How to Treat a Sore Throat when Swallowing

"Apart from inflammation, there are various other causes that make the throat hurt when swallowing. For example, sore throats, gastric acid, and fungal infections.”

Thedoctormedical , united states – Pain in the throat when swallowing food or drink may be a common health problem. The medical term for sore throat when swallowing is odynophagia. This condition can hinder the sufferer from doing activities because it causes discomfort.

Most people think that this condition occurs due to inflammation. However, not all sore throats are caused by this. Therefore, you must know what causes a sore throat when swallowing.

Causes of Sore Throat When Swallowing
Indeed, in general, esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus is one of the common causes of a sore throat when swallowing.

However, not only inflammation, this condition can also occur due to certain conditions. The following conditions are the cause:

1. Bacterial infection

The first cause of painful swallowing is caused by a bacterial infection. This causes you to experience a sore throat. When this happens, the tonsils are swollen.

Someone who has a bacterial infection in their throat should receive antibiotic treatment. If not treated immediately, you can experience serious complications, such as heart or kidney damage.

2. Wounds in the Throat

Another cause of this condition is the occurrence of injuries to that part. One of the causes of swallowing pain is caused by consuming food or drink that is too hot or too sharp to cause injury.

Therefore, you can prevent this disorder from happening by making sure the food is smooth when it passes through the throat so it doesn't cause injury.

3. Stomach Acid Disease

You can also experience a sore throat caused by stomach acid. This is generally caused by chronic stomach acid disorders.

4. Throat Too Dry

A throat that is too dry can also make the throat hurt when swallowing. This is because dry air makes your throat feel rough and itchy, making it uncomfortable to swallow.

In addition, breathing through your mouth due to a blocked nose during a cold can also cause a dry and sore throat.

5. Fungal Infection

The next cause of a sore throat when swallowing is a fungal infection in the mouth, throat. Well, mushrooms can grow out of control if the condition of the immune system is weakened. This condition generally occurs due to Candida yeast infection.

Apart from causing pain when swallowing, a yeast infection in the throat can also cause other symptoms. Examples include white spots on the tongue, redness in the corners of the mouth, and a decrease in the sense of taste.

How to Treat a Sore Throat when Swallowing

How to treat this condition will depend on the cause. The following are examples of treatment options based on the cause:

1. Home Care

Meanwhile, if the cause is mild, this condition can be treated through home treatments such as:

Take anti-inflammatory drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation. Especially in the mouth and throat, making it easier to swallow and less painful.
Take antacids. Available over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are effective for reducing pain from acid reflux.
Using a throat spray. Throat sprays can numb the throat and make swallowing easier and less painful.
Gargle with salt water. Salt water can reduce inflammation and reduce pain when swallowing. Mix 236 milliliters (8 oz) of warm water with a teaspoon of salt and gargle with this solution several times a day.
Consume hot drinks. Hot drinks, such as herbal teas, can help reduce pain. Avoid making the liquid too hot, or it could burn the throat. Well, there are a number of warm drink recommendations that are good for sore throats.

Hot shower. The steam from a hot shower can help reduce inflammation that causes painful swallowing.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Substances in alcohol and tobacco can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and food pipe.
However, if treatment doesn't work, it's important to get your health checked immediately.

2 . Antifungal Drugs

If the pain when swallowing occurs as a result of a yeast infection, the doctor will prescribe antifungal medication.

3. Use of Antibiotic Drugs
If this condition occurs due to a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic drugs.

4. Mouthwash

This type of drug can function as a pain reliever when swallowing and eradicate germs such as viruses that cause throat infections.

5. Surgical Procedure

If the cause is recurrent tonsillitis, your doctor may recommend removing the tonsils in a tonsillectomy procedure.

When to See a Doctor?

Most sore throats get better on their own within 5-10 days. The good news is that home treatments are generally enough to treat it. However, in some cases, this condition may occur due to an infection that requires medical treatment.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery , a doctor's examination is needed if this condition is accompanied by:

A severe, persistent sore throat that doesn't go away.
Has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth.
Have swelling in your face or neck.
Fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more.
There is blood in the saliva or mucus.
There is a lump in the neck.
Hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks.
Earache.
Rash.