A sore throat is one of the most annoying conditions that exist due to the constant discomfort that prevents us from speaking correctly, coughing, screaming, or singing, and that forces us to cover our neck with a scarf no matter what time of year we are. Although it is a temporary symptom usually associated with flu, colds, and infections, some people always have a sore throat, and it does not go away with anything.
When the sore throat is persistent and does not respond to any treatment, it is considered chronic, and it is a condition that should not be overlooked. Those who suffer from this condition cannot say goodbye to the discomfort when swallowing food and feel that their symptoms are worse in the morning than at the end of the day. What could be causing this symptomatology? We invite you to discover it in this FastlyHealarticle on chronic sore throat: symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of chronic sore throat
Chronic sore throat is not a disease; it is a symptom that can be caused by infections, viruses, or external factors that can irritate any part of the throat and cause pain. In general, this discomfort is associated with the following symptoms:
- Pain when swallowing
- Difficulty speaking in the same tone of voice as always.
- Hoarseness or hoarseness.
- Loss of voice
- Severe pain in the morning and milder at night.
- The pain can be constant or come and go for periods.
- Depending on its cause, chronic sore throat may be accompanied by no other symptoms.
Causes of chronic sore throat
Here are the possible causes of chronic sore throat.
Tobacco
Cigarettes are made with a series of chemical compounds such as tar that can be very harmful to the health of the throat. Smoking can seriously make the pharynx and throat sick, constantly irritating and inflaming it until tobacco use is stopped. Constant exposure to tobacco smoke is also harmful to the respiratory tract. The following article explains what happens in your body when you stop smoking.
Pollution
People living with chronic sore throats often live in highly polluted places, such as those living in industrial areas, and breathe in all the gases, chemicals, and substances released by factories. Inhaling polluted air or dust particles can cause respiratory illness, chronic sore throat, and irritation.
Weak immune system
There are periods when our health is not going through the best moment. We have a more defenseless immune system that cannot quickly get rid of any microorganism or bacteria that inhabit the body, which could cause chronic sore throat. Many factors can lead to low defenses, such as stress, smoking, poor diet, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Vocal cord tension?
Yes, this exists, and it occurs when people strain their vocal cords, which can cause a persistent sore throat if they are not offered the rest they require. This cause of chronic sore throat is most common in singing teachers, singers, theater artists, public speakers, and educators.
Allergy
The air and environment are full of microscopic organisms such as dust mites that can trigger a significant allergic condition that manifests through persistent sore throats. Pollen, mold, moisture, fibers, and animal dander can cause allergies and sore throats. People who are allergic to food and do not know it may have a chronic sore throat.
Bacterial or viral infections
Of these diseases, the most common is pharyngitis, a pathology caused by streptococcus bacteria and which, for its proper treatment, suggests the intake of antibiotics. In addition, the common cold and flu viruses can also cause this discomfort; however, once the condition heals, the sore throat disappears. Some people experience repetitive episodes of tonsillitis.
Breathe through the mouth
Those who suffer from sinusitis and maintain exclusively oral breathing often have a chronically irritated throat due to the excessive dryness generated by always having their mouth open. People who sleep with their mouths open are also more prone to a sore throat upon waking.
Cancer or tumors
As we mentioned earlier, heavy smoking for a long time can cause chronic throat irritation, leading to throat cancer. Constant irritation can lead to tumors.
Other causes of chronic sore throat are:
- Gastric reflux.
- Very dry rooms.
- Chronic infections
- Psychosomatic discomfort.
- Enlargement of the goiter or thyroid gland.
Treatment for chronic sore throat
In the presence of a sore throat for a long time, it is essential to go to the doctor to begin a thorough check-up to define what is causing said symptom and how it should be treated. The GP will likely refer the person to an otolaryngologist for a more in-depth look at the cavity of the larynx and pharynx with a mirror or fiberscope. The neck will also need to be palpated for lumps or enlargement of the thyroid gland. If throat cancer is suspected, a biopsy and x-ray will be necessary.
The treatment of chronic neck pain depends on its cause, and in cases of pollution or smoking, the solution will avoid or eliminate exposure to triggers of pain. For this reason, treatment may include: quitting smoking, moving, treating gastric reflux, and hormone therapy for thyroid hormone.
When repeated episodes of tonsillitis cause the pain, it is necessary to remove this part of the body so that the discomfort stops and the person recovers their quality of life.
Treatment for throat cancer will depend on the tumor’s location and the stage of the disease.
Tips to Relieve Chronic Sore Throat
- The use of a humidifier can be a great help in improving throat irritation.
- Make gargling with salt water can provide relief from sore throat and pain. To make them, mix a tablespoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds each until the mixture is finished.
- Try consuming throat lozenges that you can find in any pharmacy made with sedative ingredients that offer almost instant pain relief.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat hydrated and combat dryness. Soup, water, and fruit juices help treat chronic sore throats.
- The hot ginger tea, honey, and lemon can help soothe a sore throat due to the antibacterial effect of honey and ginger.
- Went to the doctor after a month with a constant sore throat. As harmless as this symptom may seem, it is essential to see a specialist when it appears without apparent cause.
Discover more natural treatments in the article Home remedies for a sore throat.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Chronic Sore Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, we recommend entering our Ear, Nose, and Throat category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.