When we think of throat symptoms—soreness, the feeling of a lump in the throat or a raspy voice—we often consider them short-term problems brought on by a cold or too much singing-along at an Empire Live concert. While this is often the case, a new study found that frequent throat issues may have long-term consequences for blood pressure maintenance.
What Does the Study Say?
A 2024 study by the University of Southampton observed reduced baroreflex sensitivity in patients with throat symptoms. The baroreflex is responsible for detecting changes in blood pressure and making quick adjustments to the heart rate and blood vessels to keep it steady. Think about that dizzy feeling you sometimes get from standing up too quickly. The baroreflex is what keeps you from passing out.
Our daily survival depends on the throat’s ability to separate air and food each time we swallow. The throat does this by using reflexes controlled by the vagus nerve—a nerve responsible for carrying signals between the brain, heart and digestive system. The researchers in the study believe that reduced baroreflex sensitivity can be explained by the vagus nerve responding to throat infections by prioritizing the protection of the airways over blood pressure regulation. Essentially, your body is pulling resources from blood pressure regulation to address a more immediate problem—breathing through the airways. For patients with chronic throat issues, this can lead to blood pressure issues over time and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
What Does This Mean for Patients With Throat Symptoms?
Although the study is fairly new and may require additional research, the results suggest that patients with chronic throat conditions should be monitored for cardiovascular symptoms over time.
How Can I Protect My Throat Health?
The best way to protect your throat health is to seek treatment from one of our trusted ENT providers if you experience prolonged or severe throat symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Acid reflux
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Strep throat
- Laryngitis
- Tonsil infections
- Chronic cough
- Salivary gland issues
In addition to seeking medical help, you can practice the following few throat care tips to keep your throat in tip-top shape and prevent infection:
- Don’t share food or drink. Sharing food and drink can make you more likely to catch infections like strep throat, cold or flu.
- Wash your hands. Hand washing can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory infections (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). Always wash your hands after using the restroom, shaking hands, preparing food and touching door handles.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins can help boost immunity and lower your risk of heart disease (Centers for Disease Control, 2024).
If you experience frequent throat issues or want to discuss ways to keep your throat in tip-top shape, contact Albany ENT & Allergy Services today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.