A sore throat is a condition causing pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat. It is a common condition and usually resolves on its own. While most sore throats are acute and resolve within a few days, some people may experience chronic sore throats, which require closer attention and management. We spoke to our expert Dr Suchir Maitra, Consultant ENT, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata, who explained sore throat and when it is considered chronic.
When Is A Sore Throat Considered Chronic?
"A sore throat is a condition where a person experiences pain in their throat, usually while swallowing. If this pain persists for more than three months, it is considered a chronic sore throat", said Dr Maitra.
According to the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, chronic sore throat, also known as 'chronic pharyngitis' among ear, nose, and throat specialists, represents a challenging medical condition that frequently resists various treatment approaches. Around 30% of individuals with chronic pharyngitis exhibit no discernible underlying cause.
According to a 2021 study, when considering differential diagnosis, factors such as physicochemical influences (post-intubation complications, smoking, snoring, medications, reflux), vocal strain, concurrent medical conditions, and adverse drug reactions should be taken into account.
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Causes Of Sore Throat
"Sore throat is a secondary phenomenon. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection and occasionally a bacterial infection. There can be other causes like acid reflux, allergy and fungal infections", said Dr Maitra. According to a 2019 study, a chronic sore throat may occasionally indicate throat cancer.
Symptoms Of A Sore Throat
Dr Maitra highlighted, "A sore throat is usually characterised by pain while swallowing. Someone experiencing an acute sore throat may also experience fever, body aches, and overall fatigue. However, chronic pharyngitis or tonsillitis is generally not accompanied by a high body temperature. In cases where a sore throat is caused by acid reflux, there will be no fever present."
Also Read: Tonsillitis VS Strep Throat: Expert Explains The Difference Between The Two
What Is The Treatment And When Should A Person Visit Doctor?
The treatment depends on the diagnosis and the cause of the sore throat.
Dr Maitra said, "Usually, if it is an acute sore throat, with a normal cough and cold, we recommend waiting for 3-4 days. It is advised to go for steam inhalation and salt water gargling. In case of a viral infection, it usually gets cured within 3-4 days."
He added, “If things do not improve in 3-4 days, and the fever persists, then you must visit a specialist at the earliest. Normally, we don't give antibiotics in the first 3-4 days since antibiotics have no role in treating sore throat or viral aetiology. But if the fever or throat pain persists, antibiotics are recommended.”
Precautions For Sore Throat
Here are some precautions that you can take to reduce the likelihood of a sore throat, as listed by the expert:
- Avoid drinking cold water quickly after coming inside from the sun
- Temperature fluctuations can lower our immunity, making us more vulnerable to illnesses.
- It is also recommended to wait in the shade or allow some buffer time for the body while transitioning from an air-conditioned to a non-air-conditioned place, and vice versa.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]