Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.
Contact a doctor if your sore throat is severe, doesn't feel better after a few days, or is accompanied by a high fever or swollen glands. These symptoms could be signs of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”
If your sore throat persists for more than a week, you should contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. There may be an underlying condition that requires medication.
A sore throat is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three months. Typical factors that can cause a long-lasting sore throat include allergies, acid reflux, environmental irritants, dry air and strained vocal cords. Occasionally a more serious condition, such as a tumor or HIV, can cause a sore throat.
You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, gets worse or you develop symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes.
Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae.
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.
A sore throat that lasts for a long time is called chronic pharyngitis. It occurs when a respiratory, sinus, or mouth infection spreads to the throat. Sore throats can also be caused by: Hay fever.
Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat. Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds. General anesthesia during surgery can also cause a sore throat.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.
Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.
A Sore Throat might mean that a person is suffering from Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Herpes, or Chlamydia. Almost all of these infections lead to developing throat infections after engaging in Oral sex. Most people take sore throats very lightly, which is exactly the opposite of what you should do.
A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.
Any condition that irritates the esophagus will most likely cause painful swallowing. The esophagus carries food and liquid from your mouth to the stomach. Unfortunately, you can experience inflammation in the esophagus due to allergic reactions, acid reflux, infections, or medications.
Sore throat symptoms that need medical attention
Viral sore throats typically show signs of improvement within five days. But if your symptoms don't improve or you have a fever of 101 or higher that lasts for a few days, it may be time to see your primary care physician.
A. Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms typically resolve within one to three days following the start of antibiotics.
A pharmacist can help with sore throats
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as: paracetamol or ibuprofen. medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine.
Getting enough sleep gives your body time to rest, recover and fight off whatever is causing your sore throat.
At-home tests allow strep throat to be diagnosed via telemedicine. This means you don't have to go to the doctor's office or take a sick child there, which may put others at risk. Adults who have a negative test can generally take no further action. Even if you do have strep, it is likely mild and self-limiting.
If you leave home when you're sick, you could get other people sick, too. Certain symptoms, like a fever, a sore throat; vomiting and diarrhea, or a contagious rash are good signs that you need to take a sick day.