Long time sore throat. Long-Term Sore Throat: When to Seek Medical Attention and Potential Causes
What are the common causes of persistent sore throat. When should you be concerned about a lingering sore throat. What tests are used to diagnose the cause of chronic throat pain. Which types of cancer may be associated with prolonged sore throat symptoms.
Common Causes of Sore Throat
A sore throat is a frequent complaint that most people experience from time to time. While often benign and short-lived, persistent throat pain can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. Understanding the typical causes can help determine when medical attention may be necessary.
The most common culprits behind sore throats include:
- Viral infections (colds, flu, COVID-19)
- Bacterial infections (strep throat)
- Allergies
- Environmental irritants
- Voice strain
- Acid reflux
Viral infections top the list as the primary cause of most sore throats. Adults typically experience 2-3 colds annually, while children tend to have even more frequent viral infections. The influenza virus and COVID-19 can also lead to throat discomfort, sometimes persisting for an extended period.
Are there other potential causes of throat irritation? Indeed, several other factors can contribute to throat pain:
- Mononucleosis
- Chicken pox
- Measles
- Croup
- Laryngitis
- Tonsillitis
- Epiglottitis
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sore Throat
While most sore throats resolve on their own within a few days, certain symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor. Dr. Beomjune Kim, Head and Neck Surgeon at CTCA Atlanta, advises, “The only time you have to be really worried is if it persists over several weeks, despite adequate treatment.”
When should you consult a healthcare professional about your sore throat? Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:
- A high fever (101°F or higher)
- Severe pain when swallowing that interferes with sleep
- Persistent symptoms despite treatment
- The appearance of a rash
- Intensifying pain
- Unusual bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
- Ear or jaw pain
- A persistent hoarse, raspy, or breathy voice
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Unexplained weight loss
Dr. Kim further emphasizes, “If it’s chronic, over three or four weeks, then you have to be worried. Difficulty breathing, coughing up or vomiting up blood are worrisome signs.”
Diagnostic Tests for Persistent Sore Throat
When a sore throat persists or presents with concerning symptoms, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause. What tests might your doctor use to determine the reason for your chronic throat pain?
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Throat swab
- Flexible endoscopic exam
- Biopsy
- Imaging studies
The initial step typically involves a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may also order blood tests and take a throat swab to rule out strep throat or other bacterial infections. These tests can also help determine if symptoms are due to viral infections like prolonged COVID-19.
In cases where a more serious condition is suspected, the physician might perform a flexible endoscopic exam. This procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached to the end, allowing for a clearer view of the throat’s interior.
Depending on the results of the endoscopic exam, a biopsy of the tonsil or a lymph node may be necessary. Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the tissue lining the throat, tongue, and larynx (voice box), potentially causing throat pain and other symptoms.
Additionally, the doctor might order imaging studies of the chest and abdomen to determine if cancer is present and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Cancers Associated with Chronic Sore Throat
While most cases of sore throat are not indicative of cancer, persistent symptoms may sometimes be associated with certain types of malignancies. Which cancers might manifest with prolonged throat discomfort?
- Throat cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Tonsil cancer
- Tongue cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Throat cancer, which includes cancers of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), can cause persistent sore throat as one of its symptoms. Tonsil cancer, a type of oropharyngeal cancer, may also present with chronic throat pain. Additionally, cancers of the tongue and thyroid gland can sometimes manifest with throat discomfort.
It’s crucial to note that having a persistent sore throat does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, if you experience prolonged symptoms or have risk factors such as smoking or heavy alcohol use, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
Risk Factors for Throat Cancer
Understanding the risk factors associated with throat cancer can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. What factors increase the likelihood of developing throat cancer?
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic acid reflux
- Exposure to certain chemicals or substances
- Family history of throat cancer
Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is a significant risk factor for throat cancer. The combination of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption further increases the risk. In recent years, HPV infection has been recognized as a growing cause of certain types of throat cancer, particularly those affecting the oropharynx.
Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of throat cancer? Indeed, making certain modifications can help lower your risk:
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Use protective equipment if exposed to harmful substances at work
Treatment Options for Chronic Sore Throat
The treatment for a persistent sore throat depends on its underlying cause. What are some common approaches to managing chronic throat discomfort?
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Saltwater gargles
- Throat lozenges
- Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
- Antiviral medications (for certain viral infections)
- Allergy medications
- Acid reflux treatments
- Voice therapy
For viral infections, which are the most common cause of sore throats, treatment typically focuses on symptom relief. This may include over-the-counter pain relievers, saltwater gargles, and throat lozenges. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest can also aid in recovery.
In cases of bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics may be prescribed. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve.
For chronic sore throats caused by allergies or acid reflux, addressing these underlying conditions can provide relief. This might involve allergy medications or lifestyle changes and medications to manage acid reflux.
In some cases, particularly for individuals who use their voice extensively for work, voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist may be beneficial.
Prevention Strategies for Recurring Sore Throats
While it’s not always possible to prevent sore throats, certain measures can help reduce their frequency and severity. How can you minimize your risk of developing recurrent throat pain?
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Avoid close contact with ill individuals
- Don’t share personal items like utensils or towels
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Stay hydrated
- Manage allergies effectively
- Practice proper vocal hygiene if you use your voice extensively
Good hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is crucial in preventing the spread of infections that can cause sore throats. Avoiding close contact with individuals who are ill and not sharing personal items can also help reduce your risk.
For those who smoke, quitting can significantly improve throat health and reduce the frequency of sore throats. Additionally, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is beneficial for everyone.
In dry environments, using a humidifier can help keep the throat moist and less prone to irritation. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also important for maintaining throat health.
If allergies contribute to your sore throats, working with an allergist to develop an effective management plan can help reduce the frequency of symptoms. For individuals who use their voice extensively for work or hobbies, practicing proper vocal hygiene, including adequate voice rest and avoiding shouting or whispering, can help prevent strain-related sore throats.
When to Consider a Specialist Referral
In some cases, persistent or recurrent sore throats may require evaluation by a specialist. When should you consider seeking care from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or otolaryngologist?
- Chronic sore throat lasting more than 4-6 weeks
- Recurrent episodes of strep throat or tonsillitis
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
- Unexplained lumps or swelling in the neck
- History of smoking or heavy alcohol use with throat symptoms
An ENT specialist can perform more detailed examinations of the throat and surrounding structures, potentially identifying issues that may not be apparent during a general physical exam. They can also provide specialized treatments and interventions when necessary.
For individuals with a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use who experience persistent throat symptoms, an evaluation by an ENT doctor is particularly important due to the increased risk of throat cancer in this population.
The Role of Imaging in Diagnosing Chronic Throat Issues
In some cases of persistent sore throat, imaging studies may be necessary to obtain a more comprehensive view of the throat and surrounding structures. What types of imaging techniques might be used in the diagnosis of chronic throat conditions?
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
X-rays can provide a basic view of the throat and neck area, potentially revealing issues such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. However, for more detailed imaging, CT scans or MRIs are often preferred.
CT scans offer detailed cross-sectional images of the throat and neck, allowing doctors to identify abnormalities in the soft tissues, lymph nodes, and surrounding structures. MRI scans, which use magnetic fields and radio waves, can provide even more detailed images of soft tissues, making them particularly useful in evaluating potential tumors or other soft tissue abnormalities.
In cases where cancer is suspected, a PET scan might be ordered. This imaging technique can help identify areas of increased metabolic activity, which can be indicative of cancerous growths.
It’s important to note that while imaging studies can provide valuable information, they are typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and are not necessary for all cases of sore throat. Your healthcare provider will determine which, if any, imaging studies are appropriate based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
The Impact of Chronic Sore Throat on Quality of Life
Persistent throat pain can significantly affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. How does chronic sore throat impact quality of life, and what strategies can help manage these effects?
Chronic sore throat can lead to:
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Sleep disturbances
- Voice changes affecting communication
- Reduced work or school productivity
- Social isolation
- Anxiety or depression related to ongoing symptoms
Managing the impact of chronic sore throat often requires a multifaceted approach. This may include:
- Working with healthcare providers to identify and treat the underlying cause
- Using pain management techniques, including both medicinal and non-medicinal approaches
- Adapting diet to include foods and drinks that are easier to swallow
- Employing stress reduction techniques to manage anxiety related to symptoms
- Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
- Considering counseling or therapy if symptoms are causing significant emotional distress
By addressing both the physical symptoms and the psychosocial impact of chronic sore throat, individuals can work towards improving their overall quality of life while managing their condition.
The Connection Between Sore Throat and Immune System Function
The relationship between sore throats and the immune system is complex and bidirectional. How does the immune system influence the occurrence of sore throats, and conversely, how might frequent sore throats impact immune function?
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against pathogens that can cause sore throats. A robust immune response can help prevent infections or reduce their severity and duration. However, in some cases, an overactive immune response can contribute to throat inflammation and discomfort.
Factors that can affect immune function and potentially increase susceptibility to sore throats include:
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of sleep
- Certain medical conditions
- Some medications
On the other hand, frequent or chronic sore throats may indicate an underlying issue with immune function. Recurrent infections could suggest a weakened immune system, which might require further investigation by a healthcare provider.
To support immune function and potentially reduce the frequency of sore throats, consider the following strategies:
- Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Get adequate sleep
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
- Stay hydrated
- Consider probiotics to support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and quit smoking
By focusing on overall health and immune support, individuals may be able to reduce their susceptibility to sore throats and other common infections. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience frequent or persistent sore throats, as this could indicate a need for more targeted medical intervention.
When to worry about sore throat
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A sore throat may get better in a day or two or linger for a while. The key is to know when this common symptom may require for a trip to the doctor.
Most everyone has had a sore throat at some point. Maybe it was caused by a virus, seasonal allergies or cheering on your favorite team. In most cases, a sore throat gets better in a day or two. Sometimes, it may linger for a while. The key is to know when this common symptom may require for a trip to the doctor, especially when it may be caused by a serious disease, including cancer.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- Common causes of a sore throat
- When you should consult a doctor
- Tests used to find the cause of a sore throat
- What cancers may be associated with a sore throat
If you’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer and would like to learn more about treatment options we offer, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Common causes for a sore throat
Viral infections are the primary reason for most sore throats. As the name implies, their most common cause is the common cold. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more of these uncomfortable, but benign viral infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenzais another frequent cause of a sore throat, and, like a cold, is a viral infection that usually clears up in about a week to 10 days. COVID-19, an unfortunately familiar virus these days, may also cause a sore throat, sometimes for a prolonged period.
Other possible causes of a sore throat include:
- Viral illnesses, such as mononucleosis, chicken pox, measles and croup
- Overuse of your voice
- Environmental factors like exposure to molds, bad air quality, pollution or chemical vapors
- Allergens like pollen that may cause nasal drainage
- Acid reflux
- Laryngitis, an inflammation of the voice box
- A persistent dry cough or hoarseness
- An irritated epiglottis, the flap of tissue at the base of the tongue
- Tonsillitis, or an inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the throat or tonsil stones, caused by food debris getting caught in the tonsil folds
- Strep throat and other bacterial infections like streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus)
Those with repeated bacterial throat infections like strep or tonsillitis may undergo a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils, which may reduce the frequency of the infections. (This is especially true for those who get more strep more than seven times in a year, according the Mayo Clinic.)
“Sore throat is very common,” says Beomjune Kim, DMD, MD, Head and Neck Surgeon at CTCA® Atlanta. “The only time you have to be really worried is if it persists over several weeks, despite adequate treatment.”
When should you be concerned and consult a doctor?
You should call your doctor if your sore throat:
- Is accompanied by a high fever (101 degrees or more)
- Persists despite treatment
- Is painful when swallowing to the point you can’t sleep
- If a rash appears
- If the pain intensifies
- Unusual bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
- Ear or jaw pain
- A persistent hoarse, raspy or breathy voice
- Swelling in the face or neck
- A sore in the mouth or throat, especially if you’re a smoker, use tobacco or frequently drink alcohol
- Unexplained weight loss
“If it’s chronic, over three or four weeks, then you have to be worried,” Dr. Kim says. “Difficulty breathing, coughing up or vomiting up blood are worrisome signs.”
Tests used to find the cause of your sore throat
To help find the cause of sore throat, the doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam and perhaps a blood test and swab the throat to rule out strep or a bacterial infection. The exam may also help to rule out symptoms due to other viral infections, like prolonged COVID-19.
If a more serious condition is suspected, the doctor may perform a flexible endoscopic exam, in which a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached to the end is inserted to see the inside of the throat more clearly. Depending on what this exam reveals, the doctor may order a biopsy of the tonsil or a lymph node.
Benign and malignant tumors may grow in the tissue that lines the throat, the tongue and the larynx (voice box). Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors or lesions may cause throat pain and other symptoms.
The physician may also order an imaging study of the chest and abdomen to help learn whether cancer is present and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Cancers that may be associated with a sore throat?
While a persistent sore throat is the most common early warning sign for throat cancer, many patients are asymptomatic in early stages of the disease.
Throat cancers are often discovered by a dentist or doctor treating another condition. Still, an ongoing sore throat accompanied by a cough, difficulty swallowing, swelling or a lump in the mouth, throat or neck and other persistent symptoms, may indicate throat cancer and require medical attention.
There are three main types of throat cancer:
Laryngeal cancer affects the tissues of the larynx or voice box and may include the vocal cords and the areas above and below them.
Pharyngeal cancers may affect the area behind the nose, the throat behind the mouth and the bottom part of the throat just above the larynx or the hypopharynx near the opening to the.
Oropharyngeal cancers are known as oral cavity cancers, and may affect the lips, inside of the cheeks, gums, the tongue and the hard palate or the roof of the mouth.
Most throat cancers, like 90 percent of all head and neck cancers, are squamous cell carcinoma, which forms in the thin, flat cells that line much of the throat. Cancers other than throat cancers may also cause a sore throat, cough, hoarseness, difficulty or pain when swallowing and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. These cancer types include:
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Oral cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
- Lymphoma
More than 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In fact, HPV is a more common risk factor for throat cancer than tobacco or alcohol use. The positive impact of the HPV vaccine in preventing throat cancers may not be seen for many years, says Dr. Kim, who urges those eligible to get the vaccine. The CDC recommends the vaccine for 11- to 26-year-olds, and, if recommended by a doctor, for patients up to age 45.
“I want to tell people to reduce their chance of developing cancer by avoiding smoking, chewing tobacco or excessive alcohol use and following safe sexual practices,” Dr. Kim said. “Prevention is the key.”
If you’ve been diagnosed with throat cancer and would like to learn more about treatment options we offer, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
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A persistent sore throat can occur with common conditions like allergies and postnasal drip. But you may also experience it if you have an infection or a serious health condition.
Sore throats can result in pain, a scratchy sensation, hoarseness, and burning when you swallow.
A persistent sore throat can recur multiple times, or it can be long term (chronic). A persistent sore throat can result from a variety of conditions, including a handful of potentially dangerous infections, so it’s important to pinpoint its cause as quickly as possible.
A number of conditions can trigger a persistent sore throat, including:
Allergies
When you have an allergy, your immune system is hyper-reactive to certain substances that are normally harmless. These substances are called allergens.
Common allergens include foods, certain plants, pet dander, dust, and pollen. You’re particularly susceptible to a persistent sore throat if you have allergies associated with things you breathe in (pollen, dust, synthetic fragrances, mold, and so forth).
The most frequent symptoms associated with these types of airborne allergies include:
- runny nose
- coughing
- sneezing
- itchy eyes
- watery eyes
The postnasal drip from a runny nose and inflamed sinuses is the most likely cause of a sore throat due to allergies.
Postnasal drip
When you have postnasal drip, excess mucus drains from your sinuses into the back of your throat. This can lead to a persistent raw, sore, or scratchy throat. Postnasal drip can be triggered by weather changes, some medicines, spicy foods, a deviated septum, allergies, dry air, and more.
Besides sore throat, some of the symptoms of postnasal drip include:
- no fever
- bad breath
- a sensation of needing to swallow or clear your throat all the time
- coughing that worsens at night
- nausea from the excess mucus in your stomach
Mouth breathing
If you breathe through your mouth chronically, particularly when you’re asleep, this can lead to a recurring sore throat. Most likely, you’ll experience it first thing in the morning when you wake up, and the soreness is likely to be relieved once you take a drink.
The symptoms of nighttime mouth breathing include:
- dry mouth
- scratchy or dry throat
- hoarseness
- fatigue and irritability upon waking
- bad breath
- dark circles under your eyes
- brain fog
Most of the time, mouth breathing is due to some kind of nasal obstruction that prevents you from breathing properly through your nose. This can include nasal congestion, sleep apnea, and enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has weakened and becomes unable to close tightly. Stomach contents then flow backward and up into the esophagus. Sometimes acid reflux can lead to a sore throat. If you’re having symptoms daily, it’s possible for them to cause persistent soreness.
Over time, the acid from your stomach can damage the lining of the esophagus and your throat.
Common symptoms of acid reflux include:
- sore throat
- heartburn
- regurgitation
- sour taste in your mouth
- burning and discomfort (upper middle stomach area)
- trouble swallowing
Tonsillitis
If you’re experiencing a prolonged sore throat and are unable to find relief, it’s possible you may have an infection like tonsillitis. Most often, tonsillitis is diagnosed in children, but people can get it at any age. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial infections or viruses.
Tonsillitis may recur (reappearing multiple times per year) and requires treatment with prescription antibiotics. Because there are multiple types of tonsillitis, symptoms are widely varied and can include:
- difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- a voice that sounds scratchy or hoarse
- a severe sore throat
- stiff neck
- jaw and neck tenderness due to swollen lymph nodes
- tonsils that appear red and swollen
- tonsils that have white or yellow spots
- bad breath
- fever
- chills
- headaches
Mono
Another cause of sore throat and tonsillitis, mononucleosis (or mono for short) results from an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While mono can last up to two months, in most cases it’s mild and can be resolved with minimal treatment. Mono feels like having the flu, and its symptoms include:
- sore throat
- swollen tonsils
- fever
- swollen glands (armpits and neck)
- headache
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- night sweats
It’s possible a person with mono might experience a persistent sore throat for the duration of the active infection.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. You might think of an STI as something that only affects your genitals, but a gonorrhea infection in the throat can occur from unprotected oral sex.
When gonorrhea affects the throat, it typically only results in a red and persistently sore throat.
Environmental pollution
If you live in an area like a large city, it’s possible you could have a persistent sore throat from smog, a conglomeration of airborne pollutants. Especially on hot days, it can be dangerous to breathe smog. In addition to an irritated, sore throat, breathing smog can cause:
- worsening of asthma symptoms
- coughing
- chest irritation
- difficulty breathing
- lung damage
Tonsil abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a serious bacterial infection in the tonsil that can cause a persistent, severe sore throat. It can occur when tonsillitis haven’t been properly treated. A pus-filled pocket forms near one of the tonsils when infection breaks out of the tonsil and spreads to the surrounding tissue.
You may be able to see the abscess at the back of your throat, but it’s possible that it could be hidden behind one of your tonsils. Symptoms are usually similar to those of tonsillitis, though more severe. They include:
- sore throat (usually worse on one side)
- tender, painful, swollen glands in the throat and jaw
- ear pain on the side of the sore throat
- infection in one or both tonsils
- difficulty opening the mouth fully
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty swallowing saliva (drooling)
- swelling of the face or neck
- difficulty turning the head from side to side
- difficulty tilting the head down (moving the chin to the chest)
- difficulty tilting the head up
- headache
- muffled voice
- fever or chills
- bad breath
Smoking
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause a scratchy or sore throat, along with worsened asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and more.
In mild cases, the exposure to toxins in cigarette smoke leads to the sore throat. But smoking is also a risk factor of throat cancer, which can result in throat pain as well.
If your sore throat lasts longer than two days, contact your doctor for an examination. Reasons for a sore throat are easily diagnosed, and most are easily treated. But see a doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately if you experience:
- severe pain that impairs eating, talking, or sleeping
- high fever over 101˚F (38˚C)
- intense, severe pain on one side of your throat, along with swollen glands
- trouble turning your head
If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
If you have a persistent sore throat that isn’t due to an infection, it’s possible to treat your symptoms at home. Here are some things to try to relieve symptoms of a sore throat:
- Suck on a lozenge or piece of hard candy. Here’s a selection to choose from.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat popsicles or chipped ice.
- Run a humidifier if the air in your house is dry. Purchase a humidifier online.
- Irrigate your nasal passages with a neti pot or bulb syringe. Shop for neti pots or bulb syringes.
- Give yourself a steam treatment (breathing steam from a bowl of hot water or in the shower).
- Sip warm broth or tea.
- Add honey and lemon to warm tea or water. Shop for honey.
- Sip juice with a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar. Find apple cider vinegar online.
- Take a pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Alleve). Purchase pain relievers here.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Limit exposure or remove allergens from your environment.
- Take over-the-counter allergy or cold medication. Shop for allergy medications or cold medications.
- Stop smoking.
In some cases, your doctor will need to intervene with treatment solutions to help you find relief:
- If your sore throat is due to acid reflux, your doctor might prescribe antacid medication to relieve your symptoms.
- Your doctor could prescribe a prescription allergy medicine, allergy shots, or nasal spray if seasonal allergies are causing your sore throat.
- For tonsillitis, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Your doctor might prescribe steroid medication to relieve the swelling and pain of an EBV infection if you have mono.
For more severe conditions like an advanced infection or peritonsillar abscess, you may have to be hospitalized to receive antibiotics through a vein (intravenously). In some cases, an abscessed tonsil requires surgery. Chronically swollen tonsils that impair breathing or sleeping may need to be surgically removed.
Most of the time, a persistent sore throat can go away on its own within a few days to a week, depending on its cause and treatment. Throat infection symptoms may persist for up to seven days, even with treatment. People with mono might experience a sore throat for up to two months.
If you require tonsillectomy surgery or surgery to treat an abscess, you should expect to experience some pain in your throat during the recovery period.
Read this article in Spanish.
Sore throat without fever: causes, treatment
05/29/2023
190 958
2 minutes
Author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.
Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.
Contents:
Causes
Diagnosis
How to treat a sore throat
Preventive measures
A sore throat can bother an adult several times a year 1 . Most often, it is one of the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) 2 and is usually accompanied by fever 3 . However, sore throat can occur without fever. When does this happen and what can be done to alleviate the condition?
Causes
Sore throat can be felt in different ways. For some, it is strong, “cold” or “cutting” 5 , others complain not so much about pain, but about tingling, dryness, itching, feeling of a “lump” in the throat 4 . All these complaints may be associated with infectious and non-infectious processes occurring in the body 5 . Let’s examine each reason in more detail.
Colds
Infectious and inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract are in the first place among the causes of sore throat 1 . The most common cause of the typical cold is rhinoviruses 9 . They account for 30-50% of ARVI cases. A rhinovirus infection usually occurs without fever, but causes sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough 9 .
Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis, or inflammation of the pharynx, in adults often occurs without fever 8 , and sore throat is mild and feels like itching or soreness 8 . The acute form can be associated with both viral and bacterial infection 11 , while exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, as a rule, provokes group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus or an association of several bacteria 11 .
Tonsillopharyngitis
The term “tonsillopharyngitis” is used to refer to combined inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (pharyngitis) and tonsils (tonsillitis) 6 . In 90% of cases, the causative agents of the disease are respiratory viruses 3 . In 5-15% of adults, the disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria (group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus), and even more rarely by fungi 3 .
With tonsillopharyngitis, the thermometer also does not always rise above the norm 6 . Even inflammation caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus sometimes proceeds without a significant increase in temperature 6 . But the pain in the throat can be severe, sharp, especially when swallowing 6 . If you examine the throat, you will notice that the inflamed tissues differ from the healthy ones in red color, often on the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx there is a plaque 6 .
Absence of fever should not be considered “mild disease” 6 . Even with unexpressed complaints, streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis can lead to the development of serious complications from the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and joints 10 .
If you start treatment in time and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations, complications in most cases can be avoided 5 .
Laryngitis
Acute sore throat without fever, dry “barking” 4 cough and hoarseness may be symptoms of a mild form of laryngitis, when the inflammatory process is limited to the mucous membrane of the larynx 7 . In this case, the body temperature sometimes remains normal 7 . Fever usually joins with the progression of the disease, for example, if the inflammation becomes purulent and captures the deeper layers of tissues 7 .
Laryngitis can occur with influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection, but sometimes it is associated with non-infectious causes 7 .
Non-infectious causes of sore throat without fever
Inflammation of the pharynx and larynx can be caused not only by infection, but also by other factors. So, the cause of sore throat without fever can be:
- laryngopharyngeal reflux — a disorder in which the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown into the pharynx and larynx 2 and cause inflammation 11 ;
- postnasal drip syndrome — runoff of inflammatory fluid along the pharyngeal wall in diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses 11.12 ;
- allergy – to cold, food, wool, mold, pollen 4 ;
- injuries – mechanical damage to the mucosa by foreign bodies 4.11 or irritation of the pharynx by chemicals (acids, alkalis, exhaust gases) when they are swallowed or inhaled 11.13 ;
- smoking – not only active but also passive 13 .
Sore throat without fever often occurs in violation of nasal breathing, forced breathing through the mouth and abuse of vasoconstrictor drops 13 . The latter are able to get from the nasal cavity into the pharynx and disrupt blood circulation in the mucous membrane 13 .
Inflammation of the pharynx, as well as its manifestation – sore throat – can become a chronic problem in people with diabetes, hypovitaminosis, as well as heart and kidney diseases 13 . Therefore, if you often have a sore throat, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.
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Diagnosis
Only a doctor can determine the cause of a sore throat. First you need to visit a therapist. Having compared the examination data with the patient’s complaints, after conducting additional studies, the doctor will either immediately prescribe treatment or refer him for a consultation to another specialist.
In case of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses, lesions of the tonsils, other structures of the pharynx and larynx, the help of an ENT doctor is needed.
Since the problem can be caused by non-infectious processes, sometimes consultation with a gastroenterologist, allergist, dentist, neurologist, psychotherapist, endocrinologist is required. It is important not to hesitate to visit a doctor in order to detect the cause of complaints as soon as possible and begin the necessary treatment.
How to treat a sore throat
Treatment of sore throat with or without fever is based on the cause of the disease 5 . So, with infectious and inflammatory processes in the throat, it is necessary to fight the causative agents of the infection – bacteria, viruses and fungi. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal drugs 5 .
Sore throat caused by viruses requires symptomatic treatment – the use of drugs to relieve unpleasant symptoms 5 . Local treatment allows you to act directly on the focus of inflammation, creating a concentration of active substances in it 5 , and the onset of action is reduced 5 .
For local treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx, antiseptics are intended that act on viruses, bacteria and fungi, such as HEXORAL ® .
HEXORAL ® Spray approved for use by adults and children over 3 years of age 15 . As an active ingredient, it contains hexetidine 15 , which is active against influenza A viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) and herpes simplex virus type 1, affecting the respiratory tract 15 , destroying up to 99% of viruses causing SARS 14 . The drug also fights bacteria and fungi 15 and helps to relieve sore throat from the first application.
HEXORAL ® solution is indicated for adults and children from 3 years of age. It contains hexetidine and essential oils of anise, eucalyptus, cloves and peppermint. The solution can be used for classic throat gargling 16 . It does not need to be diluted in a glass, it is completely ready for use and therefore convenient to use.
HEXORAL ® TABS are approved for use in adults and children over 4 years of age 18 . The lozenges have a mint flavor and give a slight “chill” sensation in the throat 18 . The antiseptic chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, which is part of the preparation, helps fight infection, and the anesthetic benzocaine helps to reduce sore throat 18 .
HEXORAL ® TABS CLASSIC are suitable for adults and children over 6 years of age. The line includes lozenges with orange, lemon, honey-lemon and blackcurrant flavors. The preparation contains a combination of antiseptics (amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol) acting on bacteria and fungi, as well as essential oils 17 .
HEXORAL ® TABS EXTRA is intended for adults and children from 12 years of age. In addition to antiseptics, the drug contains the anesthetic lidocaine 19 and has a dual effect – it fights infection and helps fight even severe sore throats 19 .
Preventive measures
To prevent a sore throat, it is necessary to eliminate, if possible, factors that can cause diseases of the pharynx:
- give up cigarettes and alcohol 7 ;
- avoid drinks that are too hot or too cold 7 ;
- avoid hypothermia and avoid contact with irritants 10 ;
- treat diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses 7.10 ;
- do not abuse the use of vasoconstrictor drops 13 .
Sore throat without fever is not just an unpleasant symptom. Even if it occurs against the background of a cold, do not expect everything to go away on its own. Pay attention to the signals of your body, consult a doctor to find out the cause of unpleasant symptoms and get the necessary medical attention.
The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.
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Literature
- Angotoeva IB, Mushyan IA Sore throat and its causes. Russian otorhinolaryngology. 2019;18(3):17–21. https://entru.org/2019-3-17-21.html
- Angotoeva I. B. Differential diagnosis of sore throat // Medical Council / No. 15. – 2014. – S. 42-46.
- Orlova NV, Suranova TG Acute respiratory diseases: features of the course, drug therapy // Medical Council. – No. 15. – 2018. – S. 82-88.
- Zakharova I. N., Korovina N. A., Ovsyannikova E. M. Sore throat // Medical Council /№2. – 2013. – S. 70-76.
- Maltseva G.S. A differentiated approach to the treatment of sore throat. Consilium Medicum. 2019; 21(11):20–23.
DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2019.11.190602 - Differential diagnosis and treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis //Clinical guidelines / Moscow – 2014
- Acute laryngitis // Clinical guidelines // 2016
- Blotsky A. A. Inflammatory diseases of the pharynx // Methodological guide / ASMA: Blagoveshchensk -2015
- Zaitsev A. A. Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections: rational symptomatic therapy // Medical business No. 3.2016. pp. 21-28.
- Chronic tonsillitis / S. A. Artyushkin, N. V. Eremina, S. V. Ryazantsev, O. V. Karneeva; ed. Professor S. V. Ryazantsev. – St. Petersburg: Poliforum Group, 2019. – 40 p.
- Gostry A. V., Simonova A. V., Mikhailova N. A. et al. Chronic pharyngitis: etiology, pathogenesis, treatment. New approaches to the assessment of etiopathogenesis. Archive of internal medicine. 2019; 9(1): 32-43. DOI: 10.20514/2226-6704-2019-9-1-32-43
- Dolinina L. Yu. Correction of postnasal drip syndrome in the context of bioregulatory medicine. Consilium Medicum.
2018; 20(3):77–79. DOI: 10.26442/2075-1753_20.3.77-79 - Kosyakov S. Ya., Angotoeva I. B., Isamov A. N. Non-infectious causes of chronic pharyngitis // Medical Council / No. 20. – 2018. – P.112-115.
- Deryabin PG et al. “Study of the antiviral properties of the Hexoral drug in laboratory conditions against a number of viruses that cause acute respiratory infections and herpes”; Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2015
- Instructions for use of the preparation GEXORAL ® aerosol // Reg. number P N014010/01 // GRLS RF. – URL: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=980b7903-c155-4f49-940e-13992cd80908&t= (accessed 10.08.2010).
- Instructions for use of the drug HEXORAL ® solution // Reg. No. P N014010/02 // GRLS RF. – URL: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=939cf04e-e4e1-4815-b127-fb296887c6c6&t= (accessed 06.08.2010).
- Instructions for use of the drug GEXORAL ® TABS CLASSIC // Reg. number P N015976/01 // GRLS RF. – URL: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=4057b348-d307-4b79-ab3b-f5121b2a29e9&t= (accessed 12.08.2009).
- Instructions for use of the drug GEXORAL ® TABS // Reg. number LSR-002626/07 // GRLS RF. – URL: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=bd6764d4-d777-4d06-a330-9e294da5f41d&t= (accessed 14.03.2008).
- Instructions for use of the drug GEXORAL ® TABS EXTRA // Reg. number LSR-004122/09 // GRLS RF. – URL: https://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/GRLS.aspx?RegNumber=%d0%9b%d0%a1%d0%a0-004122%2f09&MnnR=&lf=&TradeNmR=&OwnerName=&MnfOrg=&MnfOrgCountry=&isfs=0&isND= -1®type=1&pageSize=10&order=RegDate&orderType=desc&pageNum=1 (accessed 05/26/2009)
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Sore throat at night: causes and treatment
Sore throat at night can interfere with your sleep without giving you a proper rest. Fortunately, in most cases it does not require treatment and goes away on its own in about a week. There are many ways to help you reduce discomfort during this period in order to get a good night’s sleep.
Causes of sore throat at night
According to experts , most cases of sore throat are associated with bacterial and viral infections. Nighttime sore throats can also be caused by allergies, dry or polluted air in the bedroom, or smoking.
In some cases, sore throat at night is caused by infection with bacteria from the group of pyogenic streptococci, which cause streptococcal pharyngitis. In addition to a sore throat, symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis include redness and swelling tonsils , small red spots in the back of the mouth, fever, nausea, vomiting, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, headache, body aches and rash. In adults, sore throat at night is associated with pharyngitis in only 5-15% of cases, while in children this figure is 20-30 percent.
Otolaryngologists name some other causes of nocturnal sore throat:
- Acid reflux, in which the contents of the stomach are thrown into the larynx, causing pain and irritation.
- Mononucleosis is a viral disease that affects many human organs.
- Tension of the muscles of the larynx.
- Tonsilloliths, or tonsil stones, that is, pieces of mineralized matter that accumulate in the caverns of the tonsils and cause tissue inflammation and discomfort.
Home Treatment
If you suffer from sore throats at night, pay attention to the quality of the air in your bedroom. For relief of symptoms Doctors recommend using a humidifier. Also try increasing your fluid intake by drinking warm tea with honey and gargling with salted water. To prepare the rinse, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of salt in half a glass of warm water. Perform the procedure several times a day until the symptoms disappear.
When to Seek Medical Care
Although a sore throat often resolves on its own, in some cases it can be a symptom of a more serious condition.