Sore throat and swollen throat for two years, tried many medications but none worked, what should I do?

Nov 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've been suffering from a sore throat for two years, and have taken many medications with no effect. This has been very distressing for me. What should I do?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng

Sore throat lasting for two years with poor response to medication may be related to long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive voice use, environmental factors, or reflux esophagitis; it could also be caused by less common conditions such as pharyngeal tumors or special infections (e.g., tuberculosis).

It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital. A doctor may perform an electronic laryngoscopy to directly examine the throat area for any mucosal abnormalities or growths.

If diagnosed with chronic pharyngitis, in addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications are important, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding excessive voice strain, maintaining indoor air humidity, and avoiding exposure to irritating gases. If the condition is caused by another underlying disease, treatment should be directed accordingly based on the specific diagnosis.