for a change of diet, or for a stay at one of the watering-places where early rising, moderate food, regular exercise and the drinking of laxative waters join in restoring health. (E. O.*)