Sore throat not healing. Persistent Sore Throat: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

03.07.202326.06.2023 by alexxlab

Why does your sore throat keep coming back. What are the common causes of a chronic sore throat. How can you treat a persistent sore throat at home. When should you see a doctor for a sore throat that won’t go away.

Содержание

Understanding Chronic Sore Throat: More Than Just a Nuisance

A persistent sore throat can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. While most sore throats resolve within a week, some individuals find themselves battling recurring throat discomfort for extended periods. This chronic condition can significantly impact daily life and may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.

To better understand this common yet often misunderstood problem, let’s explore the various factors that can contribute to a sore throat that won’t go away.

Common Culprits Behind Persistent Sore Throats

Several conditions can lead to a chronic sore throat. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons why your sore throat might be sticking around:

Allergies and Postnasal Drip

Environmental allergies can trigger inflammation in the throat and cause persistent discomfort. Allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain foods can lead to postnasal drip, where excess mucus drains from the sinuses into the back of the throat. This constant irritation can result in a chronic sore throat.

Can allergies cause a sore throat that lasts for weeks? Yes, untreated allergies can lead to ongoing throat irritation, especially during high pollen seasons or in environments with persistent allergens.

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux are common causes of persistent sore throats. When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can irritate the throat tissues, leading to chronic soreness and discomfort.

Does acid reflux always cause heartburn? Not necessarily. Some individuals with GERD may experience a sore throat as their primary symptom, without the typical burning sensation in the chest.

Tonsillitis and Its Complications

Recurring or chronic tonsillitis can lead to persistent throat pain. In severe cases, a peritonsillar abscess may develop, causing intense pain and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, tonsillitis can become a recurring issue, contributing to long-term throat discomfort.

Recognizing the Signs: When Is It More Than Just a Sore Throat?

While a sore throat is often a minor concern, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Be on the lookout for these red flags:

Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
Persistent fever lasting more than three days
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
White or yellow spots on the tonsils
Voice changes or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
Unexplained weight loss

Is a sore throat that lasts for months normal? No, a sore throat persisting for several months is not typical and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions.

Home Remedies and Prevention Strategies for Chronic Sore Throats

While medical treatment may be necessary for persistent sore throats, there are several steps you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and warm liquids
Gargle with warm salt water several times a day
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry environments
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections
Manage allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays
Elevate the head of your bed if acid reflux is a concern

Can lifestyle changes help prevent chronic sore throats? Absolutely. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of recurring throat issues.

The Role of Diet in Managing Persistent Throat Discomfort

Your diet can play a significant role in either exacerbating or alleviating chronic sore throat symptoms. Consider these dietary tips:

Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that can irritate the throat
Incorporate soothing foods like honey, warm broths, and herbal teas
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate and irritate the throat
Eat smaller, more frequent meals if acid reflux is a concern
Consider eliminating common allergens like dairy or gluten if you suspect a food allergy

Are there specific foods that can help soothe a sore throat? Yes, foods rich in vitamins C and E, as well as those with anti-inflammatory properties like ginger and turmeric, may help reduce throat irritation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Persistent Sore Throat

While many sore throats can be managed at home, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

Your sore throat persists for more than two weeks
You experience severe pain or difficulty swallowing
You have a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C) that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
You notice blood in your saliva or phlegm
You have unexplained fatigue or weight loss
You have a history of recurrent strep throat or tonsillitis

Should you go to urgent care for a persistent sore throat? If your symptoms are severe or accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, seeking urgent care is appropriate.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Sore Throats

When you visit a healthcare provider for a persistent sore throat, they may employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause:

Physical Examination

A thorough examination of your throat, ears, and nasal passages can provide valuable information about potential causes of your sore throat.

Throat Culture

A swab of your throat can be tested for the presence of bacterial infections, such as strep throat.

Blood Tests

Blood work may be ordered to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other systemic issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, X-rays or CT scans may be necessary to evaluate the structures of your throat and neck.

Endoscopy

For persistent cases, your doctor may recommend a laryngoscopy or esophagoscopy to visually examine your throat and upper digestive tract.

How long does it typically take to diagnose the cause of a chronic sore throat? The diagnostic process can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but initial assessments can often be completed within one or two visits to your healthcare provider.

Treatment Options for Persistent Sore Throats

Once the underlying cause of your chronic sore throat is identified, your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antiviral medications for viral infections
Allergy medications or immunotherapy for allergy-related sore throats
Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers for acid reflux-related symptoms
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in severe cases
Tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis or chronic throat infections

Is surgery always necessary for chronic tonsillitis? No, surgery is typically considered only after other treatment options have been exhausted or if there are frequent, severe infections impacting quality of life.

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care

Managing a chronic sore throat often requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

Regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition
Allergy testing and management plans
Dietary modifications to reduce acid reflux symptoms
Voice therapy or speech pathology consultations for related voice issues
Stress reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate some throat conditions

How often should you follow up with your doctor for a chronic sore throat? The frequency of follow-up visits will depend on the underlying cause and severity of your condition, but typically range from monthly to quarterly assessments.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Therapies

While conventional medical treatments are the primary approach for persistent sore throats, some individuals find relief through complementary therapies. These may include:

Acupuncture for pain relief and immune system support
Herbal remedies like slippery elm or licorice root
Essential oil treatments, such as tea tree or eucalyptus oils
Mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress-related throat tension

Can alternative therapies replace conventional medical treatment for chronic sore throats? While some alternative therapies may provide symptomatic relief, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional medical care.

A persistent sore throat can be more than just a minor inconvenience. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing warning signs, and seeking appropriate medical care, you can effectively manage this condition and improve your quality of life. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Why Won’t Your Sore Throat Go Away?: Physicians Medical Urgent Care: Urgent Care

We’ve all been there before. Having a persistent sore throat is both uncomfortable and a bit of a question mark. So what’s causing your sore throat and why won’t it go away? A persistent sore throat is categorized as a sore throat that recurs multiple times (chronic). It may be cause for concern if you’ve ruled out some common conditions.

At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead can provide medical treatment to determine the cause of your sore throat and recommend treatment.

What’s causing your sore throat?

When you’ve ruled out the common cold, you should explore a few other well-known conditions that may be the root cause of your sore throat.

Allergies

Allergens are all around us. They’re the substances that are often harmless and sometimes even invisible to the naked eye!

As the seasons change, you may experience a sore throat, runny nose, or red and itchy eyes. These are referred to as environmental allergies. Certain foods, plants, pet dander, dust, and pollen can also cause inflammation.

Postnasal drip often occurs as a result of allergies. Excess mucus drains from your sinuses into the back of your throat, causing a sore, sometimes scratchy throat.

Postnasal drip can also be triggered by medication, a deviated septum, allergies, dry air, dust pollen, and more.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common cause for a persistent sore throat. While some associate acid reflux with an uncomfortable stomach pain, some often feel a persistent soreness in their throat.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is unable to close tightly. Your stomach contents flow backward and up into the esophagus, leaving you feeling an uncomfortable, and sometimes sharp pain in your throat. If you experience acid reflux often, it may be causing your sore throat.

Tonsillitis

If you’ve had a sore throat for a long time and have trouble swallowing, it may be time to consider if your tonsils are to blame. Tonsils are the two soft tissues located on each side of the back of your throat. They are a defense mechanism to prevent your body from infection. When they become infected, it’s known as tonsillitis.

If you’re experiencing difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, a scratchy throat, stiff neck, red or swollen tonsils, or yellow and white spots on your tonsils, head to the doctor.

Severe tonsillitis is known as a peritonsillar abscess. It’s a serious problem that occurs if your tonsils haven’t been treated properly. A pus-filled pocket forms near one of the tonsils and spreads through your mouth.

Prevention at home

There are steps you can take at home to ensure your health is in order. Hydrate often, eat a well-balanced diet and practice exercise for 20-30 minutes per day. If tonsillitis is to blame, gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to reduce the chance of infection. Stay away from smoking. Smoking can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including persistent coughing and soreness in your throat.

A sore throat can be cause for concern if it persists over a long period of time. To prevent a more serious disease, book online and visit the doctors at Physicians Medical Urgent Care for convenient, and holistic care to determine what’s causing your sore throat.

I Always Have to Go to the Bathroom: Do I Have a UTI?

Do you feel like you always have to go to the bathroom? If you’re wondering if that’s a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), it might be. Read on as we explore the common signs of UTIs and what you can do about it.
Blog:

When to See a Doctor About Your Fever

Fevers cause headaches, sweating, chills, fatigue, and weakness, but they’re just a symptom of another condition. While most fevers aren’t anything to worry about, there are times when medical care for fevers is imperative. Read on to learn more.

How to Manage Your Long COVID Symptoms

Even after your initial COVID-19 infection, you may still experience symptoms weeks and months later. Known as long COVID, this condition isn’t uncommon, but it’s frustrating nonetheless. Read on to explore tips for managing long COVID.

6 Different Types of Drug Testing

Drug tests, whether you need it for work, sports, or legal purposes, screen for the presence of various drugs. The type of test you need depends on why you need a drug test. Read on to learn about six different types of drug testing.

How Annual Physicals Can Help Elongate Your Life

Annual physicals aren’t just another thing to check off your to-do list. They are a preventive service that help elongate your life. Continue reading and learn the five ways annual physical benefit you.

Common Myths and Facts About Vaccines

Vaccines can help prevent numerous infections, including measles, chicken pox, and tetanus, but unfortunately, there are many myths circulating about the topic of vaccines. Read on to debunk the myths and get the facts.

How Many Days is Too Many for a Sore Throat?

Allergies, Cold and Flu,Treatments,Infectious Disease

February 15, 2018

If you’ve ever had a sore throat, you know it’s no fun. It’s painful and it hurts even more when you swallow. And when it goes on longer than a week, it may be strep throat and it’s time to see a doctor.

Sore Throat or Strep Throat? Viral or Bacterial?

Sore throats come in two varieties: viral and bacterial. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, and usually goes away on its own. A sore throat, often accompanied by fever, headache, stomachache or rash, may indicate bacterial strep throat (streptococcal infection) and requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

How Do You Feel? And Why?

Viruses cause many sore throats in both adults and children. A runny nose, cough and hoarseness are usually viral infections. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections, but your doctor may suggest over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen and throat lozenges to alleviate the pain.

Common infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Sneezing
Body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting

When Is It Time to See A Doctor?

It’s time to see a doctor when certain symptoms occur.

In Children
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should take your child to a doctor if symptoms don’t go away with the first drink in the morning. Also, you should get immediate care if your child has severe signs such as difficulty breathing or swallowing or unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow.

In Adults
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, you should see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated conditions:

A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty opening your mouth
Joint pain
Earache
Rash
Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
Blood in saliva or phlegm
Frequently recurring sore throats
A lump in your neck
Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks

Make It Feel Better

For a sore throat, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other mild pain relievers may ease pain and fever. These should be used for the shortest time possible and label directions should be followed to avoid side effects. For children, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications designed for infants or children (Tylenol, Infant’s Feverall) or ibuprofen (Pediatric Advil, Motrin Infant) can ease symptoms.

For strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone. Failure to take all medication as directed can result in the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body. Not completing the full course of antibiotics to treat strep throat can increase a child’s risk of rheumatic fever or serious kidney inflammation.

Also important: Stay home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. You may need an EXTRA day to regain your strength!

How Not to Get a Sore Throat

Sore throat germs are spread through contact, so the best way to prevent a sore throat is to stay away from those germs and practice good hygiene. Teaching your children to do the same will keep those germs out of your house and away from your family. So, remember:

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilet, before eating and after sneezing or coughing.
Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and toss it in a receptacle that won’t come in contact with others. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to washing hands when soap and water aren’t available.
Avoid touching public phones or drinking fountains with your mouth.
Regularly clean telephones, TV remotes and computer keyboards with sanitizing cleanser. Also clean phones and remotes in your hotel room when you travel.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The Final Words for Sore Throats

A sore throat is one of the most common reasons for a sick day and a doctor’s visit. At the first sign of scratchiness, you wonder if it will linger or fade away in a few days. If it’s simply a symptom of the cold or flu, it will probably go away as your flu subsides. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to see a doctor. And the sooner you do, the sooner those antibiotics will have you saying, “Bye-bye, sore throat. You are out of here.”

Choose to Stay in Touch

Get health news, wellness tips, patient stories and more delivered to your inbox.

Mouth and throat ulcers in pediatric cancers

Mouth and throat ulcers are a common side effect of childhood cancer treatment. The medical name for this condition is oral mucositis.

What is oral mucositis?

The word “oral” refers to the mouth and throat. Mucositis is swelling of the mucous membrane (wet inner lining of some organs of the body). Mucositis can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, including the mouth, stomach, intestines, and anus. Often it leads to the formation of painful ulcers.

More than half of children with cancer have symptoms of mucositis. More than 75% of patients who have had a hematopoietic cell transplant (also called a bone marrow or stem cell transplant) are likely to experience this side effect. Many patients report that mucositis is one of the most annoying side effects of cancer treatment.

Mouth and throat ulcers are a cause for concern because they can:

Cause pain and discomfort
Difficulty eating and drinking
Increase the risk of infection
Lead to a change in treatment plan

This side effect is treatable but cannot be completely prevented. To cope with ulcers in the mouth and throat will help:

Prevention
Pain and discomfort relief
Treatment of infections
Nutritional support

Risk factors and causes

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of mouth and throat ulcers:

High-dose chemotherapy
Hematopoietic cell transplant (also called bone marrow or stem cell transplant) preceded by high-dose chemotherapy
Irradiation of the head and neck area
Neutropenia
Poor condition of teeth

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy work on rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, some normal cells, including those lining the mouth, pharynx, and digestive tract, also divide rapidly. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation can also damage these healthy cells.

Chemotherapy causes the death of rapidly growing cells. Energy centers of cells (mitochondria) trigger a chain of reactions that cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

When the cells die, the integrity of the oral mucosa is broken.

Signs and symptoms

The patient and family should report the following symptoms to the doctor or nurse:

Irritation or pain in the lips, mouth or throat
Difficulty swallowing
Increased discharge from the mouth (salivation) or throat
White plaque or sores in the mouth or throat
Bleeding gums
Body temperature above 38.0°C

Diagnosis

Ulcers in the mouth and throat are diagnosed:

Medical examination of the mouth and throat. The doctor will examine the skin of the lips, the mucous membrane behind the right and left cheeks, on the lower and lateral surfaces of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate and pharynx.
When the patient complains of pain and inability to eat and drink.

The doctor will rate the severity of mucositis (from 1 to 4) depending on the severity of the condition. The severity of the problem determines the tactics of treatment. Grades 3-4 are considered severe – the stronger the manifestations, the higher the likelihood of complications.

Ulcers and redness
Ulcerated but still able to eat
Bleeding ulceration, only liquid food remains
Tissue necrosis, significant haemorrhage, life-threatening consequences

Prophylaxis

In some cases, mouth and throat ulcers cannot be prevented. But patients can take certain steps to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Dental Exam – Your child should have a dental exam if possible before starting treatment. The dentist needs to know that your child has cancer. The examination will identify problems with the teeth that are subject to treatment or observation.
It may be necessary to remove braces or other corrective appliances in the mouth before starting treatment.
Daily Oral Care – Follow your doctor’s instructions, even if oral care is painful.
- Gently brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush. Brushing your teeth must be done with extreme care. This process can cause the gums to bleed, thereby allowing pathogenic bacteria to enter the bloodstream. If brushing is not possible, swabs or mouth sponges can be used.
- Use only mouthwash recommended by your doctor. Antibacterial mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine can eliminate bacteria from the mouth.
- If the patient has mouth ulcers, flossing may be contraindicated. Check with your doctor before flossing. It can damage tissue and cause bleeding and infection.
- At the beginning of a course of chemotherapy, a dietitian will likely recommend a “soft” diet to prevent oral microtrauma. In addition, soft foods are easier to chew and swallow. Patients are advised to avoid food with a rough texture, spicy or sour food. They may also consciously avoid very hot or cold foods.
Your healthcare team may recommend measures to prevent dry mouth. These include drinking plenty of water, using saliva substitutes or rinsing your mouth, and eating sugar-free hard candies and chewing gum.
Lip Care – Use your doctor’s recommended lip moisturizer.
Ice treatment – Slowing down ice packs before and during chemotherapy can slow the formation of mouth ulcers. This process is called cryotherapy. Cold reduces blood flow in the mouth.
Palifermin – The drug palifermin is sometimes recommended as a prophylaxis for patients who are about to undergo autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation.

The possibility of using photomodulation (low intensity laser therapy) as a method of prevention and treatment is currently being investigated. Light stimulates tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, swelling and relieves pain.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at relieving pain, controlling infections and providing adequate nutrition to the patient.

Pain relief

Pain relief may be local or systemic and depends on the patient’s symptoms.

Topical treatments include the following:

Rinse or “Magic Rinse”—Your doctor or nurse may recommend certain rinse solutions or “Magic Rinse”. There are many different types of “magic rinse”. Each pediatric medical center uses different ingredients. Typically, medications are included to help relieve pain, fight infections, and reduce swelling.
Topical Gels – Doctor-recommended gels may temporarily relieve discomfort.

Systemic treatments include various types of pain medications. Your doctor may recommend other methods of pain relief that do not require the use of drugs.

Nutritional Support

If the patient has difficulty eating and drinking, this can lead to dehydration and/or malnutrition.

In some cases, patients may require enteral tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Treatment of infections

Mouth and throat ulcers are a gateway for pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) to enter the patient’s body, which can lead to infection.

Treatment of the infection may include antibiotics, antivirals and/or antifungals. The treatment team may consult with an infectious disease physician to develop a treatment plan.

–
Modified January 2019