11. Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis differs from the acute form in that it persists for a longer duration, often due to ongoing exposure to irritants or allergens. In many cases, it’s a symptom of another underlying condition, such as GERD or chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis include a persistently sore throat, a feeling of dryness or a ‘lump’ in the throat, and chronic cough. These symptoms can be more subtle than those of acute pharyngitis but are persistent and often resistant to typical treatments for acute pharyngitis.
Managing chronic pharyngitis often involves addressing the underlying cause. For instance, treating GERD or sinusitis can significantly alleviate the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis. Avoiding known irritants, like smoke and pollutants, is also crucial.
In some cases, specialized treatments may be necessary. These can include speech therapy, particularly if the chronic pharyngitis has affected the voice, or allergy treatments if allergens are identified as a cause. (11)
