When Is a Sore Throat Considered Chronic?

• Mouth Breathing During Sleep Breathing with your mouth open during sleep reduces saliva production, which can dry out and irritate your throat. Common causes of sleeping with your mouth open include nasal congestion, allergies, and sleep apnea.

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• Allergies Allergens, like pollen, mold, or pet dander, can cause cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat and runny nose. Mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat, or postnasal drip, can also cause throat irritation. Your symptoms may last for as long as you are exposed to the allergens.

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• Chronic Tonsillitis and Tonsil Stones Tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, usually caused by a viral infection.

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   Chronic tonsillitis, or recurrent acute tonsillitis, is repeated episodes of tonsillitis. It’s usually caused by Streptococcus, the same bacteria that causes strep throat.

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   Tonsil stones can also inflame your tonsils and irritate your throat, causing a sore throat or scratchiness.

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• Gastrointestinal Issues Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) cause acid from your stomach to go into your throat or esophagus, causing irritation.
• Environmental Irritants Exposure to smoke from smoking or other toxins, like air pollution, can cause a chronic sore throat.

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• Inhaled Corticosteroids Hoarseness is a common side effect of asthma inhalers containing corticosteroids.

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While less common, other causes of a chronic sore throat can include:

• Throat Cancer Rarely, a serious condition like throat cancer can cause symptoms similar to a chronic sore throat. Other symptoms can include hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and a lump in the neck.

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• Peritonsillar Abscess A peritonsillar abscess, also called quinsy, is a swollen, pus-filled pocket that typically forms near one of the tonsils. It’s usually a complication of untreated tonsillitis.

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• Epiglottitis While it’s very uncommon today, epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap that covers your windpipe when you swallow. Early symptoms include a high fever and sore throat.

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• Mononucleosis Mononucleosis, or mono, is a contagious infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and extreme fatigue.

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• ACE Inhibitors ACE inhibitor medications that treat high blood pressure can cause persistent throat irritation and a dry cough.

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• Sexually Transmitted Infections A sore throat can be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections, like oral chlamydia and gonorrhea.

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• Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening your mouth
• Hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks
• Swelling on your face or neck
• Fever
• Lump in your neck
• Joint pain
• Earache
• Rash

• Medications to fight infection, like antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal medications
• Lifestyle changes, surgery, or medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors for GERD

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• Nasal corticosteroids and other medications to treat allergy symptoms
• Tonsillectomy (surgery to remove your tonsils) for chronic tonsillitis

• Suck on a throat lozenge, ice pop, or ice chips.
• Stay hydrated and drink warm beverages, such as herbal teas.

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• Try honey to relieve a cough.
• Ask your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers, such as naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
• Try gargling salt water.
• Use saline nasal rinses.

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• If your sore throat is from an infection, replace your toothbrush once you’re no longer contagious to avoid reinfection.

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While these remedies can help ease your symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor if you have a chronic sore throat. They can diagnose the cause and recommend the best treatment plan.

• A sore throat is considered chronic when it lasts for more than 10 days or keeps coming back. Most sore throats are caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as the cold, flu, or strep throat. But a chronic sore throat may have other causes.
• Common causes of a chronic sore throat include allergies, tonsillitis, acid reflux, and air pollution. Less common and potentially serious causes include throat cancer, epiglottitis, and peritonsillar abscess.
• Treatment for a chronic sore throat depends on the cause but can include antibiotic or antiviral medications, antacids, antihistamines, and nasal corticosteroids. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. Home remedies for easing a sore throat include hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and throat lozenges.
• Seek immediate medical treatment if your sore throat lasts more than a week or you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, swelling, or a lump on your neck.