What causes chronic sore throat?

It’s day 14 of you waking up only to get greeted by the same sore throat, and it’s clear all the cough drops and bed rest in the world aren’t going to get this to go away. But you can’t go about your daily business forever with an irritated throat keeping you down. So what can you do to alleviate this issue?

Well, that’s where we come in. It’s time to take a look at our guide on the recurrent sore throat, including what causes it and how to get rid of it for good!

So without further ado, let’s dive right into things! What causes chronic sore throat?

One of the major causes of persistent sore throat (also known as chronic pharyngitis) lies with allergies, which can crop up due to anything from high levels of dust to pollen in the air. Your body will trigger post-nasal drip to flush your sinuses, causing mucus to drip down your throat and irritate it. Sleeping with your mouth open (often caused due to issues breathing through the nose) will also dry out your throat, leading to frequent cases of a sore throat when you wake up.

A sore throat is also a symptom of common viral infections like a cold or the flu. Bacteria can also prove to be the culprit here, as infections like strep throat or sinusitis also result in chronic sore throats. If you notice you’re exhibiting additional symptoms in line with these conditions (like fatigue or sharp headaches), you’ll want to seek a doctor.

Those who suffer from acid reflux often have to deal with sore throats too, as the stomach acid irritates the throat when it surges back up. Unending sore throats can also come about from gonorrhea, mono, and (in rare cases) throat cancer.

How to cure recurrent sore throat

To get rid of a stubborn sore throat, make sure to use lozenges and drink lots of liquids to soothe your throat. Gargling warm salt water, as well as taking care to rest your voice, will also help provide relief

If these don’t work, you’ll want to visit a medical professional like these ear nose throat doctors. They can take a look at your symptoms and help determine the exact cause of the sore throat. They can then prescribe antibiotics or treatment options to give your sore throat the boot.

Prevention measures

Of course, one of the best ways to stop a sore throat is to make sure it never shows up in the first place. Placing a humidifier in the room where you sleep helps keep the air from getting too dry (which dries out your throat and makes it sore). Washing your hands and practicing care to get germs off your body helps lower your chance of incurring a cold or other diseases, which means a lower chance of getting a sore throat.