A sore throat usually subsides within a few days. If it persists, it may be a sign of a condition with more or less serious consequences. When and how should you take action? Here’s a quick overview of persistent sore throats. It is a relatively common symptom and common to many pathologies, such as tonsillitis (viral or bacterial), laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc. When it persists over time, it is good to consult a health professional, such as a Consultant ENT, who will be able to diagnose its cause and rule out any suspicion of cancer.
How long does a sore throat normally last?
Most sore throats are very uncomfortable and will usually clear up on their own within five to seven days. The pain is generally located in the pharynx, larynx, and/or tonsils. It can include discomfort, tingling, irritation, burning, or even a feeling of having razor blades at the back of the throat when swallowing. When it persists for more than a week, this sensation may indicate a more serious problem. However, we only talk about chronic sore throats when they have been present for several months. The pain may then be constant or sporadic over a more or less extended period.
What are the symptoms that generally accompany a sore throat in the long term?
The following signs may accompany a persistent and chronic sore throat:
- an increase in the volume of the lymph nodes in the neck
- painful swallowing and difficulty swallowing
- a red and inflamed throat
- discomfort in the throat
- a dry cough
- hoarseness
- a fever
What can cause recurring sore throats?
As stated above, a sore throat usually lasts a few days or even a week and is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergy, or irritation. When it persists over time, it can also be a sign of more serious health problems, such as chronic infections, allergies, acid reflux, or tumors. Let’s take stock.
Smoking, allergies, GERD, stress, Non-local causes
People exposed to tobacco, various pollutants, or suffering from allergies (pollens, dust mites, mold, animals, etc.) can commonly experience tingling in the throat in the event of regular exposure. Certain foods can also weaken the tissues in our throats. Spicy and hot foods can cause long-term sore throats, as can regular consumption of very hot drinks. Sore throats can also be psychosomatic: they have no physiological origin and are actually linked to stress and chronic anxiety. These cause involuntary contractions of the esophagus, which—over time—can cause pain. Hence the expression “lump in the throat.” And this phenomenon has a name: pharyngeal paresthesia. Finally, in some cases, poor posture or intense sporting activity can cause neck pain, which can cause pain when swallowing.
Local ENT irritations and conditions
Several ENT conditions can cause chronic sore throats, such as chronic caseous tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, chronic laryngitis, or recurrent tonsillitis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause a persistent sore throat, as acid reflux irritates the back of the throat.
Chronic sore throat: possible cancer?
In the worst-case scenario, a persistent sore throat can be a sign of throat cancer (pharyngeal cancer or laryngeal cancer), especially in smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol. If you experience localized and increasing pain, consult your doctor immediately!
Persistent sore throat: when to worry? How do you know if it’s serious?
Most sore throats are not serious and heal spontaneously within a few days. But as you can see, a persistent sore throat should prompt you to seek medical help quickly. For your comfort, but also for your health! Make an appointment:
- If this sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, vomiting, a rash, swelling of the neck, difficulty
- If the sore throat persists for more than a week and/or if the symptoms intensify;
- If you suffer from a chronic illness, acute rheumatism, or an immune deficiency, and your throat is painful despite your treatments.
- If you regularly suffer from severe sore throats;
- Breathing, or abnormal shortness of breath ;
Clarify the diagnosis
During the consultation, the ENT doctor will feel your neck before examining your pharynx and larynx using a mirror or a fiberscope. This allows him to measure the extent of the damage by detecting possible redness, a goiter, or a tumor in the neck. If he suspects cancer, he may order a biopsy and various medical imaging tests.
How to treat sore throats that last a long time?
The management of persistent sore throats obviously depends on the diagnosis made by the doctor. In any case, some common measures can help relieve the symptoms:
- Maintain good sleep hygiene and sleep in an unheated room, around 19°C;
- Limit exposure to irritants (pollution, tobacco, pollens, dust mites, etc.);
- Hydrate yourself sufficiently and use a humidifier if the air is too dry.
- Avoid drinking too hot and eating too spicy ;
Take charge of each pathology
Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol is almost always recommended, but each cause has its own specific treatment:
- Taking painkillers and mouthwashes in cases of chronic pharyngitis or laryngitis;
- Taking antacids and following hygiene and dietary measures for GERD;
- Tonsil removal as a last resort for chronic caseous tonsillitis;
- Antibiotic treatment in case of recurrent bacterial tonsillitis;
- Avoidance and taking antihistamines in case of allergies;
As for the treatment of throat cancer, it depends on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumor (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.).
What natural solutions are there for chronic sore throats?
In addition to a “classic” therapeutic approach, certain plants with anti-inflammatory properties can relieve sore throats, in particular:
- Walnut, which acts against inflammation of the back of the throat ;
- The lesser-known bramble, with its astringent properties, helps tighten inflamed tissues.
- Meadowsweet, which contains salicylic acid (a cousin of aspirin) and has a very mild anti-inflammatory effect .
- Chamomile flowers, ribwort plantain leaves, bouillon-blanch, honey, and propolis can also soothe irritations for a short time. Don’t forget inhalations of essential oils, which help moisten the mucous membranes. In cases where natural remedies and medication fail, a Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be considered, especially if chronic sore throats are linked to recurring tonsillitis.
- Thyme, well known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
