ABSTRACT
Inflammation of the pharynx is extremely common but usually affects the oropharynx and the tonsils. The laryngopharynx is doubtless involved in many cases of acute upper-respiratory infection, but specific symptoms from this are not a prominent part of the usual clinical picture. Chronic pharyngitis, however, affects the laryngopharynx more commonly. Chronic inflammation in this area usually results from smoking, drinking spirits and other forms of abuse of the upper air and food passage, including excessive voice use, the consumption of extremely hot and spicy dishes and the habit of drinking extremely hot liquids. The symptoms are those of general soreness and discomfort; treatment is usually based on avoidance of irritants.
