Chronic Pharyngitis

What is chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis (pronounced “feh-ruhn-JAI-tuhs”) is a sore throat that doesn’t go away or goes away but comes back often. It can happen when your throat becomes red and swollen (inflamed). Your healthcare provider may also call this persistent sore throat.

You know that feeling — that scratchy, raw sensation that gets worse when you swallow. Most of the time, a sore throat (pharyngitis) goes away within 10 days. But chronic pharyngitis lasts longer — sometimes, for several weeks.

There are many reasons why your sore throat hangs on so long. It can be from things in your environment, like smoke or harsh chemicals. Or it might be a symptom of another, more serious health condition. Be sure to tell a healthcare provider if you have a sore throat that won’t go away.

What are the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling like something’s stuck in your throat
• Hoarseness
• Pain or scratchiness in your throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Tickling in your throat
• Weak or tired voice

What causes chronic pharyngitis?

Causes of a persistent sore throat include:

• Allergies to things like pollen, mold and pet dander (hay fever)
• Chronic tonsillitis, a condition in which your tonsils are infected and swollen
• Exposure to toxins like smoke and chemicals
• GERD (chronic acid reflux), when acid from your stomach goes into your food pipe and causes irritation
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), when acid from your stomach goes into your throat and causes irritation

Very rarely, a serious illness like throat cancer can cause symptoms similar to chronic pharyngitis. This type of cancer starts in your voice box or the back of your throat. It can also cause shortness of breath, lumps on your neck or make your nose or mouth bleed.

Is chronic pharyngitis contagious?

It depends. If you have chronic pharyngitis because of a germ, then you can give it to someone else. This can happen if you share items like towels, toothbrushes, clothes or forks. That’s because some germs can survive on surfaces for a while.

If your sore throat is from a virus, you can spread it as long as you’re feeling sick. But if it’s from bacteria, taking antibiotics can help you stop spreading it sooner.

What are the complications of chronic pharyngitis?

If you have an infection, it can spread to other areas of your body unless you get treatment. These complications can lead to:

• Infection of your sinuses (sinusitis)
• Inflammation of your tissues and organs (rheumatic fever)
• Toxins in your bloodstream (toxic shock syndrome)

How is chronic pharyngitis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider starts with a physical examination. They’ll look at the back of your throat and feel your neck for swollen lymph nodes. They’ll also ask about your symptoms and review your medical history.

To determine the cause of your persistent sore throat, your healthcare provider may also do a:

• Rapid antigen detection test. Your healthcare provider might use this to see if you have strep throat.
• Throat culture. This helps your provider figure out if you have an infection and what kind it is (like a virus, bacteria or fungus).

These tests can help your healthcare provider determine which treatment will work best.

How is chronic pharyngitis treated?

Chronic pharyngitis treatment may include:

• Corticosteroids to help with inflammation
• Medications to fight infection like antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Motrin^®)
• Tonsillectomy (if tonsillitis causes chronic pharyngitis)

When you have a persistent sore throat, your healthcare provider needs to find out why. Once they know the reason, they can tell you the best way to get better.

Can chronic pharyngitis be prevented?

You can’t always prevent chronic pharyngitis. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Don’t share food, beverages or eating utensils.
• Quit smoking.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Use antibacterial hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.

What’s the outlook for people with this condition?

With treatment, the outlook is usually good. But left untreated, chronic pharyngitis can last a long time. Unless you address the root cause, your sore throat could last several weeks or keep returning.

Rarely, a persistent sore throat can point to serious health conditions. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if your throat always hurts.

How do I take care of myself?

Being at home with a sore throat is no fun. It’s important to prioritize yourself and take good care. The best thing to do is schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. In the meantime, you might try sore throat home remedies to ease your symptoms.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Tell your healthcare provider if you notice red flags like:

• A sore throat that doesn’t go away
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm
• Breathing issues
• Fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius)
• Joint pain and swelling
• Signs of dehydration like dry mouth, muscle cramps or headaches
• Skin rash

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about chronic pharyngitis:

• What do you think caused my prolonged sore throat?
• Are there irritants or chemicals I should remove from my environment?
• What are my treatment options?
• What should I do if I develop new symptoms?
• Is it safe for me to exercise?