A sore throat when swallowing is a very common complaint experienced by all age groups. This condition can make everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, and swallowing, painful and uncomfortable.
Many people assume that a sore throat when swallowing is always caused by a sore throat. However, this complaint can be triggered by a variety of medical conditions, ranging from viral infections and bacterial infections to acid reflux disease (GERD), to irritation from environmental factors. Because each cause requires a different treatment, it's important to recognize the underlying cause and accompanying symptoms to ensure appropriate treatment.
What is a Sore Throat When Swallowing?
Medically, a sore throat when swallowing is known as odynophagia , which is a condition where a person feels pain, burning, or discomfort when food, drink, or saliva passes through the throat.
Pain can occur in various areas, from the back of the mouth, tonsils, to the esophagus, depending on the underlying cause. This condition is different from dysphagia , a disorder that causes difficulty swallowing. Although different, odynophagia and dysphagia can occur together in certain conditions.
Various Causes of a Sore Throat When Swallowing
Here are some of the most common causes of a sore throat when swallowing:
1. Pharyngitis or sore throat
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, the part of the throat behind the nose and mouth. This condition is commonly known as laryngitis and can cause pain or discomfort, especially when swallowing.
Pharyngitis is most often caused by a viral infection, but in some cases it can be caused by a bacterial infection. Besides infections, pharyngitis can also be triggered by irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or allergies.
2. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection. In addition to a sore throat, sufferers may also experience:
- A lump in the throat.
- Pain when swallowing.
- Bad breath.
- Fever.
- The voice becomes nasal.
If it occurs repeatedly or causes serious problems, the doctor may consider further treatment.
3. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition where fluid or stomach contents rise into the throat and reach the larynx (voice box). This condition is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux. Unlike GERD, which often causes heartburn , LPR can occur without heartburn. Reflux that reaches the throat can irritate the vocal cords and upper airway.
Common LPR symptoms:
- Throat feels tight or like there is something stuck in it
- Frequent clearing or clearing of the throat
- Hoarse voice, especially in the morning
- Persistent or recurring cough
- Throat feels itchy, dry, or sore
- A feeling of mucus that is difficult to expel from the throat
- Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
- Bitter or sour taste in the throat in some people
4. Deep Neck Abscess
A deep neck abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection that forms in the tissues or spaces within the neck. This condition usually occurs when an infection originating in the throat, tonsils, teeth, or surrounding areas spreads deeper.
One fairly common type is a peritonsillar abscess, a collection of pus that forms around the tonsils and usually occurs as a complication of a tonsil or throat infection. In addition to a peritonsillar abscess, there is also a retropharyngeal abscess, a collection of pus that forms in the tissue at the back of the throat (pharynx). This condition can occur when an infection from the throat, respiratory tract, or surrounding tissue spreads to this area.
5. Environmental Irritation
Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, excessively dry air, and consuming excessively hot food and drinks can irritate the lining of the throat. Furthermore, excessive use of the voice, such as shouting or prolonged speaking, can also cause throat pain.
Symptoms That May Accompany a Sore Throat When Swallowing
In addition to pain when swallowing, sufferers can experience various other symptoms depending on the cause, including:
- Throat feels sore or burning.
- Sharp pain when swallowing food or drink.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Have a cold.
- Hoarse voice.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Swollen tonsils.
- Bad breath.
- A lump in the throat.
In some cases, sufferers may also experience difficulty opening their mouths, worsening difficulty swallowing, or pain that radiates to the ears. These conditions require further medical evaluation.
How to Relieve a Sore Throat When Swallowing
Primary treatment depends on the cause. However, the following steps may help relieve symptoms:
1. Drink lots of water
Keeping your body hydrated can help keep your throat moist so irritation doesn't get worse.
2. Consume soft textured foods
Choose soft, warm foods, such as porridge, soup, or oatmeal, to make them easier to swallow and not make the pain worse.
3. Gargle with warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce mild inflammation and provide a more comfortable feeling in the throat.
4. Avoid Factors That Trigger Irritation
During the recovery period, it is best to avoid:
- Smoke.
- Exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- The food is too spicy.
- Drinks or food that are too hot.
When Should You See a Doctor If Your Throat is Sore When Swallowing?
Although most cases can improve with self-care, consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following conditions:
- Sore throat when swallowing lasts more than 5–7 days.
- Complaints are getting worse even though I have been receiving treatment at home.
- High fever that won't go down.
- Difficulty swallowing to the point of not being able to eat or drink.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Saliva keeps coming out because he can't swallow.
- Increasing neck swelling.
- Blood appears when coughing or spitting.
Early examination can help doctors find the exact cause so that appropriate treatment can be given and complications can be prevented.
Article written by Dr. Ferry Herjanto, Sp. ENT-KL (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT) Head and Neck Surgery (BKL) EMC Cikarang Hospital).