Pain While Swallowing? Know the Common Causes

Pain While Swallowing-Know the Common Causes.jpg

You aren't alone if you find it hard to eat and drink. Distressed swallowing is common. You may have a burning, sharp pain or feeling of a lump in your throat. It can be difficult to swallow all these symptoms. Difficulty in swallowing can happen due to benign and may easily be treated with OTC and home treatments. You need to consult an ENT to know the exact cause behind it.

  • Infection of the virus or sinus

A virus such as cold, influenza or flu is the common cause of painful swallowing. Infections with the sinus may also be the fault. Due to inflammatory tonsils, coughing and sinus irritation, your neck pain is probably caused. There are several other symptoms, like stuffy or runny nose, cough, headache, or fever, if you have an infection with virus and sinuses. The usual and common treatment for this kind of infections are rest and OTC medicines; although the doctor you consult may in some cases give you steroids or antibiotics.

  • Infection of the Throat

Strep and tonsillitis include bacterial infections affecting the throat. In contrast to viruses, these infections target the throat directly and will not be followed by other symptoms similar to colds. You may have fever, swollen lymph nodes, or gastric bowel symptoms in addition to a painful sore throat. OTC pain medications, or antibiotics and sometimes tonsillectomy for severe cases are included in treatment options.

  • Allergic response

Sinus gout, caused to be slightly painful by an allergy. However, severe allergies from food in particular can cause an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If so, the throat swells and closes, making swallowing and breathing difficult. Anaphylaxis is severe and requires immediate care.

  • Oral Thrush

Thrush is mainly a mouth infection with yeast. A fungus called Candida albicans contains mouth lining and can spread to the amber and throat. Irritation and burning may make eating and swallowing difficult. Minor bleeding or scrapes and a cotton-liking sensation in your mouth are also part of the symptoms. The treatment of thrush is effective with antifungal medicines.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

You're no stranger to this burning sensation in your garlic if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can be extremely difficult to swallow if stomach acid backs in the oesophagus. This is because your esophageal lining is damaged by acid reflux. It can also make you vomit, acidic taste, sickle burning and heartburn. The problem should be resolved by dietary changes along with antacids.

  • Injury in Throat

You might have injured your throat after swallowing any hard food or a large pill. You can also burn your oesophagus by consuming too hot food and drink. When you swallow, scraping, burning, and sore throat may cause mild pain. The injury will get healed in time, but OTC pain medications are available in the meantime.

  • Cancer

Although the sign of warning of throat or esophageal cancer may be rare, painful swallowing can be a symptom. Other symptoms may be seen in your saliva such as lumps around your neck or blood. An ENT doctor may conduct tests to find out if you have painful swallowing caused by tumors.

Come to OKOA in Norman to find out the cause behind it. Our experts will help you to the appropriate treatment.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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