Chronic Sore Throat: Causes, Treatment, and When to See an ENT Doctor in Dubai ๐ท๐จโโ๏ธ
A sore throat that lingers for weeks or keeps coming back can be frustrating โ and sometimes a sign of something more serious. If youโre experiencing a chronic sore throat, itโs important to understand the possible causes and when itโs time to seek expert care from an ENT specialist in Dubai.
In this blog, weโll break down:
- What qualifies as a chronic sore throat
- Common and serious causes
- Available treatments
- When to visit a trusted ENT doctor in Dubai
๐ What Is a Chronic Sore Throat?
A sore throat is considered chronic when it lasts longer than 3 weeks or keeps returning despite treatment. This is different from an acute sore throat, which usually clears up in a few days and is often due to a cold or viral infection.
๐ง Read more on Wikipedia about Sore Throat
๐ค Common Causes of Chronic Sore Throat
Several factors can contribute to a persistent sore throat:
1. Postnasal Drip
Mucus from the nose drips down the throat, causing irritation โ common with allergies, sinusitis, or nasal polyps.
2. Acid Reflux (GERD or LPR)
Stomach acid backing up into the throat can cause a burning sensation and throat discomfort, especially at night.
๐ Wikipedia: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
3. Chronic Tonsillitis
Inflamed or enlarged tonsils can harbor bacteria and cause recurring pain and difficulty swallowing.
๐ Wikipedia: Tonsillitis
4. Allergies
Dust, pollen, or mold allergies can lead to throat irritation and mucus build-up.
5. Environmental Irritants
Dry air, smoking, and pollutants can dry out and inflame the throat.
6. Vocal Strain
Overusing your voice โ especially among teachers, singers, or public speakers โ can lead to ongoing throat pain.
7. Infections
Bacterial infections like strep throat or viral infections like mononucleosis may persist if left untreated or misdiagnosed.
โ How to Treat Chronic Sore Throat
The treatment of chronic sore throat depends on its root cause. At our ENT clinic in Dubai, we offer customized treatment plans using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based care. Here’s how we manage it:
๐น 1. Treating Postnasal Drip
- Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation (e.g., mometasone or fluticasone)
- Saline nasal rinses to flush out allergens or mucus
- Antihistamines or allergy medications (if allergies are the cause)
๐น 2. Managing Acid Reflux (GERD or LPR)
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or esomeprazole
- Lifestyle changes: Avoid spicy or acidic foods, elevate the head during sleep, eat smaller meals
- Voice therapy, if throat clearing and hoarseness are present
๐น 3. Tonsil or Adenoid Issues
- Antibiotics if there’s an infection
- Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy if symptoms are chronic or causing airway issues
๐น 4. Environmental or Lifestyle Factors
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Use a humidifier to moisten dry air
- Limit exposure to dust, pollutants, and irritants
๐น 5. Voice Overuse or Strain
- Vocal rest and hydration
- Referral to a speech therapist for vocal hygiene education
- Laryngoscopy to assess for vocal cord issues
๐น 6. Chronic Infections or Rare Causes
- Antiviral or antibiotic therapy, depending on the pathogen
- Biopsy or further testing if cancer, TB, or autoimmune disease is suspected
๐ฅ When to See an ENT Specialist in Dubai
You should visit a certified ENT doctor if your sore throat is:
- Lasting more than 3 weeks
- Associated with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, or weight loss
- Recurrent, even after treatment
- Worsening over time
- Affecting your daily life or sleep
Our board-certified ENT and rhinoplasty consultant, Dr. Hatem Dalati, can help you get to the root of the problem with advanced diagnostic tools and patient-focused care.
๐ Book an Appointment Today
Donโt ignore a sore throat that doesnโt go away. Let our expert team at the best ENT clinic in Dubai provide answers and relief.
๐ Call or WhatsApp us now: +971 50 248 0249
๐ Location: ENT Clinic Of Excellence, Dubai Healthcare City
๐ Visit: www.entclinic.ae
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๐ Final Thoughts
A chronic sore throat isnโt just annoying โ it may be your bodyโs way of signaling something deeper. With early diagnosis and the right treatment plan from a trusted ENT specialist in Dubai or ENT consultant in Dubai, you can breathe, speak, and swallow comfortably again.