Throat Conditions

Chronic Sore Throat

What are the causes of a chronic sore throat?

Sore throats can cause pain, hoarseness, a scratchy sensation, and burning upon swallowing. When a sore throat is persistent, there are a variety of non-threatening and serious problems that could be the cause such as:

• Allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Mouth breathing
• Acid Reflux
• Tonsillitis
• Mono
• Environmental pollution
• Gonorrhea
• Tonsil abscess
• Smoking

How will my MMG ENT treat my chronic sore throat?

Treatment for chronic sore throat will vary based on the underlying cause of your condition. For example, if seasonal allergies are causing your sore throat, your doctor could prescribe an allergy medicine, nasal spray, or allergy shots. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or steroid medications to relieve the swelling and pain from certain infections.

In cases involving acid reflux, your doctor might prescribe antacid medication.

For more severe conditions such as a peritonsillar abscess or advanced infection, you may have to be hospitalized to receive antibiotics through an IV.

Your doctor may surgically remove chronically swollen tonsils that impair daily sleeping and/ or breathing.

Coblation Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy

At the back of the throat, you have two oval-shaped pads of tissue known as the tonsils. Behind the nasal passages, you will find the adenoids. Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue. Your doctor may recommend removing the tonsils and adenoids to open your airway and reduce the tendency for chronic throat infections and chronic sore throat.

What are Coblation tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

A coblation-assisted tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a gentle alternative to traditional tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures. Coblation stands for controlled ablation. It involves radiofrequency at a low temperature. It also uses a saline solution to remove the tissues in a gentle manner. The risk of injury to surrounding tissue is lessened as a result.

Coblation tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is typically an outpatient procedure. Many patients resume their normal lifestyle within a week.

Hoarseness

Hoarseness (dysphonia) is the term we most often use to describe impaired voice production. It is a common problem and symptom of a change in your voice quality including pitch, the vocal effort required to speak, and volume.
Symptoms of hoarseness are related to problems in the sound-producing parts (vocal folds or cords) of the larynx or voice box. When hoarse, your voice sounds weak or raspy.

What Causes Hoarseness?

Hoarseness is a common symptom of many diseases. Most cases are related to upper respiratory tract infections that resolve on their own. If you have been hoarse 4 weeks or more, an appointment with an MMG ENT may be advisable. Other causes include:

• Voice overuse
• Age-related changes
• Allergic laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx due to allergies)
• Acid reflux
• Head and neck cancer
• Neurological conditions
• Medication side effects
• Smoking and secondhand smoke
• Intubation (the process of inserting a tube through the mouth and into the airway)
• Postsurgical injuries

How will my MMG ENT diagnose the cause of my hoarseness?

Your doctor will complete a physical exam including a full head and neck exam. He or she will ask about your medical history, including your medications, whether you smoke, and about other symptoms. Depending on the findings of your physical exam and other symptoms, your MMG ENT may order additional tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, biopsy, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

How will my MMG ENT treat my hoarseness?

Hoarseness is often treated by resting the voice or modifying how it is used. Voice therapy or surgery are other options when these treatments are not effective.