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A sore throat can refer to a scratchy, itchy, burning or painful sensation in the throat. Often, a sore throat can be accompanied by a cough which can irritate a tender throat even further. A sore throat can be caused by a common throat which is often relieved after a few days. However, when a sore throat becomes more persistent, or when the relief is only momentarily, it becomes something that needs to be taken seriously. Chronic or recurrent sore throats may include:

• · Tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils)
• · Strep throat
• · Allergies
• · Mononucleosis (also referred to as mono)
• · Inhaling air pollutants
• · Smoking
• · Influenza (the flu)
• · Inhaling through the mouth instead of the nose

Conditions like the flu may be fairly minor and does not always require treatment, whereas strep throat and tonsillitis can turn into a more serious condition if left untreated. Other causes of a chronic sore throat can be controlled in order to alleviate your throat pain. These causes include smoking and other lifestyle choices.

Symptoms of a chronic sore throat may include:

• · A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
• · Difficulty swallowing
• · Difficulty breathing
• · Difficulty opening your mouth
• · Joint pain
• · Earache
• · Rash
• · Fever higher than 38.3 C
• · Blood in saliva or phlegm
• · Frequently recurring sore throats
• · A lump in your neck
• · Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks

Although a sore throat is quite common, some factors make patients more susceptible to chronic sore throats. These factors include:

• · Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats.
• · Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and second-hand smoke can irritate the throat.
• · Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, moulds or pet dander, make developing a sore throat more likely.
• · Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
• · Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
• · Close quarters. Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather.
• · Weakened immunity. You're more susceptible to infections in general if your resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.