Does the Oropharynx Include the Larynx?

The functions of the oropharynx include: 

• Digestive: the muscles in the oropharynx help push through chewed and swallowed food and drink into the esophagus on its way to the stomach
• Respiratory: inhaled air is warmed and moistened before it passes through to the lungs
  • The epiglottis at the end of the oropharynx helps stop air from entering the digestive system
• Speech: the muscles and other parts of the oropharynx help produce the sounds that make up speech

Problems with the oropharynx include: 

• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
  • Stricture, web or tumor, weakness or incoordination of the pharyngeal muscles
  • Poor opening of the upper esophageal sphincter
  • Pharyngeal diverticulum 
  • Weakness of the soft palate and pharynx 
  • Cancer
  • May be caused by neurologic problems such as stroke 
• Tongue disorders
  • Glossitis
  • Fissured tongue
  • Geographic tongue
  • Hairy tongue
  • Oral hairy leukoplakia
  • Lichen planus
  • Linea alba
  • Leukoplakia
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Papilloma
  • Burning tongue
• Problems with the tonsils
  • Recurrent acute pharyngitis
  • Recurrent acute strep throat infections 
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Tumors or cancer of the tonsils
  • Recurrent/large tonsil stones
  • Medical problems
  • Abnormal growths on the vocal cords
  • Muscle disorders affecting the voice box
  • Throat cancer

Treatment for problems of the oropharynx depends on the condition. 

Treatment for swallowing problems may include: 

• Treatment of the underlying disorder causing the problem
• Dietary modification
• Swallow therapy
• Dilatation
• Quitting smoking 
• Compensatory maneuvers
• Esophagectomy
• Changing medications that are causing the problem
  • Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor

Treatment for tongue disorders may include:

• Treating any underlying condition causing the problem
• Topical antifungals
• Topical steroids
• Gentle brushing or scraping of tongue 
• Antiviral medications
• Surgery 

Treatment for problems with the tonsils may include:

• No treatment needed if a sore throat is caused by a virus
  • Treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers 
  • Salt-water gargle
  • Throat sprays with topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine, phenol) 
  • Lozenges (cough drops) with topical anesthetics c (lozenges are not recommended for young children; they can be a choking hazard)  
  • Sipping warm beverages (e.g., tea, chicken soup), cold beverages, or eating cold or frozen desserts (e.g., ice cream, popsicles) 
• Strep throat is a bacterial infection treated with antibiotics
• Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils)