Painful swallowing is considered common since individuals of all ages can experience it. This symptom has a number of possible causes. Difficulty swallowing together with pain is usually an indication of an allergic reaction or infection. A doctor must be consulted if the pain is intense or disrupts with drinking, eating or breathing.
What are the causes of painful swallowing?
- Flu
- Common cold
- Acid reflux
- Chronic cough
- Tonsillitis
The other possible causes of painful swallowing include swallowing large-sized pills, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, ear infection, throat injury and incorrectly swallowing jagged foods. - Throat infection
The other possible causes of painful swallowing include swallowing large-sized pills, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, ear infection, throat injury and incorrectly swallowing jagged foods. In rare instances, the pain or discomfort might be an indication of certain forms of cancer such as one that affects the esophagus.
Potential complications
The conditions that causes painful swallowing can result to complications such as the following:
- Worsening viral or bacterial infections
- Chest infections
- Loss of taste that might be permanent or temporary
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck that might make it hard for the individual to turn his/her head or lean the head backwards
When to consult a doctor
It is vital to seek medical care if an individual starts to experience symptoms along with painful swallowing such as the following:
- Swallowing issues
- Difficulty breathing
- Evidently swollen throat
- Unusual or significant amount of drooling
An adult should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility if he/she has issues with swallowing, difficulty opening the mouth, difficulty breathing or intense throat pain that becomes worse.
Management
The treatment for painful swallowing varies depending on the exact cause for the pain. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics to deal with infections of the tonsils, throat or esophagus.
The doctor might also provide a mouthwash that numbs the throat while using oral antibiotics. The numbing effect blocks any pain felt while swallowing the medication. As for intense pain, a throat spray can be used to numb the pain. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications are also given to reduce the inflammation in the throat, esophagus or tonsils.
If the individual frequently experiences painful swallowing due to recurrent tonsillitis or does not seem to respond to medications, the doctor might recommend surgery to get rid of the tonsils.