We’ve all experienced the occasional sore throat due to an infection or something irritating in the air. However, if you have a chronic sore throat, you may be dealing with a condition that requires further medical treatment.
The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Sore Throat
Acute sore throats are commonly caused by either a viral infection or strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. They tend to improve over time with plenty of fluids, rest and, in the case of strep throat, antibiotics.
Chronic sore throats lasting longer than two weeks are usually not due to an infection. A common feature of a chronic sore throat is painful swallowing. Additional symptoms include:
- Scratchy or hot throat
- A raw feeling in the throat
- Burning sensation
- Pain that radiates to the ear
Common Causes of Chronic Sore Throat
Research has shown that some of the most common causes of a chronic sore throat include GERD, allergies and chronic tonsillitis.
- GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that causes stomach acid to regularly flow up into the esophagus. It can cause symptoms like heartburn, trouble swallowing, hoarseness and a chronic sore throat. Additionally, some people who experience acid reflux have stomach contents that reach the throat. This is called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and often causes throat pain as well.
- Allergies. People who have allergies have an immune response when they come into contact with their allergy triggers, like pollen or dust mites. This immune response causes symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and postnasal drip, which can irritate the throat.
- Chronic tonsillitis. Chronic tonsillitis is a case where an infection can cause a persistent sore throat. This usually occurs if you have an infection that is resistant to antibiotics or a weakened immune system. It is different than recurrent tonsillitis, which is when you have multiple infections over a year. In addition to throat pain, symptoms can include enlarged tonsils and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment Options
If you experience a sore throat lasting more than five to ten days or have symptoms like fever, severe pain or difficulty breathing or swallowing, contact your medical provider. If they determine that an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, they may refer you to an ENT or allergy specialist to help manage your condition and find the right treatments, such as acid-reducing medications for GERD or various allergy treatments.
By getting your chronic throat pain under control, it makes it easier to enjoy meals at home or dine out with friends at Café Desoto. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the experts at Red River ENT Associates today.
