Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lasts longer than 10 days or continues to recur. Linked to infections, allergens, and toxins, this chronic sore throat can be difficult to treat. Most commonly, it is a viral or bacterial infection.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, a continuous sore throat can be managed, resolving itself. But it’s important to get checked as it can be related to other causes like fungal infections, pollution, or even tumours.

What Is Chronic Pharyngitis?

Chronic pharyngitis is a constant sore throat that doesn’t resolve like normal. It may persist for more than 10 days or continuously reappears despite going away briefly. It is caused by inflammation of the back of your throat (pharynx), which becomes red and swollen.

Usually, patients complain of a scratchy, raw sensation in their throat. The condition can last for 12 weeks or more in severe cases. Often, there’s an underlying environmental cause, such as smoke or harsh chemicals.

You should always see a healthcare provider if you have a persistent sore throat.

Signs and Symptoms of a Constant Sore Throat

Aside from the obvious (a sore throat), chronic pharyngitis symptoms include:

• Persistent throat pain or irritation

• Dryness, scratchiness, or burning sensation

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck

• Hoarseness or voice changes

• Red or inflamed throat tissue

• White patches or spots (if infection present)

• Postnasal drip or need to clear throat often

• Mild fever or fatigue (if viral/bacterial)

• Cough or sensation of a lump in the throat (globus)

Causes of Chronic Pharyngitis

Unlike pharyngitis, which is almost always a viral or bacterial infection, chronic pharyngitis has several potential causes. As mentioned, it’s often linked to an environmental factor that causes it to persist.

Causes of chronic pharyngitis include:

• Viral infections. A common cause of a chronic sore throat. Viruses invade healthy cells and multiply, leading to inflammation and pain. Examples include flu, common cold, measles, chickenpox, croup, mononucleosis (mono), and COVID-19.

• Bacterial infections. Caused by harmful bacteria that overwhelm the immune system. This often results in more severe or longer-lasting sore throats. Examples include strep throat, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, pertussis (whooping cough), and bacterial pneumonia.

• Fungal infections (thrush). Yeast infections (usually Candida) thrive in warm, moist areas of the mouth and throat. Common in infants, people using inhaled steroids, or those with weakened immunity. Characteristically, there are often white patches inside the mouth.

• Allergies. Immune responses to harmless substances like pollen or dust can inflame and dry out the throat through postnasal drip.

• Irritants and environmental factors. Prolonged exposure to smoke, pollutants, or dry air can inflame throat tissue. Overuse or dryness from talking, dehydration, or nasal blockage may worsen it. Common irritants include cigarette smoke, auto exhaust, dry heat, or air pollution.

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Stomach acid travels up into the throat and voice box, causing burning, hoarseness, and chronic irritation.

• Tumours. Growths in the throat, tongue, or larynx (benign or cancerous) can cause persistent soreness, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

Is Chronic Pharyngitis Contagious?

Yes, it can be.

If chronic pharyngitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it can pass to other people. However, they won’t necessarily get a chronic infection. They may have a normal sore throat that appears and passes.

You can pass chronic pharyngitis to people if you share items like toothbrushes, cutlery, towels, and clothes. Germs can survive on surfaces for hours or days, so be careful around others.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start with a history of your symptoms and may take a physical examination by feeling your neck for swollen lymph nodes. They likely also review your medical history and ask about any environmental causes.

The healthcare provider may then request two tests for a constant sore throat:

A rapid antigen test to detect if you have strep throat.

A throat culture to identify if you have an infection and what’s causing it.

If both these tests are negative, your doctor will look for other potential causes such as allergies, environmental irritants, or acid reflux.

Treating Chronic Sore Throat

Most people resolve a chronic sore throat by fighting the infection. Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals tackle the underlying cause. Corticosteroids can also relieve the inflammation in severe cases. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like paracetamol or ibuprofen are recommended to ease symptoms.

If the cause isn’t an infection, you may need to alter your environment. That could include quitting smoking, changing your work patterns, or removing allergens.

Usually, the outlook for chronic pharyngitis is good. If treated, it resolves within a few weeks. However, if the underlying cause is acid reflux-related, then further treatment and testing might be needed.

If you’re struggling with a constant sore throat or chronic pharyngitis, reflux could be to blame. Book your reflux and throat assessment at The Functional Gut Clinic to get answers and start your recovery.