Why it Hurts to Swallow: Common Causes of a Sore Throat
Is that sharp pain in throat making it painful to swallow food?
Whether it’s a mild irritation or an intense discomfort, dealing with a sore throat is never fun.
We’ll explore the common causes of why it hurts to swallow and what you can do to find relief.
Common causes of throat pain when swallowing
Do you wonder, “Why does it hurt to swallow”? A sore throat can cause constant irritation. There are various common causes behind this pesky discomfort. Here’s why your throat hurts when swallowing:
Infections & inflammation
When it comes to sore throats, infections play a significant role in causing discomfort. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common culprits behind that sharp pain in your throat when swallowing.
Viral infections like the flu or common cold often lead to a scratchy throat accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing and congestion. These infections are usually self-limiting and can be managed with rest and fluids.
Bacterial infections like streptococcus can make swallowing painful and may require antibiotics for treatment.
The inflammation of the neck flap called the epiglottis, which stops food from passing down the windpipe. In certain cases, Acid reflux can cause discomfort and throat pain when swallowing.
Differentiating between viral and bacterial causes is essential to ensure appropriate care.
Allergies & environmental irritants
Do you have a sore throat that just won’t seem to go away? Allergies and irritants could be the culprits behind your discomfort.
Allergies can trigger inflammation in your throat, making swallowing scratchy and painful. Dust mites, pollen, pet dander are common allergens that can trigger a sore throat.
Irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, or strong odors can also irritate the delicate tissues in your throat, leading to discomfort and pain.
If you suspect allergies or irritants are causing your sore throat, try eliminating potential triggers from your environment. Using a saline nasal spray and a humidifier may help soothe irritation.
Can snoring cause a sore throat?
When you snore, the air you breathe in rushes past the soft tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate. This repeated vibration can lead to irritation and dryness of the throat, which might result in a sore or scratchy feeling when you wake up.
Chronic snorers often report frequent sore throats, especially in the morning. Additionally, if snoring is related to conditions like sleep apnea, the associated frequent waking and mouth breathing can exacerbate throat discomfort.
Diagnosing a Sore Throat
When you visit your doctor with a sore throat, they might use several methods to figure out the cause:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test checks the levels of the types of blood cells in your body. It helps your doctor determine if you’re fighting an infection, like one from a virus or bacteria.
- MRI and CT Scans: These scans create detailed pictures of your throat and can help spot any unusual changes or growths.
- Throat Swab Culture: This involves taking a small sample of mucus from the back of your throat to test for specific germs that might be causing an infection.
- Sputum Culture: If you’re coughing up phlegm, this test analyzes it to identify any infectious organisms.
- Barium Swallow Test: For this test, you drink a special liquid called barium, which coats your esophagus and shows up on X-rays. This allows your doctor to see how food moves from your mouth to your stomach and check for any swallowing problems.
Treating a Sore Throat
The treatment for painful swallowing can vary, but Dr. Peter Baptista will choose the best option based on what’s causing your discomfort:
- Antibiotics: If an infection in your throat, tonsils, or esophagus is the culprit, Dr. Baptista might prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
- Numbing Mouthwash and Throat Spray: To ease the pain when swallowing, Dr. Baptista may provide a special mouthwash that numbs your throat or a throat spray that can help relieve severe discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: These are used to lessen inflammation in the throat, esophagus, or tonsils.
- Tonsillectomy: If you have recurring or non-responsive tonsillitis, Dr. Baptista might suggest a tonsillectomy, a simple surgery to remove your tonsils that allows you to go home the same day.
Home Remedies
Alongside medical treatment, you can also try these home remedies to ease your sore throat:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep your throat moist and reduces discomfort.
- Salt Water Gargle: Mixing a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargling or sipping can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Warm Liquids: Sipping warm water or tea with honey can soothe your throat.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear from cigarette smoke and other irritants that can make your throat feel worse.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal lozenges and teas like sage, licorice root, and honeysuckle might help reduce throat pain, although their effectiveness isn’t guaranteed.
Consult Dr. Peter Baptista and find relief
If your throat hurts when swallowing, it is essential to pinpoint the underlying cause. Dr. Peter Baptista specializes in treating various throat-related issues and can provide personalized care to help alleviate your symptoms.
Don’t let a persistent sore throat disrupt your daily life any longer – schedule an appointment with Dr. Baptista today!
Dr Peter Baptista Jardin
European Board Certified ENT Doctor In Dubai
Dr. Peter Baptista Jardin is an ENT specialist with a special interest in treating sleep apnea. He is a revered expert in Spain for performing the first ever robotic transoral surgery in 2011, and the only series of hypoglossal nerve stimulation proved revolutionary for obstructive sleep apnea treatment worldwide. He currently serves as an ENT doctor in Dubai’s Al Zahra Hospital.
