Chronic pharyngitis is a sore throat lasting longer than 10 days or frequently returning. If you live with a chronic sore throat, you know how much the symptoms ruin your favorite meals or turn talking into an uncomfortable experience. Let’s take a look at five common causes of chronic throat pain and what you can do to minimize them.
1. Chronic Acid Reflux (GERD)
GERD is a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows into the esophagus, causing heartburn, nausea, backwash and, if the acid reaches your throat, a sore throat. While some people may be able to manage mild GERD with diet and lifestyle adjustments, others may need medication or surgery.
2. Smoking or Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can dry out and inflame the tissues in your throat. Over time, this can lead to chronic soreness and even more severe issues like laryngitis or throat cancer. To help prevent these side effects, stop smoking or ask others to avoid smoking around you.
3. The Common Cold
The common cold lasts between seven and 10 days. It can cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose and sore throat. If your coughing is severe, your sore throat may last longer than 10 days. While there is no cure for the common cold, running a small humidifier, using cough drops and grabbing plenty of popsicles from The Fresh Market can help minimize your symptoms.
4. Dry Air
Dry aid can dry out and irritate the tissues in your throat, leading to discomfort. This is especially common in winter, where extra time indoors can increase your exposure to dry air. Using a humidifier and staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms.
5. Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip refers to mucus dripping down the back of your throat from your sinuses, leading to a constant tickle, soreness or coughing. Usually, it is a symptom of conditions like sinus infections, the common cold or acid reflux, but it can persist if the underlying condition isn’t treated. Visiting an ENT specialist to identify and treat the underlying cause of your postnasal drip is the best way to get rid of the irritating symptom.
If you can’t shake your sore throat, or if other symptoms accompany it, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today for an appointment with one of our throat specialists.