What are the granulations on the pharyngeal wall?

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From the Guidelines

Granulations on the pharyngeal wall are not directly addressed in the provided evidence, but based on general medical knowledge, they can be described as small, raised, reddish tissue formations that typically represent a response to chronic inflammation or infection. The provided evidence primarily focuses on acute otitis externa, its management, and related conditions such as necrotizing otitis externa and otomycosis 1. However, it does mention granulation tissue in the context of necrotizing otitis externa, which is classically seen on the floor of the canal and at the bony-cartilaginous junction 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • Granulations in the pharyngeal wall are not explicitly mentioned in the provided study, but they are generally associated with chronic inflammation or infection.
  • The study discusses granulation tissue in the context of necrotizing otitis externa, highlighting its presence in the external ear canal 1.
  • Treatment of granulations on the pharyngeal wall should focus on addressing the underlying cause, which may include conditions like chronic pharyngitis or acid reflux.
  • Symptomatic relief can be achieved with measures such as saline gargles, avoiding irritants, and potentially using medications like benzydamine hydrochloride spray or intranasal steroids.
  • Persistent granulations despite initial treatment warrant further evaluation by an ENT specialist to rule out more serious conditions.

Management Approach

  • Start with addressing the underlying cause of the granulations, whether it be chronic pharyngitis, post-nasal drip syndrome, or acid reflux.
  • Use saline gargles 3-4 times daily for symptomatic relief and avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods.
  • Consider benzydamine hydrochloride spray (e.g., Difflam) 3-4 times daily for 7-10 days to reduce inflammation.
  • For cases with significant post-nasal drip, add an intranasal steroid like fluticasone propionate (50mcg, 1-2 sprays per nostril daily) for 2-4 weeks.
  • If acid reflux is suspected, omeprazole 20mg once daily for 4-6 weeks may help alleviate symptoms.

From the Research

Granulations on the Pharyngeal Wall

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question. The provided studies do not mention granulations on the pharyngeal wall.

  • The studies focus on various topics such as chronic rhinosinusitis 2, 3, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) diagnosis and therapy 4, imminent peritonsillar abscess management 5, and common eye, ear, nose, and throat problems 6.
  • None of the studies provide information on the granulations on the pharyngeal wall, making it impossible to provide a detailed answer to the question.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Short-course oral steroids as an adjunct therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2016

Research

[Imminent peritonsillar abscess: when should a general practitioner refer?].

Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 2012

Research

Eye, ear, nose, and throat.

Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 1997

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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