Are you tired of constantly dealing with a sore throat? You’re not alone.
Many people have sore throats that go and come back, and they’re not simply a nuisance – they’re painful, exhausting and can sometimes point to an underlying condition.
Persistent Sore Throat
Most cases of sore throat clear up within a week, but persistent sore throats (chronic pharyngitis) tend to last longer, or come and go multiple times. This means your throat will continue to feel scratchy and painful, even after you’ve tried home remedies like lozenges or warm herbal tea – though they will still act to soothe your throat in the short term.
Why do I always have a sore throat?
As with normal sore throats, there isn’t a single cause of persistent sore throats.
There are multiple factors that can lead to chronic pharyngitis, such as:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Air pollution
- Allergic reactions
- Acid reflux (heartburn)
Limiting your exposure to these factors should show a marked improvement in your sore throat.
In rare cases, your sore throat may be caused due to an underlying illness, and will continue to persist even if you take action to avoid the above factors.
These illnesses can include:
- Tonsillitis
- Strep throat
- Allergies (pollen, pet dander etc)
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
Frequently asked questions about sore throats
Why do I keep getting a sore throat, even when I'm not sick?
Persistent sore throats can stem from various factors like allergies, dry air, smoking, or acid reflux, not just illness.
Is it normal to get a sore throat frequently during certain times of the year?
Yes, seasonal factors like dry air in winter or allergens in spring can lead to frequent sore throats. Using a humidifier and managing allergies can help.
Could stress be causing my recurrent sore throats?
Yes. Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to recurrent sore throats by increasing susceptibility to infections and causing muscle tension in the throat.
