What Is Chronic Throat Pain and How Can I Manage It?

Posted on by South Valley Ear Nose & Throat - West Jordan

Chronic throat pain, or chronic pharyngitis, is a sore throat lasting longer than 10 days. Sore throats that go away before 10 days but frequently recur are also considered chronic. If you’ve been battling persistent throat pain, take a look at our list of common causes and a few ways you can find relief.

Common Causes of Chronic Throat Pain

Woman drinking tea holding her sore throat.

Six common causes of chronic throat pain include:

  1. Mouth breathing. Breathing through your mouth, especially while you sleep, can dry out your throat and lead to soreness. Use a humidifier at night and practice breathing through your nose to help prevent dryness.
  2. Smoking or secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoke dries out and irritates the throat, which can lead to chronic soreness and more serious issues like cancer. Quit smoking to prevent further damage.
  3. Dry air. Dry air can dehydrate the tissue in your throat, causing irritation. Using a humidifier and drinking plenty of water can help.
  4. Acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, causing heartburn and throat discomfort. For occasional acid reflux, diet changes and antacids can help manage symptoms. For chronic acid reflux, you should seek help from an ENT specialist.
  5. The common cold. A sore throat can be a symptom of the common cold. Colds usually go away on their own in seven to 10 days. If your throat pain lasts longer, consult an ENT specialist.
  6. Postnasal drip. Mucus dripping from your sinuses down the back of your throat can cause discomfort and coughing. Treating the underlying condition, like a sinus infection, can help clear the drip and the associated throat pain.

How Can I Find Relief From Throat Pain?

At-home remedies like running a humidifier, sucking on cough drops, using throat sprays and staying hydrated with plenty of water and Roxberry juices can help ease throat pain. However, you should make an ENT appointment for persistent throat pain lasting longer than 10 days. One of our specialists can identify the underlying cause of your pain and set you on the treatment path toward relief. Contact South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan today to make your appointment.