A sore throat is often dismissed as a minor symptom of a cold, yet for some people, it lingers far longer than expected. If throat pain, irritation, or hoarseness persists for weeks, it can interfere with speaking, swallowing, and sleep. A chronic sore throat is usually a sign that something beyond a simple viral infection is at play. Identifying the underlying cause is key to finding the right treatment and preventing further discomfort.
If you’re suffering from a persistent sore throat and are looking for rapid symptom relief, walk into AFC Urgent Care Bedford for same-day treatment! Our team of board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide rapid symptom diagnosis and treatment - all without having to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save time by saving your spot online in advance below.
Acid Reflux
One common but often overlooked cause of a persistent sore throat is acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, it can irritate the throat lining, leading to ongoing soreness, a burning sensation, or a feeling of a lump in the throat. Symptoms may worsen at night or after meals, especially spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as avoiding late-night eating, reducing trigger foods, elevating the head during sleep, and, in some cases, using antacids or acid-suppressing medications.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose or sinuses drips down the back of the throat. This constant mucus flow can cause throat irritation, frequent throat clearing, coughing, and hoarseness. Allergies, sinus infections, colds, and dry indoor air are common triggers.
Managing postnasal drip may include treating underlying allergies, staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays, or taking antihistamines or decongestants as recommended by a healthcare provider.
Stubborn Cold Symptoms
Sometimes, a sore throat lingers because the body is still recovering from a viral infection. A stubborn cold can leave behind residual inflammation even after other symptoms improve. Repeated coughing, mouth breathing due to congestion, or returning to daily activities too quickly can slow healing.
Rest, adequate fluids, warm teas, throat lozenges, and avoiding irritants such as smoke can support recovery. However, if symptoms worsen or last longer than expected, a secondary infection may need to be ruled out.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Chronic Sore Throat
Ignoring a sore throat that doesn’t resolve can delay the diagnosis of more serious conditions. Chronic throat pain may signal bacterial infections, tonsil issues, vocal strain, or, in rare cases, more serious throat or oesophageal conditions. Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or pain radiating to the ear are warning signs that require prompt medical evaluation.
Get Rapid Sore Throat Relief at AFC Urgent Care Bedford
While many sore throats are mild, ongoing or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking medical care for an evaluation of your symptoms ensures that your condition will be properly diagnosed with appropriate testing and treated effectively. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers patients near Bedford, Massachusetts, with rapid same-day care for minor conditions like a persistent sore throat.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and we accept walk-in patients. Simply walk in when it’s convenient. We accept most medical insurance plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket. To learn more about the services we provide, give the clinic a call at (781) 430-8161.
