You may have experienced sore throat pain and the various symptoms that accompany it. Some of them include pain, itchiness, scratchiness, irritation, and hoarseness in the throat. What’s more, the uncomfortable sensation makes sore throat worse after swallowing something.
While it may be cold or common flu sometimes, sore throats usually resolve on their own with natural home remedies. However, it is vital not to ignore chronic sore throat and related symptoms. In such cases, you should consult an ENT specialist.
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ENT specialists have experience in dealing with ear, nose, throat issues, and other sinus conditions. More importantly, if you are suffering from a chronic sore throat condition, you should go to an ENT specialist instead of a general medicine practitioner or doctor.
What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Sore Throat?
Here are some of the symptoms that help you identify sore throat:
- Scratchiness
- Pain
- Swollen tonsils
- Inflammation in the nasal cavity
- Red tonsils or swollen salivary glands
- Pain when talking and/or swallowing
- Muffled voice
- Hoarseness when talking
What you should know is that a chronic sore throat might not even go away after treatment with mild natural home remedies and certain antibiotics. Hence, you need to visit an experienced ENT specialist.
What’s more, when the symptoms progress to a severe state (hoarseness, pain, swelling, etc.), other signs may start to exhibit in your body. These include:
- Fevers
- Runny nose
- Coughs
- Body aches
- Headaches and Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
What are the Common Causes of Sore Throat?
Smoking
Often, smokers are the frequent sufferers of sore throats and intense coughs that persist for a long time. A study suggests how coughs and nasal conditions are common among military personnel who are regular smokers.
Toxins from cigarettes enter the lungs and bloodstream, which weaken the immune system and lead to condition likes chronic sore throats.
Breathing from the Mouth
Breathing from the mouth can lead to a chronic sore throat. Moreover, it is common among people with sleep apnea or those suffering from nasal congestions.
Allergy
Allergens like specific plants, foods, pollen, dust, pet dander, etc., can trigger allergic reactions that cause inflammation and swellings. Normally, allergies lead to nasal congestions and sore throats that eventually cause painful scratchiness and coughs.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux (heartburn) refers to when the food travels back to the esophagus and causes sore throats. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter is unable to close properly.
Postnasal Drips
Excess mucus can sometimes drain into your sinuses and back of your throat when you have postnasal drips. Usually, they might occur due to eating spicy foods, hot foods, allergies, weather changes, or even certain medications.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a recurring condition in many children but can occur at any age. They may develop it due to viral, bacterial infections. Usually, tonsillitis goes away with prescription medications but might require an ENT specialist’s care to avoid chronic progression.
What Are The Treatments for Chronic Sore Throat?
Some of the intervention treatments for a sore throat might include:
- Steroidal medication in case of painful swelling
- Allergy shots, medicines, nasal sprays, and similar medicinal treatment for cases with seasonal allergies that lead to soreness in the throat
- Antibiotics to treat persisting and progressing infections, damaging the linings inside the throat
- Antacid medicines to help control acid reflux and sore throat
In severe cases where chronic sore throat does not resolve easily and requires precise medical care, you may have to get hospitalized and receive medical care. Often, abscesses require surgeries that trained ENTs can perform. They help to remove swollen and inflamed tonsils that are making it difficult for you to sleep and/or eat.
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When to See an ENT Specialist?
Once you start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and they do not go away with simple natural home remedies or antibiotics, consult an ENT specialist with adequate experience. Moreover, it is best to seek medical care even when you experience the slightest symptoms that you feel are getting worse gradually.
Early detection and prevention medicine can help in countering the symptoms of chronic diseases and treat acute health conditions.
Chronic Sore Throat: Conclusion
Are you struggling with chronic sore throat or any similar condition? You should consult Dr. Michael C. Burnett, D at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York. He specializes in ear, nose, throat, sinuses, head and neck care. Rest assured, Dr. Burnett has the expertise and knowledge to deal with your ENT related problem.
For further information, you can check out our official ENT practice website. Give us a call at 212-867-4813 to schedule an appointment today.
References & Related Links:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis#care-and-treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/persistent-sore-throat#treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ear-nose-throat/chronic-sore-throat/
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/ear-nose-and-throat/sore-throat
https://ada.com/conditions/chronic-pharyngitis/
https://www.healthline.com/health/persistent-sore-throat
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351640
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