In cold weather, sore throat is often our faithful companion. Usually, however, it does not last long : a matter of days, then it leaves.
But when doesn't it pass? There are situations in which the sore throat persists and shows no signs of leaving.
Let us not worry immediately, but if it does not pass, let us try to understand if there may be other underlying diseases. In these cases it has become a chronic sore throat .
We see causes and remedies for chronic sore throat .
Chronic sore throat: the causes
The medical term for sore throat is pharyngitis ; it is a very common disorder that may or may not be accompanied by cough, headache, fever and usually resolves within a week, 10 days.
The main causes of sore throat are infections of bacteria (moraxella, streptococcus, staphylococcus) or virus (rhinovirus, adenovirus): a oro-pharyngeal swab helps define which is the pathogen, or "the culprit" of our aching throat.
On the other hand, in cases where the sore throat is persistent, obstinate and therefore chronic, it is worthwhile to hear the doctor in order to better investigate the causes.
Main causes of chronic sore throat - as a secondary symptom of a deeper pathology - are:
- gastroesophageal reflux
- cytomegalovirus infection
- mononucleosis (with fever and swollen lymph nodes)
- hay fever
- anemi
- cigarette abuse
- alcohol abuse
- leukemia
- oral mucositis
- oral candidiasis
- tonsillitis
- stomatitis
- rarely more serious diseases such as cancer or HIV
Chronic sore throat: the remedies
The first remedy against sore throats is prevention: a diet rich in raw, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dried fruit rich in omega 3, foods that enhance our immune system . The second remedy is to trace and resolve the causes of the sore throat, especially if chronic, persistent.
There are several natural remedies that can help soothe a sore throat, even while waiting for a complete diagnosis (and related specific treatment).
Here are the main natural remedies for sore throat :
- drink a lot to keep the mucous membranes hydrated
- apple vinegar , for gargles, fumigations, oral rinses or even small sips, in dilution with water
- water and salt, for gargling
- licorice sticks, with soothing power on the pharyngeal mucosa
- aloe vera gel, in a drinkable solution
- essential oils of mint, thyme, eucalyptus, for rinses and suffimigi or in dry form, for herbal teas
- propolis, in mother tincture or tablets
- grapefruit seed, in drops for gargling or in tablets
