Dr. Michael Burnett Specializes in Problems of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses and Throat.

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

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Category Archives: Sore Throat

How to Manage Frequent Sore Throat Issues

Whether it’s due to allergies, infections, or environmental irritants, frequent sore throat issues shouldn’t be ignored. A sore throat is a common ailment that most people experience from time to time. However, when sore throats occur frequently, they can interfere with your daily life, productivity, and overall health. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage the condition and address the root causes — especially with the help of a skilled ENT specialist like Dr. Michael Burnett in New York City.

How to Manage Frequent Sore Throat Issues

Common Causes of Frequent Sore Throat

Understanding the root cause of your recurring sore throat is the first step toward effective management. Here are some of the most common causes:

Viral infections – Such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.
Bacterial infections – Most notably strep throat caused by group A Streptococcus.
Allergies – Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can cause postnasal drip, leading to throat irritation.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Acid reflux can cause irritation in the throat, especially during the night.
Environmental irritants – Exposure to smoke, pollution, or dry indoor air.
Vocal strain – Excessive talking, shouting, or singing can irritate the throat.
Chronic tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils – These can be a source of repeated infections and discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For

While sore throats are often mild, frequent or persistent symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying issue. Watch for:

Recurrent pain or scratchiness in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Swollen glands in the neck
Hoarseness or voice changes
Fever or body aches accompanying the sore throat
White patches or pus on the tonsils

If any of these symptoms recur or persist longer than a week, it’s time to consult an ENT specialist.

How to Manage Frequent Sore Throats

Here are some effective ways to manage and reduce the frequency of sore throat episodes:

1. Identify and Address Underlying Conditions

Frequent sore throats are often symptoms of other conditions like allergies, GERD, or chronic tonsillitis. Treating these root causes can significantly reduce the frequency of throat discomfort.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and sanitizing commonly touched surfaces can reduce your risk of viral and bacterial infections.

3. Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can irritate your throat, especially during winter. Using a humidifier helps keep your throat moist and less prone to irritation.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water soothes the throat and helps flush out irritants and mucus.

5. Avoid Irritants

Minimize exposure to cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and pollution. These can aggravate your throat and worsen symptoms.

6. Manage Acid Reflux

If GERD is causing your sore throat, lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating can help. Medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors may also be prescribed.

7. Consider Allergy Testing

If you suspect that allergies are a contributing factor, consider allergy testing. Identifying your specific allergens can help you take steps to avoid them or begin immunotherapy treatment.

8. Voice Therapy

If vocal strain is an issue, a speech-language pathologist or ENT can recommend techniques to reduce strain and preserve your vocal health.

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should consult an ENT specialist if you experience:

More than 4–5 sore throats per year
Sore throats that persist longer than a week
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Recurring tonsillitis or tonsil stones
Voice changes lasting longer than two weeks

Dr. Michael Burnett and the team at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York specialize in diagnosing and treating frequent sore throat issues using the most advanced techniques available.

Get Relief with Expert ENT Care in NYC

Chronic sore throat symptoms are more than just a nuisance — they may signal a deeper issue that requires professional care. Don’t continue to suffer or self-diagnose. With the right evaluation and treatment, long-term relief is within reach.

Contact Dr. Michael Burnett at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York today:

Ear, Nose & Throat of New York
Michael C. Burnett, MD
115 East 57th Street Suite 600
New York, NY 10022
📞 212-867-4813
🌐 https://earnosethroatofnewyork.com/

Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable throat — and a better quality of life.

Chronic Sore Throat: Causes & Treatment

You may have experienced sore throat pain and the various symptoms that accompany it. Some of them include pain, itchiness, scratchiness, irritation, and hoarseness in the throat. What’s more, the uncomfortable sensation makes sore throat worse after swallowing something.
While it may be cold or common flu sometimes, sore throats usually resolve on their own with natural home remedies. However, it is vital not to ignore chronic sore throat and related symptoms. In such cases, you should consult an ENT specialist.

Chronic Sore Throat
(Source)

ENT specialists have experience in dealing with ear, nose, throat issues, and other sinus conditions. More importantly, if you are suffering from a chronic sore throat condition, you should go to an ENT specialist instead of a general medicine practitioner or doctor.

What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Sore Throat?

Here are some of the symptoms that help you identify sore throat:

Scratchiness
Pain
Swollen tonsils
Inflammation in the nasal cavity
Red tonsils or swollen salivary glands
Pain when talking and/or swallowing
Muffled voice
Hoarseness when talking

What you should know is that a chronic sore throat might not even go away after treatment with mild natural home remedies and certain antibiotics. Hence, you need to visit an experienced ENT specialist.

What’s more, when the symptoms progress to a severe state (hoarseness, pain, swelling, etc.), other signs may start to exhibit in your body. These include:

Fevers
Runny nose
Coughs
Body aches
Headaches and Nausea
Vomiting
Sneezing

What are the Common Causes of Sore Throat?

Smoking

Often, smokers are the frequent sufferers of sore throats and intense coughs that persist for a long time. A study suggests how coughs and nasal conditions are common among military personnel who are regular smokers.

Toxins from cigarettes enter the lungs and bloodstream, which weaken the immune system and lead to condition likes chronic sore throats.

Breathing from the Mouth

Breathing from the mouth can lead to a chronic sore throat. Moreover, it is common among people with sleep apnea or those suffering from nasal congestions.

Allergy

Allergens like specific plants, foods, pollen, dust, pet dander, etc., can trigger allergic reactions that cause inflammation and swellings. Normally, allergies lead to nasal congestions and sore throats that eventually cause painful scratchiness and coughs.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux (heartburn) refers to when the food travels back to the esophagus and causes sore throats. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter is unable to close properly.

Postnasal Drips

Excess mucus can sometimes drain into your sinuses and back of your throat when you have postnasal drips. Usually, they might occur due to eating spicy foods, hot foods, allergies, weather changes, or even certain medications.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a recurring condition in many children but can occur at any age. They may develop it due to viral, bacterial infections. Usually, tonsillitis goes away with prescription medications but might require an ENT specialist’s care to avoid chronic progression.

What Are The Treatments for Chronic Sore Throat?

Some of the intervention treatments for a sore throat might include:

Steroidal medication in case of painful swelling
Allergy shots, medicines, nasal sprays, and similar medicinal treatment for cases with seasonal allergies that lead to soreness in the throat
Antibiotics to treat persisting and progressing infections, damaging the linings inside the throat
Antacid medicines to help control acid reflux and sore throat

In severe cases where chronic sore throat does not resolve easily and requires precise medical care, you may have to get hospitalized and receive medical care. Often, abscesses require surgeries that trained ENTs can perform. They help to remove swollen and inflamed tonsils that are making it difficult for you to sleep and/or eat.

Chronic Sore Throat Doctor
(Source)

When to See an ENT Specialist?

Once you start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and they do not go away with simple natural home remedies or antibiotics, consult an ENT specialist with adequate experience. Moreover, it is best to seek medical care even when you experience the slightest symptoms that you feel are getting worse gradually.

Early detection and prevention medicine can help in countering the symptoms of chronic diseases and treat acute health conditions.

Chronic Sore Throat: Conclusion

Are you struggling with chronic sore throat or any similar condition? You should consult Dr. Michael C. Burnett, D at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York. He specializes in ear, nose, throat, sinuses, head and neck care. Rest assured, Dr. Burnett has the expertise and knowledge to deal with your ENT related problem.

For further information, you can check out our official ENT practice website. Give us a call at 212-867-4813 to schedule an appointment today.

Michael C. Burnett, MD

115 East 57th Street
(Between Park + Lexington Ave.)
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022