However, when it is chronic, it is most commonly not because of an infection.
The top causes are chronictonsillitis, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Although rare, a chronic sore throat can occasionally be a sign of throat cancer.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
This article will cover the different causes of chronic throat pain and treatment options.
It will also cover the differences between a chronic and acute sore throat and each condition’s symptoms.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
How Long Does a Sore Throat Typically Last?
How long asore throatlasts will depend greatly on its cause.
If the cause is an infection, the pain and soreness will go away when the infection subsides.
Acute vs.
Chronic Sore Throat
Acute and chronicare two medical terms used to describe types of illnesses.
Acute means it develops suddenly and doesn’t last for a long time.
Chronic means that it develops slowly and can last for a long time or indefinitely.
A sore throat can be categorized as either acute or chronic.
Acute sore throats usually get better over time with over-the-counter medications, fluids, and rest.
If someone has strep throat, then they need antibiotic treatment.
Chronic sore throat treatment should focus on resolving the underlying cause and symptom management.
The underlying cause of a chronic sore throat will influence symptoms.
Contagiousness
A chronic sore throat is not contagious by itself.
However, some of the causes of chronic sore throat are contagious, while others are not.
If bacteria or a virus causes a sore throat, then it is contagious.
Causes
Infections tend to be the main cause of acute throat pain.
However, medical conditions usually cause chronic throat pain.
If soreness continues or causes any difficulty breathing contact a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider may order tests to help determine the cause.
Prescription antibiotics may prove necessary in the event of bacterial infection.
Over-the-counter medications like Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can help reduce throat pain and swelling.
Home Remedies
Products from home can often manage a sore throat.
It is generally not resulting from an infection but by a medical condition.
Some of the more common conditions that cause chronic throat pain are chronic tonsillitis, GERD, and allergies.
Treatment should aim to fix the underlying condition and manage throat pain.
If a bacterial infection causes throat pain, then antibiotics may prove necessary.
Home remedies and over-the-counter medication can also help reduce throat pain and its other symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Throat pain can make it hard to eat, swallow, and talk.
Try using over-the-counter pain medication and home remedies to minimize the pain.
If pain lasts five to 10 days, contact a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fever is the body’s response to infection.
Medical conditions that can cause a chronic sore throat are GERD and allergies.
Yes, chronic sore throat is sometimes a sign oftonsillitis.
A virus or bacteria can cause tonsillitis.
A healthcare provider can help identify the specific cause to effectively treat tonsillitis.
If a sore throat lasts five to 10 days, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
They will be able to help identify the cause and determine a proper treatment plan.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
