Pain when swallowing, medically called odynophagia, can happen for various reasons mostly related to infections, inflammation, or other conditions affecting the throat, mouth, or esophagus. Common causes include viral infections like colds or flu that inflame the throat, bacterial infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), or sinus infections. Other causes could be acid reflux, esophageal irritation or injury, yeast infections (oral thrush), or throat injuries from hot or spicy foods. Sometimes ear infections or swollen lymph nodes also cause it. In rare cases, it may signal more serious conditions like esophageal cancer or neurological disorders affecting swallowing muscles.
The pain occurs because swallowing involves muscles and mucous membranes in the throat, and when these areas are inflamed, infected, or injured, the rubbing or movement during swallowing becomes painful.
Key causes:
- Viral infections (cold, flu)
- Bacterial infections (strep throat, tonsillitis)
- Acid reflux and esophagitis
- Yeast infections (oral thrush)
- Sinus infections
- Throat injuries or burns
- Ear infections
- Esophageal disorders (spasms, narrowing)
If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, or inability to swallow, it's important to seek medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause properly.
