Why it hurts to swallow and what to do about it
Miscellaneous / / July 05, 2023
It usually hurts to swallow because of SARS, but there are other reasons.
Pain when swallowing occurs due to inflammation of the pharynx, or pharyngitis. Inflammation is a response to any stimulus, not just viruses and bacteria. For example, it can occur with a burn or poisoning with chemicals.
What factors make the throat more vulnerable
No one is immune from a sore throat, but some factors make us more susceptible. To them relate:
- Age from 3 to 15 years, because that's when children are more likely to become infected with streptococcal infection.
- Smoking, and passive too. Smoke irritates mucous membranes, and combustion products increase the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx and lungs.
- Allergy, as it also leads to inflammation and irritation of the mucosa.
- Exposure to chemical irritants, such as industrial chemicals, fuels, and other hazardous substances.
- Chronic sinus infections because mucus drains down the throat and irritates it.
- Crowding, eg in gardens, schools, offices, barracks, dormitories.
- Weakened immunity, for example due to HIV infection, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, chronic stress, malnutrition.
Why does it hurt to swallow
In most cases, the cause is a viral infection, but other options are possible.
Viral infections
Most often the throat hurts due to viral infections such as:
- SARS, including influenza and COVID‑19;
- mononucleosis;
- measles;
- chicken pox;
- diphtheria;
- whooping cough.
Bacterial infections
sore throat also arises due to bacteria. The most common pathogen is group A streptococcus, which causes angina.
dry air
Dry indoor air can provoke sore throat and sore throat. Also, dryness occurs when breathing through the mouth, and not through the nose, for example, with congestion. This is due to the fact that when air passes through the nasal passages, it is moistened, but when inhaled through the mouth, it is not.
Allergy
Allergy exacerbation itself can annoy throat and cause pain and itching. But when there numb mucus from the nose, inflammation increases even more.
Irritants
If an allergy occurs only in susceptible people, then anyone can be irritated. It arises, For example:
- due to tobacco smoke;
- vapors of household chemicals;
- spicy food;
- chewing tobacco;
- drinking alcohol.
Muscle tension
A sore throat is a constant companion of teachers, technical support operators and other "talking" professionals. Her causes constant muscle tension.
Also, the pain is due to loud screams and singing, for example, after a concert. This is no longer a constant load, but very intense.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD is a condition in which the contents of the stomach thrown into the esophagus. This causes heartburn, hoarseness, dry cough, especially at night, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.
HIV infection
Often after HIV infection develops flu-like syndrome, which also includes a sore throat. As the infection progresses, immunity weakens, and the person becomes vulnerable to oral and pharyngeal candidiasis, as well as cytomegalovirus infection, which also manifest as pain when swallowing.
Tumors
Tumors of the throat, tongue, or larynx may manifest sore throat. Other signs or symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing, swelling in the neck, blood in saliva, and sputum.
When to See a Doctor for a Sore Throat
Usually a sore throat goes away on its own, but sometimes you need to see a therapist or pediatrician.
When to call an ambulance
To you need urgent medical care if:
- have difficulty swallowing or breathing;
- drooling - this may be a sign that you cannot swallow;
- breathing became wheezing and noisy;
- the pain is very strong, and the condition is only getting worse.
When to make an appointment yourself
American Academy of Pediatrics advises Take your child to the doctor if the sore throat does not go away after the first sip of a drink in the morning, such as tea.
It's easier for adults visit a therapist is needed if a sore throat:
- does not pass in a week;
- happens often;
- causes anxiety;
- accompanied high temperature;
- observed in a person with reduced immunity, for example due to diabetes or chemotherapy.
How to relieve a sore throat on your own
Most often, a sore throat goes away on its own in 5-7 days, but you can alleviate your condition a little before recovery. Here are some ways improve well-being, if it hurts to swallow:
- Suck on pieces of ice eat ice cream or lozenges (but do not give lozenges to children under two years of age, they may choke). Although many people were scared as children that ice cream could cause a sore throat, the cold actually reduces inflammation.
- Turn on a humidifier often so that the mucous membranes do not dry out.
- Gargle with salt water to help relieve swelling.
- Drink plenty of warm liquids. But not hot, so as not to increase inflammation.
- Eat honey, especially if you are coughing. Remember that it is not recommended for children under one year old.
- If necessary, take an over-the-counter drug, such as an antihistamine. He also shoots edema.
How to protect yourself from a sore throat
Since the main cause of a sore throat is infections, it is very important to avoid pathogens. Follow these tips and share them with your children:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unnecessarily.
- Do not share food, glasses, or utensils with other people.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then immediately throw it away and be sure to wash your hands. If there are no napkins sneeze at the elbow.
- Keep your children and yourself vaccinated on time. For example, the flu vaccine should be given annually, preferably before the start of the cold season.
- If you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Don't touch public phones or drinking fountains with your mouth.
- Regularly clean and disinfect phones, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and computer keyboards.
- When traveling, don't forget to clean phones, switches, and remotes in your hotel room.
- Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of SARS.
Read also🤕🤒😷
- Why there may be a lump in the throat and what to do about it
- What is meningococcal infection and how to protect yourself from it
- Why does it tickle in the throat and what to do about it
- Why the nose itches and when to see a doctor
- Why eyes water and what to do about it