I Have a Chronic Sore Throat That Won't Go Away
A sore throat that lingers for weeks can be frustrating and concerning. Here is what could be behind it.
A sore throat that lasts more than a few weeks is called chronic pharyngitis. Most cases are not cancer.
- Common causes include:
- Post-nasal drip β allergies or sinus infections causing mucus to irritate the throat
- GERD (acid reflux) β stomach acid reaches the throat, causing persistent irritation
- Tonsil stones β small calcified deposits in the tonsil crevices that cause discomfort
- Mouth breathing β especially at night, dries out the throat
- Smoking or vaping β chronic chemical irritation
- Allergies β seasonal or environmental allergies
- Voice overuse β straining your voice regularly
Less commonly, a chronic sore throat could be related to tonsil cancer or throat cancer, especially if it is on one side.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Sore throat that is worse in the morning or at night
- Improves with hydration and rest
- Associated with allergies or reflux
- Both sides feel equal
- Comes and goes
- Worth having checked:
- Sore throat on one side only that does not go away
- Persistent sore throat with ear pain on the same side
- A visible lump or swelling in the throat or neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness that accompanies the sore throat
- Coughing up blood
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- Your sore throat has lasted more than 3 weeks
- It is on one side only
- You have ear pain on the same side
- You have a lump in your neck
- You have trouble swallowing or a change in your voice