When you have the occasional throat issue, whether it’s a persistent sore throat, a raspy voice or the sensation of something stuck in the throat—we typically attribute them to temporary irritants like seasonal colds or a day of cheering at the Kidd Brewer Stadium. However, a new study suggests that chronic throat problems may impact blood pressure. Let’s take a look at this study and how the connection can affect people with chronic throat issues.
Throat Conditions May Affect Blood Pressure Regulation
A 2024 study from the University of Southampton found that frequent throat infections can disrupt blood pressure regulation. This happens due to baroreflex sensitivity, which helps maintain stable blood pressure by adjusting heart rate and blood vessels based on posture and activity changes.
The study found that patients with recurrent throat issues exhibited lower baroreflex sensitivity, suggesting that the body’s ability to maintain stable blood pressure may be compromised when the throat is repeatedly affected by infections or inflammation.
Understanding the Vagus Nerve’s Role
The researchers believe that baroreflex disruption may be linked to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the throat, heart and digestive system. During throat infections, the vagus nerve focuses on protecting the airways and managing swallowing rather than regulating blood pressure. This shift may cause blood pressure regulation to be temporarily neglected, potentially leading to long-term issues.
For patients dealing with chronic throat problems, the potential for blood pressure imbalance may mean an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Although more research is necessary to understand this relationship fully, the findings suggest that frequent or severe throat infections shouldn’t be ignored.
Tips for Protecting Your Throat and Overall Health
Taking proactive steps to maintain throat health can benefit your entire body. Here are some effective strategies to consider:
- Seek ENT help for persistent symptoms. If you experience frequent sore throats, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, acid reflux, strep throat, laryngitis or tonsillitis, make an appointment with an ENT specialist for treatment.
- Maintain good hygiene. Avoid sharing utensils, food or beverages with others, as this can spread infections. Regularly wash your hands, especially after coughing, sneezing or touching public surfaces.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Drinking plenty of water can keep your throat moist and reduce irritation, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps support your immune system and overall health.
- Monitor your heart health. If you have ongoing throat problems, consider discussing your cardiovascular health with your provider. They may recommend regular blood pressure checks.
When to See a Specialist
Persistent or severe throat issues should not be ignored, especially regarding the potential connection to blood pressure problems. If you’re concerned about your throat health, contact Blue Ridge ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.