Sore throats aren't fun, but everyone gets them now and then. Children and young adults, in particular, experience conditions like strep throat at a comparatively high rate. But what happens when you have prolonged throat irritation that won't go away?
From allergies to acid reflux, a persistent sore throat can have many causes. Like many conditions, understanding the root issue is key to relief.
This guide will walk you through chronic sore throat causes, when to seek care, and the treatments ENT specialists may recommend.
Common Causes of Common Sore Throat
Viral and bacterial infections like the common cold and strep throat are often why your throat may hurt. These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms, like a runny nose, headaches, and sometimes fevers.
If you don't have a viral or bacterial infection, here are some other common sore throat causes.
Postnasal Drip or Allergies
If you're one of the 25% of Americans who suffer from allergies, postnasal drip may be the reason behind your sore throat. A condition where secretions from your nose drain into your throat, postnasal drip can lead to throat irritation, especially at night.
The remedy? A humidifier can often help, as can decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays.
Acid Reflux
A condition where stomach acid flows back up into your throat, acid reflux could be another reason why your throat hurts but not sick. When this happens, the harsh acid can harm the delicate lining of your throat, leading to soreness and inflammation.
Lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and elevating your head when you sleep can reduce the severity of acid reflux, as can over-the-counter medications like antacids.
Environmental Irritants
Do you live in the middle of a city, or perhaps just a dry region? If so, environmental irritants may be contributing to your sore throat.
Air pollution from car exhaust and industry can harm your throat and are some of the most common chronic sore throat causes. Likewise, dry or even cold air can eliminate moisture from your throat, making it more susceptible to irritation and exacerbating any existing conditions.
Hydration, air purifiers, and humidifiers can all help reduce the impact of environmental irritants.
Vocal Strain or Overuse
If you're someone who regularly uses your voice for work, vocal strain or overuse may be contributing to your throat issues. This is especially common among teachers, singers, and public speakers.
Vocal rest, hydration, and proper breathing can help reduce the strain on your vocal cords. If you rely heavily on your voice, an ENT doctor may also recommend voice therapy.
Smoking or Vaping
Just about any doctor will tell you that if you smoke or vape, you should quit, as the myriad health impacts are well established. Both smoking and vaping can inflame your throat lining and lead to discomfort, even if you don't have other signs of illness.
Discomfort aside, quitting or cutting back on smoking is also imperative because more serious conditions can develop. If your symptoms persist, consult with a specialist to rule out cancer and other illnesses as soon as possible.
Chronic Infection or Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is a short-term infection that usually lasts for a couple of days, or at most, a few weeks. A chronic infection, however, can last for several weeks, and is often accompanied by bad breath and swollen lymph nodes. Besides strep throat, other viral or bacterial infections can be present and may require a treatment plan from a medical professional.
Depending on your condition, an ENT doctor may prescribe anything from pain relievers and antibiotics to a tonsillectomy, in more severe cases.
Why Your Throat Hurts But You're Not Sick
In cases where your throat hurts but not sick, the issue is often chronic or environmental. As mentioned, allergies, acid reflux, and even speaking too loudly or often can all inflame your throat without any underlying viral or bacterial infection. These types of irritations don't usually cause fevers, fatigue, or body aches, which is why you may otherwise feel fine.
If you're recovering from a recent illness, it's also possible that the inflammation hasn't fully dissipated. Or, you may be experiencing silent reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into your throat without the classic heartburn symptoms.
When persistent discomfort doesn't go away and there's no clear illness behind it, it's worth seeing a specialist to rule out chronic or structural issues.
When to See an ENT for Prolonged Throat Irritation
A mild sore throat here and there isn't usually a cause for concern. However, if your throat irritation lasts for weeks or keeps coming back, it's time to consider a more thorough evaluation.
Here are some signs it's time to see an ENT:
- You've had an irritated throat for weeks
- Pain worsens at night
- Your voice is consistently hoarse or weak
- Over-the-counter treatments haven't helped
- You have a history of smoking or exposure to environmental irritants
An ENT doctor will use tools to examine your throat, vocal cords, and sinuses. Seeing one sooner rather than later may help avoid more serious complications later on.
How ENT of South Georgia Can Help
If you have a sore throat that won't go away, don't try to diagnose and remedy the issue on your own. A qualified medical professional can identify exactly what's going on and recommend a tailored treatment plan to help you recover.
At ENT of Georgia South, our team specializes in diagnosing and resolving stubborn throat issues. Schedule an appointment with us today to begin your path to relief.