- exposure to pathogenic microorganisms;
- environmentally unfavorable background;
- harmful production;
- bad habits;
- injury.
Environmental factor
The most comfortable conditions for the mucous membrane of the throat are clean, moist air, free of harmful impurities and smoke. Thus, an exacerbation of chronic throat diseases is noted with the arrival of cold weather and the inclusion of central heating or heating devices that dry the air. Under these conditions, the mucous membrane of the throat dries up, becomes more susceptible to the action of bacterial and viral pathogens.
It is dry air that is one of the causes of sore throat.
To increase the humidity, it is recommended to carry out regular wet cleaning of the room, use air humidifiers, irrigate the mucous membranes of the nose and throat with saline solutions.
Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust gases exceeding the maximum permissible values in the air, also irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and lead to the development of periodic sore throat. There are scientific studies indicating an increase in the incidence of ENT pathology, including cancer, among residents of large industrial centers. At the same time, an indisputable fact is a significant improvement in the condition of patients with chronic pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis after a spa treatment in a climate of middle latitudes, mountainous regions or on the sea coast.
Industrial hazards
Similar reasons for the appearance of a sore throat in an adult working in a cement plant, chemical production. In this case, there is a regular inhalation of air containing hazardous impurities. This can lead to the development of an inflammatory process in any part of the upper respiratory tract and lungs. The negative impact of these factors is evidenced by the improvement in the state when the employee is transferred to another job that is not related to hazardous production.
Among the components of harmful impurities there may be substances that are allergens for some patients. This can further aggravate the situation, cause a state of bronchospasm. In connection with the appearance of persistent or recurrent sore throat, not associated with exposure to pathogenic pathogens, the patient should consult an otolaryngologist. In cases where the reason for the deterioration of well-being can be associated with the production process, you should change your professional activity. Otherwise, the condition will progressively worsen.
The reason for the development of unpleasant sensations in the throat can be not only dangerous impurities in the air. The professional activity of lecturers, teachers, singers is associated with overstrain of the tissues of the larynx, which leads to chronic pharyngitis, laryngitis, manifested by constant sore throat, voice changes, dry cough.
Trauma
The cause of a constant sore throat in an adult may be regular trauma to the mucous membrane. Microscratches resulting from damage to the mucous membrane by rough food, sharp bones, are also dangerous for the development of traumatic damage to the throat. Eating too hot food or drinks, as well as strong alcoholic beverages containing synthetic products, an adult patient contributes to the development of an inflammatory process in the pharynx and larynx.
The involvement of the larynx in the process is evidenced by a change in the patient's voice. He becomes rough, hoarse.
Infectious and tumor processes
The most common causes of persistent sore throat are pathogens, bacteria and viruses. Hypothermia, dry and polluted air are only predisposing factors for this. The low immunity of the patient contributes to the fact that the interaction of the body with pathogenic agents leads to the development of a pathological condition.
Frequent SARS, which can develop several times a year, is the most common cause of sore throat. Despite the fact that the disease is caused by various viruses, its clinical manifestations are similar. Typical symptoms besides 
pain in the throat are
- acute onset;
- malaise;
- headache;
- runny nose;
- nasal congestion;
- dry cough;
- temperature rise up to 38 degrees.
The repeated development of the disease during the year indicates a weak immunity of the patient. The main therapeutic actions in this case are aimed at increasing the body's defenses.
First of all, it is necessary to study the concomitant pathology. To do this, it is necessary to conduct examinations and identify foci of chronic infection, as well as diseases accompanied by a decrease in immunity. Frequent SARS are observed against the background of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis. There is ample evidence that teeth and gum debridement can reduce the incidence of chronic tonsillitis. The situation is similar with other comorbidities.
Bad habits, alcohol abuse and smoking play an important role in reducing immunity. Having stopped the influence of these factors, many patients notice an improvement in their health status within the next months. At the same time, an active lifestyle, physical education, walking in the fresh air, adherence to the daily regimen are an important component of maintaining the necessary immunity. A good diet, consisting of all the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, also helps to maintain the immune system at the required level. In severe cases, immunocorrection is indicated.
The cause of persistent sore throat, sensation of a lump may be a swelling. The risk group in this case is smokers and workers in hazardous workshops. In some cases, the symptomatology is characterized by scarcity and is found only with close study. In other cases, attention is drawn to the change in the timbre of the voice, its hoarseness.
In all cases, there may be pain when swallowing. Symptoms build up slowly over several months. That is why it is so necessary to conduct annual medical examinations to identify severe pathology in the early stages.
Infectious mononucleosis
A viral disease, infectious mononucleosis, is also accompanied by pain in the throat for a long time. In some cases, it is the presence of this symptom for more than 10 days that is the reason to suspect this infection. In this case, the infectious disease specialist will pay attention not only to the swelling of the tonsils, but also to an increase in lymph nodes in the axillary and groin regions, prolonged subfebrile condition, and the presence of a rash.
In a significant part of patients, there is an increase in the liver and spleen, which is reflected in the liver tests performed. A mandatory symptom is a change in the blood count. Depending on the period of examination, atypical cells or lymphocytosis may be found. The condition is progressively improving, laboratory parameters return to normal within 2-3 months. In the future, the patient develops a stable immunity to this disease.
Chronic tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis is a common cause of frequent sore throat.The disease develops as a result of incorrect or untimely treatment of acute tonsillitis and proceeds against the background of reduced immunity. In addition to frequent sore throat, patients are worried about prolonged low-grade fever, fatigue (both physical and mental), pain in the heart, swelling and pain in the joints.
Pharyngoscopy helps to clarify the diagnosis. A study carried out by an otolaryngologist reveals enlarged tonsils, adhesions between them, as well as the anterior and posterior arches. An important sign indicating the development of chronic tonsillitis is the detection of purulent contents in the crypts of the tonsils.
Confirmation of the inflammatory process is the presence of enlarged and painful lymph nodes located along the anterior surface of the neck and near the corner of the mandible.
Sexually transmitted infections
Another serious pathology that can be accompanied by a painful throat syndrome is HIV infection. The development of this symptom is due to the addition of a secondary infection. Most often, the causative agent is pathogenic fungi that lead to the development of candidal stomatitis.
In adults, the cause of the development of unpleasant sensations in the throat can be sexually transmitted pathogens, chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma. Serological diagnostics and bacterioscopic examination of the smear make it possible to clarify the nature of such a pathogen. Based on the results of the study, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment, antimicrobial drugs.
Due to the variety of diseases, when the throat is very often sore, the patient should promptly consult an ENT doctor. Often, pathological conditions are based on chronic processes. An important role in their treatment and prevention is played by measures aimed at enhancing immunity, which is time-consuming. The earlier the diagnosis is carried out, the sooner the result will be achieved.
