Throat pain when swallowing, medically called odynophagia, can be caused by various conditions such as infections, inflammation, or injury. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections like pharyngitis (sore throat), tonsillitis, strep throat, sinus infections, yeast infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and throat injuries from hot or sharp food. Pain may be due to mucosal irritation or inflammation in the throat or esophagus, and the severity and duration influence when to seek medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Throat Pain When Swallowing
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the throat, often viral or bacterial, causes sore throat and painful swallowing. Symptoms may include fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Tonsillitis: Infection and inflammation of the tonsils with symptoms like pain, swelling, and sometimes white pus.
- Strep Throat: A bacterial infection causing severe throat pain, red and swollen tonsils, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Sinusitis and Ear Infections: Can cause referred pain in the throat when swallowing.
- GERD: Acid reflux irritates the esophagus, causing burning pain during swallowing.
- Throat injuries: Burns or scratches from hot or sharp food may cause discomfort during swallowing.
- Yeast infection (Thrush): Fungal infection causing white patches and soreness in the mouth or throat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Pain lasts more than a week or worsens.
- Presence of high fever, white patches in throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Severe, sudden throat pain or associated breathing difficulties.
Management
- Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Medical evaluation for suspected bacterial infections or persistent symptoms.
- Treatments vary by cause, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for yeast infections, or acid suppression for GERD.
This overview helps to understand why throat pain occurs during swallowing and highlights the importance of diagnosis and treatment depending on the underlying cause.
