What could it mean if a sore throat has lasted for two months without getting better?

A sore throat lasting for two months without healing may be caused by prolonged voice overuse, dietary irritation, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and other factors. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting voice use habits, improving diet, and medical treatment. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or hoarseness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Prolonged voice overuse: Frequent loud talking or crying can lead to persistent congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, causing ongoing pain that becomes more noticeable when speaking. It is recommended to reduce the frequency of voice use, avoid shouting, drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat, and allow adequate rest for the vocal cords and mucosa.

2. Dietary irritation: Long-term consumption of spicy or excessively hot foods, or frequent intake of cold beverages, repeatedly irritates the throat mucosa, leading to persistent inflammation that fails to resolve. This often causes a burning sensation and dull pain in the throat. It is advised to switch to light, easily digestible foods, consume moisturizing ingredients such as pears and winter melon, and avoid substances that irritate the throat.

3. Chronic pharyngitis: Acute pharyngitis that has not been fully treated or repeatedly irritated can progress to chronic inflammation of the throat mucosa. The pharyngeal mucosa becomes congested and dry, resulting in persistent dull pain and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Patients may take medications such as Qinghou Luyan granules, watermelon frost lozenges, or compound chlorhexidine mouthwash under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Tonsillitis: Repeated bacterial infections of the tonsils can lead to chronic inflammation, with the tonsils becoming congested and swollen, causing persistent throat pain that worsens during swallowing, possibly accompanied by bad breath. It is recommended to use medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or Kaihoujian spray under a doctor’s guidance to alleviate discomfort.

5. Gastroesophageal reflux: Stomach contents reflux into the throat, where stomach acid irritates the throat mucosa and triggers inflammation, leading to long-term dull throat pain and a sensation of a foreign body. Symptoms are often more pronounced upon waking or after meals. Patients may follow medical advice to take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone suspension, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to improve symptoms.

Keep the throat moist by drinking plenty of warm water, avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and other irritants, maintain regular作息 and sufficient sleep, eat a light diet avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen the body and reduce discomfort.