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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe symptoms of a chronic sore throat are similar to that of acute throat soreness. However, it\u2019s considered chronic if it lasts more than 10 days. Signs and symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Pain in your throat<\/li>
- Hoarseness<\/a><\/li>
- Difficulty swallowing<\/li>
- A tickling or scratchiness in your throat<\/li>
- A sensation of something stuck in your throat<\/li>
- Swollen glands in your neck<\/li>
- A tired or weak voice<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What Causes Sore Throat To Linger?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A chronic sore throat can have many different causes, and figuring out what is causing your symptoms is essential for treatment. In a study of 1580 patients with a chronic sore throat<\/a> (longer than 12 weeks) the most common causes were \u201cchronic tonsillopharyngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, submandibular sialadenitis, and laryngopharyngeal reflux disorder, respectively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s examine a few of these in greater detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tonsillitis<\/strong>: A condition where your tonsils become inflamed and infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD): <\/strong>Also known as acid reflux<\/a>, is when stomach acid gets up to your esophagus and causes symptoms like heartburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR):<\/strong> Similar to GERD, except stomach acid gets into the back of the throat, causing pain and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other causes of chronic sore throat include allergic reactions and environmental pollutants. In rare cases, a chronic sore throat can be a sign of throat cancer. It will often be accompanied by shortness of breath, lumps in your neck and bleeding in your mouth or nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treating a Chronic Sore Throat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to your treatment options, your first step is to visit your healthcare provider to determine the cause. Treatment options for different conditions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Antibiotics<\/li>
- Tonsil removal<\/li>
- Avoiding environmental pollutants<\/li>
- Taking allergy medication and avoiding your triggers<\/li>
- Making dietary changes or taking medications to reduce acid reflux<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Home Remedies for Throat Soreness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While not cures, you can help ease your throat discomfort with several at-home remedies, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Gargling warm salt water<\/li>
- Taking a tablespoon of honey or mixing it in with your favorite tea<\/li>
- Drinking lots of water<\/li>
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil that can be found at Sentry Drug<\/a> or other local pharmacies<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For more information on treating your chronic sore throat or to make an appointment with one of our specialists, call Red River ENT Associates<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n