![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/alpineent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Senior-man-with-a-sore-throat-talking-to-his-doctor.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFive common causes of throat pain include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Chronic acid reflux (GERD). <\/strong>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid sneaks back up into the esophagus<\/a>, causing not just heartburn but also potential throat irritation if it rises up to the throat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dry air. <\/strong>Extra time indoors in the winter can expose you to more dry air than you\u2019re used to, especially if your home or workplace doesn\u2019t have good airflow. The dry air can sap moisture from your throat, leading to soreness or discomfort. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Smoking and secondhand smoke. <\/strong>Cigarette smoke, whether from your own habit or exposure to others, contains a cocktail of harmful chemicals that irritate and dry out your throat. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic soreness, voice changes and more severe health risks like throat cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Postnasal drip. <\/strong>When mucus drips down the back of your throat, it can lead to persistent soreness, coughing and that irritating need to clear your throat. Postnasal drip is often caused by allergies, sinus infections or GERD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Colds. <\/strong>Most colds come and go within 7\u201310 days<\/a>, but sometimes the symptoms\u2014like coughing and throat pain\u2014can linger. Persistent coughing can strain your throat, leaving it sore long after the cold itself has cleared.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
How Can I Get Rid of My Sore Throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n
There are a few effective ways to get rid of your sore throat<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Treat the underlying cause<\/strong>. If an underlying infection or condition is causing your sore throat, an ENT specialist can help identify and treat it. For example, small lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy foods, eating smaller meals and not lying down immediately after eating can make a big difference in minimizing GERD<\/a> and the associated throat soreness. If lifestyle changes don\u2019t help, they may offer medication or surgery. Whatever the cause, your ENT specialist can help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Combat dry air<\/strong>. Minimize dry air exposure by using a humidifier in your living spaces and staying hydrated throughout the day. A quick, refreshing drink of water can work wonders for your throat health!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quit smoking<\/strong>. The most effective solution to smoke-induced throat soreness is to quit smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your throat pain doesn\u2019t improve after trying these remedies, or if you\u2019re experiencing other symptoms, contact Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC to make an appointment with one of our specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Combat dry air<\/strong>. Minimize dry air exposure by using a humidifier in your living spaces and staying hydrated throughout the day. A quick, refreshing drink of water can work wonders for your throat health!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dry air. <\/strong>Extra time indoors in the winter can expose you to more dry air than you\u2019re used to, especially if your home or workplace doesn\u2019t have good airflow. The dry air can sap moisture from your throat, leading to soreness or discomfort. <\/li>\n\n\n\n