Ulceration of the Pharynx.

Synonym.—Ulcerated Sore Throat.

Definition.—An indolent ulceration of the mucous membrane and deeper tissues of the pharynx.

Etiology.—This form of ulcerated sore throat occurs most frequently in persons of depraved constitutions, who are exposed to septic influences. It is secondary in syphilis and tuberculosis, both of which have been described under their respective diseases.

Follicular ulceration of the pharynx, as the name suggests, is a superficial ulceration of the follicles on the posterior walls of the pharynx, and appears as small, raised, yellowish sores.

Symptoms.—There is usually slight fever, loss of appetite, a coated tongue, bad breath, and painful deglutition. On inspection. we see small ulcerated patches on an inflamed base; quite often the neighboring tissue, the tonsils, are involved. The secretions are more or less arrested and the patient may feel quite sick, with great prostration, more so than the throat symptoms would warrant. This is nearly always associated with catarrhal pharyngitis.

Diagnosis.—There is scarcely any difficulty in recognising the disease. The small, elevated, superficial ulcer tells the story.

Prognosis.—This is always favorable.

Treatment.—The treatment is specific, and the cure completed in a few days:

Where there is smarting and burning in the throat.

A spray of a five per cent solution of pyrozone is very good in many of these cases.

The Eclectic Practice of Medicine, 1907, was written by Rolla L. Thomas, M. S., M. D.