We’ve all been there before. Having a persistent sore throat is both uncomfortable and a bit of a question mark. So what’s causing your sore throat and why won’t it go away? A persistent sore throat is categorized as a sore throat that recurs multiple times (chronic). It may be cause for concern if you’ve ruled out some common conditions.
At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead can provide medical treatment to determine the cause of your sore throat and recommend treatment.
When you’ve ruled out the common cold, you should explore a few other well-known conditions that may be the root cause of your sore throat.
Allergens are all around us. They’re the substances that are often harmless and sometimes even invisible to the naked eye!
As the seasons change, you may experience a sore throat, runny nose, or red and itchy eyes. These are referred to as environmental allergies. Certain foods, plants, pet dander, dust, and pollen can also cause inflammation.
Postnasal drip often occurs as a result of allergies. Excess mucus drains from your sinuses into the back of your throat, causing a sore, sometimes scratchy throat.
Postnasal drip can also be triggered by medication, a deviated septum, allergies, dry air, dust pollen, and more.
Acid reflux is a common cause for a persistent sore throat. While some associate acid reflux with an uncomfortable stomach pain, some often feel a persistent soreness in their throat.
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is unable to close tightly. Your stomach contents flow backward and up into the esophagus, leaving you feeling an uncomfortable, and sometimes sharp pain in your throat. If you experience acid reflux often, it may be causing your sore throat.
If you’ve had a sore throat for a long time and have trouble swallowing, it may be time to consider if your tonsils are to blame. Tonsils are the two soft tissues located on each side of the back of your throat. They are a defense mechanism to prevent your body from infection. When they become infected, it’s known as tonsillitis.
If you’re experiencing difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, a scratchy throat, stiff neck, red or swollen tonsils, or yellow and white spots on your tonsils, head to the doctor.
Severe tonsillitis is known as a peritonsillar abscess. It’s a serious problem that occurs if your tonsils haven’t been treated properly. A pus-filled pocket forms near one of the tonsils and spreads through your mouth.
There are steps you can take at home to ensure your health is in order. Hydrate often, eat a well-balanced diet and practice exercise for 20-30 minutes per day. If tonsillitis is to blame, gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to reduce the chance of infection. Stay away from smoking. Smoking can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including persistent coughing and soreness in your throat.
A sore throat can be cause for concern if it persists over a long period of time. To prevent a more serious disease, book online and visit the doctors at Physicians Medical Urgent Care for convenient, and holistic care to determine what’s causing your sore throat.
