79 จำนวนผู้เข้าชม |
29/07/2026
A sore throat is a common problem, particularly during a cold, influenza, or a respiratory infection. In most cases, the symptoms gradually improve within a few days. However, if a sore throat lasts longer than 10 days, repeatedly returns after improving, or continues for several weeks, it may be considered a chronic sore throat and should be evaluated to identify the underlying cause.
A chronic sore throat is not always caused by an infection. It may also be associated with allergies, postnasal drip, acid reflux, dry air, cigarette smoke, air pollution, or excessive voice use. Treatment therefore depends on the cause. Antibiotics should not be taken without medical advice because they may not improve the symptoms when a bacterial infection is not responsible.
A chronic sore throat, also known as chronic pharyngitis, refers to pain, burning, itching, or irritation in the throat that does not resolve within the usual period or repeatedly returns after improving.
A sore throat occurs when the tissues lining the throat become irritated or inflamed. A person may experience throat dryness, pain when swallowing or speaking, a sensation that something is stuck in the throat, coughing, frequent throat clearing, or hoarseness.
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause. People with allergies may experience sneezing, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip. Those with acid reflux may notice that their symptoms worsen after eating or upon waking in the morning. People who use their voice for extended periods may experience a sore throat together with vocal fatigue or hoarseness.
When the lining of the throat is repeatedly exposed to infectious organisms, allergens, stomach acid, or other irritants, the tissues may become inflamed and increasingly sensitive. This may lead to pain, burning, itching, or the sensation that something is lodged in the throat.
When postnasal drip is the cause, mucus from the nasal passages continuously flows down the back of the throat, resulting in irritation, coughing, and frequent throat clearing. In people with acid reflux, acid or digestive fluids from the stomach may travel upward into the esophagus, throat, or voice box and irritate the tissues in these areas.
Continued exposure to triggers such as cigarette smoke, dust, chemicals, or dry air may prevent the symptoms from resolving completely and cause them to return, even after taking medicines that temporarily relieve discomfort. Identifying and managing the underlying cause is therefore important for long-term treatment.
Infections are one possible cause of a sore throat. Viral infections are the most common, while bacterial infections occur less frequently.
If an infection does not fully resolve, repeatedly returns, or causes chronic tonsillitis, it may result in a persistent sore throat.
People who are allergic to dust, pollen, mold, or animal dander may experience a runny or blocked nose and mucus draining down the back of the throat. Continuous contact between this mucus and the throat lining may cause itching, coughing, frequent throat clearing, and a chronic sore throat.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), in which reflux reaches the throat and voice box, may cause a sore throat, hoarseness, a dry cough, frequent throat clearing, or the sensation of a lump in the throat.
Some people may not experience heartburn and may therefore be unaware that their sore throat is associated with acid reflux.
Dry air and mouth breathing can reduce moisture in the lining of the throat. People who spend long periods in air-conditioned rooms, have chronic nasal congestion, snore, or breathe through their mouth while sleeping may wake with a dry and sore throat, particularly in the morning.
Cigarette smoke, electronic cigarettes, dust, air pollution, chemicals, and alcoholic beverages can irritate the tissues of the throat.
Frequent exposure to these substances may cause chronic inflammation, coughing, throat irritation, and recurring soreness.
Speaking for extended periods, shouting, singing, or using a loud voice without adequate rest may strain the muscles and tissues of the throat and voice box.
People whose occupations require frequent voice use, such as teachers, singers, salespeople, or public speakers, may therefore experience recurrent sore throats, hoarseness, or vocal fatigue.
In some cases, a chronic sore throat may be associated with abnormalities of the tonsils, voice box, or a mass in the head and neck area.
Although cancers of the throat, tongue, or voice box are less common causes, medical evaluation is important when a sore throat occurs together with a neck lump, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, blood in the saliva or phlegm, or unexplained weight loss.
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and may include:
Some people with reflux affecting the voice box may experience only a sore throat, coughing, frequent throat clearing, and hoarseness without heartburn.
A doctor should be consulted if a sore throat does not improve within one week, continues for longer than 10 days, or repeatedly returns after improving, particularly when it interferes with eating, sleeping, speaking, or everyday activities.
Medical evaluation should be sought promptly if any of the following symptoms are present:
Seek immediate medical care if any of the following symptoms occur:
These symptoms may indicate severe inflammation or an obstruction of the airway and require urgent medical assessment.
The doctor will ask about how long the symptoms have been present, their characteristics, when they become more severe, and any history of infection, allergies, acid reflux, smoking, voice use, or exposure to irritants.
The doctor may then examine the mouth, throat, tonsils, and nose and feel the neck for enlarged lymph nodes or abnormal lumps.
If a bacterial infection is suspected, a sample of throat secretions may be collected for testing or culture. People with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a neck lump, or symptoms without a clear cause may require further examination of the throat and voice box by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
People whose symptoms are associated with meals, lying down, belching, or heartburn may be evaluated for acid reflux. Those who experience sneezing, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip may require further assessment for allergies or conditions affecting the nasal passages.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, symptom severity, age, existing medical conditions, and medicines currently being used.
When a viral infection is responsible, treatment usually focuses on adequate rest, hydration, and appropriate symptom relief because antibiotics cannot treat viral infections.
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics based on the type of infection and the patient’s condition. If allergies are responsible, avoiding allergens and using medicines as advised by a doctor or pharmacist may be necessary.
People with symptoms caused by acid reflux may need to adjust their eating habits, avoid lying down immediately after meals, and take medicines according to the doctor’s judgment.
Those whose symptoms result from excessive voice use should rest their voice, improve their vocal technique, and avoid shouting or speaking loudly for long periods.
When chronic tonsillitis or an abnormality of the throat or voice box is responsible, the doctor will determine the appropriate investigations and treatment for each individual.
Antibiotics, corticosteroids, or existing medicines should not be started, stopped, or adjusted without advice from a healthcare professional.
Sipping water regularly helps keep the throat moist. Adequate rest and reduced voice use are also recommended, particularly for people with hoarseness or pain when speaking.
Adults and children who can gargle safely may gargle with warm salt water to help relieve throat irritation.
Cigarette smoke, electronic cigarettes, dust, chemicals, and strong odors should be avoided. The air indoors should also be kept from becoming excessively dry. People with nasal congestion or postnasal drip may consult a doctor or pharmacist about nasal irrigation and other appropriate care.
Those who suspect that their symptoms are associated with acid reflux should avoid large meals before bedtime, allow time between eating and going to bed, and observe whether particular foods or drinks trigger their symptoms.
Pain relievers, throat lozenges, or other medicines for sore throat symptoms may provide temporary relief but should be used according to the product label or a pharmacist’s advice.
Pregnant women, young children, older adults, people with liver, kidney, or stomach conditions, and those taking regular medicines should consult a healthcare professional before using medication.
A chronic sore throat may have several possible causes, including infections, allergies, postnasal drip, acid reflux, dry air, excessive voice use, and exposure to smoke or other irritants. Appropriate treatment requires identifying the underlying cause. Antibiotics or other medicines should not be used or adjusted without advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
A doctor should be consulted if a sore throat lasts longer than 10 days, repeatedly returns, or occurs together with difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, a neck lump, blood in the saliva or phlegm, or unexplained weight loss.
Immediate hospital care is required if breathing becomes difficult or the person is unable to swallow saliva.
Prepared by: Punyanut Angkhanawin, Pharm.D.
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