Persistent Sore Throat: Causes and Effective Treatment Methods

If you are experiencing persistent sore throat pain and discomfort, we offer you the causes of chronic sore throat and how to treat it at home in the following article.

A sore throat gives a very unpleasant feeling, and although viral infection is the most common of the causes of chronic sore throat, there are a number of other causes. Read the following article to learn more about them:

Causes of Chronic Sore Throat

There are many causes of chronic sore throat. Here are some of the most important causes of chronic sore throat:

1. Weak Immune System

A weak immune system reduces resistance to viral or bacterial infections, which are the most important and most common causes of chronic sore throat. Among the most prominent diseases that cause impaired immune system function are: AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and chemotherapy for cancer.

2. Smoking

Inhaling smoke laden with toxic chemicals found in tobacco causes irritation in the tissues lining the throat, thus causing chronic sore throat. Smoking also causes a weakened immune system, making the individual more susceptible to colds, flu, and respiratory infections that can cause sore throat. It is worth mentioning that smoking may contribute to throat cancer, and chronic sore throat may be one of its symptoms.

3. Air Pollution

Inhaling smog and polluted air constantly may cause chest pain, chronic sore throat, cough, and other asthma symptoms.

4. Seasonal Allergies

People with seasonal allergies suffer from chronic sore throat when pollen concentrations are high in the air during the warmer months. This occurs when pollen irritates the nasal tissues and then drains excess mucus from the back passage of the nose into the throat, causing a sore throat, which may be accompanied by sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.

5. Breathing Through the Mouth

Nasal congestion with mucus or tonsillitis causes a person to breathe through the mouth, often at night while sleeping, causing the person to wake up with a dry mouth and sore throat. This symptom may disappear after drinking or eating.

6. Recurrent Tonsillitis

Recurrent tonsillitis occurs as a result of a bacterial or viral infection of the tonsils, and the infection may spread to the surrounding tissues, causing chronic sore throat. Tonsillitis is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

Fever.

Difficulty swallowing.

Hoarse voice.

Swollen and red tonsils.

Bad breath.

7. Acid Reflux

It is also known as acid reflux, and it usually occurs as a result of weakness in the upper stomach muscle, which leads to leakage of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and chronic sore throat.

Treatment of Chronic Sore Throat

After learning about the causes of chronic sore throat, here are some measures to relieve sore throat pain and treat it:

Gargle by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water every three hours, as it helps reduce irritation and swelling in the throat.

Drink cold or warm liquids, such as: herbal tea, or chicken broth, as they help cleanse the mucous membranes and reduce coughing by soothing the throat.

Take over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers to relieve sore throat pain, and accompanying congestion and runny nose symptoms.

Keep your throat moist by drinking plenty of water and other fluids or taking a hot, steamy bath to help break up mucus.

Use a humidifier at home to prevent throat irritation from dry air.

Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

Take over-the-counter throat lozenges and decongestants.

Get enough rest, and do not underestimate the importance of resting your body and voice.

Home Remedies for Chronic Sore Throat

To relieve chronic sore throat pain, we advise you to try the following:

1. Sage

Sage is a natural antibacterial and also has immune-boosting properties, which helps provide quick pain relief.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar works to coat the throat and dissolve phlegm that causes throat irritation, and also helps kill bacteria there. It is also recommended to add a teaspoon to a cup of warm water and use it to gargle.

3. Raw Garlic

Garlic contains allicin compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties, by chewing a raw clove, sucking on a slice of garlic for 15 minutes, or eating it with some honey.

4. Peppermint Tea

The menthol in peppermint tea helps clear congestion and soothe sore throats, and you can also use peppermint oil and rub it on your chest.

5. Honey

Honey contains antibacterial properties, so it is recommended to add it to hot water, tea, or lemon juice to relieve sore throat pain.