Burning in the throat
definition
Almost everyone knows a burning sensation in the throat and throat. Often you have to clear your throat more and more, swallowing hurts or you notice hoarseness. This acute occurrence is often seen at the beginning of a cold.
The inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) is mostly caused by viruses and therefore transient. However, if the burning sensation in the throat persists for a long time, the cause should be investigated.
Causes of burning in the throat
One of the most common causes is viral inflammation of the throat, also called pharyngitis.
Chemical substances can also irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and cause a burning sensation. Very hot or cold foods can also damage the mucous membrane.
If the burning sensation is often associated with a meal, heartburn should be considered.
In some people there is a genetic dysfunction of the mucous membrane, which leads to a constant scratching of the throat. A chronic inflammation of the pharynx can develop. These symptoms are aggravated, for example, by cigarette smoke and the hormone changes in women during the menopause.
heartburn
A common cause of a burning sensation in the throat is heartburn.
This causes stomach acid to get into the esophagus. Usually a sphincter at the entrance to the stomach (esophageal sphincter) prevents reflux. If the muscle group is not working properly, the so-called "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD) occurs. This can happen, for example, if the muscle is naturally weak or if it has been damaged by irritants such as nicotine. Heartburn can also develop as part of an inflammation of the stomach, an inflammation of the esophagus, or a malignant change.
The burning sensation in the throat is often accompanied by belching, tenderness and nausea.
You might also be interested in these topics:
- Causes of Heartburn
- Diet for heartburn
E cigarette
Especially when you start to use an e-cigarette again, there is often a burning sensation and slight sores in the throat.
E-liquid is vaporized and this vapor is inhaled. It consists of propylene glycol (PG), which is hydrophilic. It thus binds water and can irritate the mucous membrane in the throat. In some consumers, the substance can also cause an allergic reaction. Often the burning sensation in the throat subsides after getting used to it and disappears completely.
allergy
Hay fever as a typical example of an allergy usually occurs seasonally. If you are allergic to pet dander, dust mites or mold, symptoms can occur all year round. Usually there is a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing fits or a burning and itching in the throat and throat.
If the burning sensation in the throat occurs mainly in combination with certain foods, it can be a so-called oral allergy syndrome. The reason for this is a cross allergy. The allergens of, for example, early bloomers are similar to those of various foods. If there is an allergy to birch, alder or hazel, nuts and stone fruit varieties such as apples and pears are often not tolerated. A common cross allergy is also found in latex and fruits as well as house dust mites and shellfish. Oral allergy syndrome often manifests itself as tingling, burning or itching in the mouth, on the tongue and on the lips. The focus is usually further forward in the mouth area, but it can also be felt further back in the throat.
Further information on this:
- Cross allergies
- Food allergies
Mental causes
In some cases a burning sensation in the throat may be psychological or the symptoms may be aggravated by the psyche.
It can occur in the context of a depressive illness. Usually, however, a burning sensation in the throat is not the only symptom, but is accompanied by other indications, such as joylessness, early waking or reduced drive. In this case one should consider a psychological assessment.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland
Acute inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause a burning sensation in the throat.
This is usually accompanied by a strong feeling of illness, a tender and enlarged thyroid gland with difficulty swallowing as well as enlarged lymph nodes and fever. The cause can be bacterial infection or inflammation after trauma or after radiation therapy.
Subacute inflammation of the thyroid can also show up as a burning sensation in the throat. The course is usually more gradual or can even be almost symptom-free.
In comparison, chronic inflammation usually manifests itself with symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid, such as loss of appetite or restlessness.
In any case, the suspicion of acute inflammation should be clarified by the doctor.
Read more on the topic:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
Diagnosis of burning sensation in the throat
The first important step in diagnosing a burning sensation in the throat is a detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis).
The question should be how the symptoms should be described, when they first appeared, how long they last or whether they are recurring. These statements can be used to narrow down a possible diagnosis quite well. In addition, there is the question of other symptoms, other illnesses and the consumption and consumption of alcohol. These questions should always be answered truthfully as they represent an important risk factor.
If symptoms persist, a physical exam should be done and, if necessary, an endoscopic examination or a blood test for inflammation levels.
Concomitant symptoms
The examining doctor should pay special attention to the accompanying symptoms.
If you notice the burning in the throat as part of a flu-like infection, it is largely harmless and it disappears completely. Usually the patient also has a runny nose, cough, watery eyes or body aches.
However, if there is also an enlarged thyroid gland that is painful on pressure, the possibility of thyroid inflammation should be considered.
Frequent expulsion and a connection with eating, especially high-fat and lavish meals, suggest heartburn. The burning sensation in the throat is often accompanied by a feeling of scratching or the need to clear one's throat frequently.
You may also be interested in this topic: Symptoms of a sore throat
Burning of the tongue
Burning tongue may occur as part of a burning sensation in the throat. However, they do not necessarily have a common cause.
Reflux disease can cause a burning sensation in both the throat and tongue. This is also possible with an allergy or irritation from food.
However, the tongue can become inflamed or burned independently of the throat. Cigarettes, medication, or decreased saliva production can irritate the tongue.
A single inflammation of the tongue is called "glossitis". Mechanical irritation from, for example, a denture that does not fit well is also possible.
You can find more causes of a burning tongue and other information on the subject on our site Burning tongue
Therapy for burning sensation in the throat
Treatment for the burning sensation in the throat differs depending on the cause of the discomfort.
In the case of an acute incident as part of a flu-like infection, the burning sensation usually heals without consequences. You can support recovery with home remedies. Drinking plenty of fluids, for example, when tea is not too hot, can help. Cough drops may also relieve the symptoms.
If symptoms are related to a direct trigger, such as fruit or an e-cigarette, it is best to avoid them. If heartburn has been identified as the cause of the burning sensation in the throat, long-term conservative therapy will help. Fatty foods, alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided. If this is not enough, drug therapy with acid-inhibiting drugs, including proton pump inhibitors, may be necessary. In addition, if you are overweight, you should aim for weight reduction.
Acute thyroiditis should be treated with bed rest, plenty of fluids and, if the disease is bacterial, with an antibiotic.
Persistent burning in the throat
Usually it is an acute incident.
In the case of a flu-like infection, the burning sensation in the throat should get better after a few days. Allergic reactions occur quickly after contact with the allergen and disappear after a short time. Heartburn can come back many times and should be treated over the long term.
