The sore throat is a relatively common symptom and common to many pathologies, such as angina (viral or bacterial), laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc. When it persists over time, it is a good idea to consult a health professional who will be able to diagnose its cause and rule out any suspicion of cancer.
How long does a sore throat normally last?
Very uncomfortable, most sore throats go away on their own after five to seven days. The pain is usually in the pharynx, larynx, and/or tonsils. It can result in a feeling of discomfort, tingling, irritation, burning, or even the impression of having razor blades in the back of the throat when swallowing.
When it persists for more than a week, this feeling may indicate a more serious problem. But we are not talking about chronic sore throat only when it has been evolving for several months. The pain can then be constant or sporadic over a more or less extended period.
Discomfort, inflammation, cough… What are the symptoms that generally accompany a sore throat over the long term?
Persistent and chronic sore throat may be accompanied by the following signs:
- a fever ;
- a dry cough;
- and hoarseness ;
- a throat discomfort ;
- a red and inflamed throat ;
- a enlarged neck glands ;
- a painful swallowing and an difficulty swallowing ;
- etc.
What can be the causes of recurring sore throats?
As stated above, sore throat usually lasts a few days or even a week and is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergy or irritation.
When it persists over time, it can also be a sign of more serious health problems, such as chronic infectionsof the allergiesof the acid reflux or some tumors. We take stock.
Smoking, allergies, GERD, stress… Non-local causes
- The people exposed to tobaccoTo various pollutantsor plagued by allergies (pollens, mites, molds, animals, etc.) can commonly feel tingling in the throat with regular exposure.
- certain foods can also weaken the tissues of our throat. Indeed, spicy and spicy food can be responsible for sore throats in the long term. As well as the regular consumption of very hot drinks.
- Sore throats can also be of psychosomatic origin : they have no physiological origin and are in fact linked to stress and chronic anxiety. These lead to involuntary contractions of the esophagus which — ultimately — can cause pain. Hence the expression “to have a ball of stress in the throat”. And this phenomenon has a name: pharyngeal paresthesia.
- Finally, in some cases, a bad posture or the practice of strenuous sports activity can cause neck pain causing pain when swallowing.
Local ENT irritations and conditions
Several ENT conditions can cause chronic sore throat, such aschronic caseous tonsillitis, the chronic pharyngitisthe chronic laryngitis where the recurrent angina.
The gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can also cause a persistent sore throat, as acid reflux irritates the back of the throat.
Chronic sore throat: a possible cancer?
In the worst case scenario, a persistent sore throat may be a sign of a throat cancer (cancer of the pharynx or cancer of the larynx), especially in smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol. In case of localized and increasing painconsult your doctor without further delay!
Persistent sore throat: when to worry? How do you know if it’s serious?
Most sore throats are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. But you will understand, a persistent sore throat must quickly lead to consultation. For your comfort, but also for your health! Make an appointment:
- from the sore throat persists beyond a week and/or if the symptoms intensify;
- if you suffer regularly severe sore throat;
- if these sore throats are accompanied by high feverof vomitingof a rash, of one neck swellingof breathing difficulties orabnormal shortness of breath ;
- if you suffer from chronic diseaseof a acute rheumatism or a immune failure and your throat is sore despite your treatments.
Clarifier le diagnostic
During the consultation, the ENT doctor feel your neck before examining your pharynx and larynx using a mirror or fiberscope. He can thus measure the extent of the damage by detecting any redness, goiter or tumor in the neck. If he suspects cancer, he can prescribe a biopsy and miscellaneous medical imaging exams.
Treatment: how to treat sore throats that last over time?
Management of persistent sore throats obviously depends on the diagnosis established by the doctor. However, there are some common measures that help relieve symptoms:
- To hold to good sleep hygiene and sleep in an unheated room, around 19°C;
- limit exposure to irritants (pollution, tobacco, pollen, mites, etc.);
- get enough hydration and use an air humidifier if the air is too dry;
- avoid drinking too hot and of eating too spicy ;
- etc.
Take charge of each pathology
Quitting smoking and alcohol is almost systematically recommended, but each cause has its own specific treatment:
- taking antacids and respecting lifestyle measures for GERD;
- avoidance and taking antihistamines in case of allergies;
- taking analgesics and mouthwashes in case of chronic pharyngitis or laryngitis;
- antibiotic treatment in case of recurrent bacterial angina;
- removal of tonsils as a last resort for chronic caseous tonsillitis;
- etc.
As for the management of throat cancers, it depends on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumor (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.).
What natural solutions against chronic sore throat?
In addition to a “classic” therapeutic approach, certain plants with anti-inflammatory properties can relieve sore throats, in particular:
- the walnutwhich acts against inflammation of the back of the throat;
- the brambleless known, with astringent properties, which helps to tighten inflamed tissue.
- the meadowsweetwhich contains salicylic acid (a cousin of aspirin) and has a very mild anti-inflammatory effect;
- and the thymewell known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties;
THE chamomile flowersthe ribwort plantain leavesthe white brothc or the Honey and the propolis also help soothe irritation for a short time. Without forgetting the inhalations of essential oils which moisten the mucous membranes.