Sore throat when swallowing

introduction

Hardly anyone is spared, especially in winter: everyone has probably had a sore throat at least once in their life.
A painful inflammation in the throat and pharynx occurs, which is sometimes associated with difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. A sore throat can occur alone or with other symptoms, depending on the cause.

Causes of Sore Throat When Swallowing

A sore throat when swallowing is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. They occur especially in winter with flu-like infections, pathogens are the typical cold viruses. Infection with influenza viruses is less common and is found mainly in high-risk groups such as the elderly or medical staff.

There are also other viruses that can cause a sore throat disease, such as the Paramyxoviruses with the so-called pseudo croup or that Epstein-Barr Virus in the "Pfeiffer glandular fever", the Mononucleosis.

Another type of strep throat is what is called Tonsillar angina, also known as tonsillitis. It is also characterized by a sore throat with severe difficulty swallowing. Pathogens in this case are bacteria, so-called Streptococci. A heavier form is that Lateral cord angina. A otitis media can occur as a further complication.

The so-called "teething troubles", against which vaccinations can now be made, can also cause sore throats: these include measles, mumps, scarlet fever and diphtheria. These diseases can also occur in unvaccinated adults and are then often more severe.

Allergies such as pollen allergies can also lead to scratching and pain in the throat in those affected. In addition, heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption dry out the throat and can lead to a sore throat.

Read more on this topic: Causes of Sore Throat

Sore throat when swallowing due to allergy

An itching or burning sensation in the throat can also be due to an allergy if no other symptoms can be found. Furthermore, an allergic reaction is likely to trigger the sore throat if it always occurs in certain times of the year (hay fever season) or in certain situations (e.g. when coming into contact with dogs). At least one runny nose, watery eyes and a general feeling of illness occur with an allergy.

In an allergy sufferer, the immune system is activated when certain substances come into contact, creating a reaction that causes the mucous membranes to swell. The swollen mucous membranes in the throat lead to problems swallowing and pain.

You can also find out more at: hay fever

Sore throat when swallowing from tonsillitis

A sore throat when swallowing can also be caused by tonsillitis (angina). The tonsils belong to the special defense tissue (lymphatic throat ring), in which pathogens like to collect and multiply.
The tonsils react to this and can become infected. They swell, become fat and hurt. Swallowing hard foods (bread crusts) and large portions is particularly painful as the foods can rub against the almonds.
Once the tonsillitis heals, the pain and swallowing problems go away.

For further important information, also read: Sore throat and difficulty swallowing

What are the accompanying symptoms of a sore throat when swallowing?

Whether and which other symptoms exist in addition to a sore throat depends on the underlying disease.

In the case of flu-like infections, rhinitis, fever, cough and a general feeling of fatigue can occur. The sinuses can also become blocked, and this can lead to headaches.
With many infections, but especially typical with that Pfeiffer's glandular fever there are swollen lymph nodes.
A lateral cord angina is often associated with otitis media. This leads to a reddened auditory canal and hearing loss.
Bacterial infections often lead to whitish deposits in the swollen throat and can cause bad breath.
If you have a child with a barking cough, you should also Pseudo croup think a viral infection that leads to laryngitis.
Children with measles initially experience a sore throat and other flu-like symptoms until the typical rash appears all over the body.

Read more on this topic: Symptoms of a sore throat

Fever with sore throat when swallowing

A fever often occurs as an accompanying symptom alongside the sore throat. A fever is an elevated core body temperature that can be measured most precisely rectally.
In adults, a body temperature of over 38 ° C is referred to as fever, in children from 38.5 ° C. Fever is the body's natural response to fighting pathogens. In the event of an excessive reaction, however, there is also the risk that the body's own proteins and structures will be destroyed. The doctor will then prescribe antipyretic drugs. In the fever episode, the patient initially shows chills and later sweats more. Children in particular often have a fever.

Like a sore throat, a fever can have many causes. This includes not only viral but also bacterial pathogens such as Streptococci and Pneumococci.

Sore throat and ear

Over the upper part of the pharynx, the nasopharynx, the oral cavity is connected to the middle ear via the so-called Tuba auditiva connected. In this way, inflammation can easily spread and throat infections can be accompanied by otitis media. In addition to a sore throat, there is also an earache.
However, inflammation does not always have to exist: the swollen mucous membrane in the throat can cause the tube opening to swell. This is noticeable by an uncomfortable feeling of pressure on the ears.
If you have an earache, you should see a doctor who can examine the ear canal and eardrum and diagnose otitis media. If the underlying infection is successfully treated, the sore throat and ear should have subsided.

Find out more about the topic here: Sore throat and earache

Sore throat when swallowing and swollen lymph nodes

Usually, lymph nodes are neither visible nor palpable. If you have an inflammation in the throat and pharynx, these lymph nodes usually enlarge.
The location of the lymph nodes allows conclusions to be drawn about the possible disease. In case of tonsillitis, z. B. the lymph nodes on the side of the neck.

The inflammation causes the lymph nodes to swell because they are part of the immune system. The immune defense is particularly important in the case of an infection and can be so strong that the lymph nodes become inflamed, swollen and painful.When the sore throat subsides, the swelling of the lymph nodes usually also goes down.

More on this: Lymph node swelling in the neck - how dangerous is that?

Sore throat when yawning and swallowing

Sore throats sometimes become alert or worsen when you yawn or open your mouth wide. This is because the inflamed mucous membrane is stretched in the process. Due to the inflammation, the pain receptors are particularly sensitive and send a pain stimulus to the brain. The inflammation is mainly in the back of the throat and throat and thus leads to a sore throat when yawning.

Sore throat when speaking and swallowing

If the vocal cords are overused, for example by loud screaming and roaring, a sore throat can occur. Speaking becomes painful and sometimes becomes an incomprehensible croak. Here you should spare your vocal cords and speak as little as possible in the next few days. It is not necessary to whisper, but the speaking volume should be lowered slightly to protect the vocal cords.

Read more on this topic: Inflammation of the vocal cords

Unilateral sore throat when swallowing

Inflammations caused by infections usually affect the entire mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. A lateral cord angina may only appear unilaterally and cause a sore throat when swallowing.

Another cause of a one-sided sore throat can be a so-called abscess of the tonsils, an encapsulated collection of pus. These are mostly complications of previous inflammations. The throat is very red and swallowing is especially painful, as is speaking and opening the mouth. Sometimes you can see a displacement of the uvula.

Tumors in the throat or thyroid gland can also be responsible for unilateral sore throats. An ear, nose and throat doctor should be consulted immediately, especially if you experience shortness of breath, coughing up blood and hoarseness. Long-term smoking increases the risk of developing a throat tumor.

Therapy is canceled depending on the diagnosis: an abscess can be opened and drained and treated with antibiotics; in the case of cancer there are different approaches depending on the patient's profile and the tumor status.

Right-sided sore throat when swallowing

Unilateral sore throats when swallowing are a special form of sore throat. They can appear in isolation on the right as well as on the left side. The trigger is on the right, for example a abscess, the right side is particularly sensitive to pain.
A lateral cord angina sometimes affects only one side of the throat. Due to the inflammation, the mucous membrane is better supplied with blood and appears red, and it is also very sensitive to pain.

Left-sided sore throat when swallowing

If the abscess is on the left side, the left side hurts more accordingly. Even if one Lateral cord angina extends mainly to the left over the pharynx, the left side is more sensitive and painful.

Therapy of sore throat when swallowing

A sore throat when swallowing is a symptom of an illness and will go away with successful treatment of the cause.

Even if this seems uncomfortable at first, it is particularly important to drink plenty of fluids if you have a sore throat, preferably still water or lukewarm tea. This helps moisturize the lining of the neck. Chamomile tea in particular has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes the irritated throat. In addition, lozenges can also reduce symptoms. In the pharmacy there are also decongestant lozenges with local anesthetics that have an analgesic effect. Gargle solutions from the pharmacy or chamomile and sage tea disinfect and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, you should take care of yourself if you have a sore throat and get enough sleep. Sport should be avoided, as bacterial infections in particular can lead to serious complications. The neck and chest area in particular should be kept sufficiently warm and drafts should be avoided. To support the immune system, it is important to have a balanced diet with all valuable nutrients and vitamins. If necessary, short-term anti-inflammatory pain relievers can be used.

If the doctor determines that the cause of the sore throat is a bacterial infection, an antibiotic such as penicillin to prescribe.

Read more on this topic: What can be done about a sore throat?

These over-the-counter medications can help

If necessary, you can get over-the-counter medication from the pharmacy. Drugs that contain pain relievers are popular. These are known to include drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Preparations containing paracetamol can help with a sore throat, but they are only used for symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain. In addition, it has an antipyretic effect.

A very popular over-the-counter drug for sore throats is Mucoangin®. These are lozenges that provide quick pain relief in the sore throat. Mucoangin has the active ingredient ambroxol. Ambroxol is often used in throat medicines because it has a local anesthetic effect and so relieves sore throats. It also loosens mucus in the throat, which can cough up and relieve the sore throat.

You might also be interested in: Medicines for hoarseness

Nolaid lozenges are also recommended. The active ingredient lidocaine is found in Nolaid. This is also locally anesthetic and is particularly suitable for combating symptoms of sore throats.
There are many other over-the-counter medicines for sore throats and a few home remedies, it is best to seek advice from a pharmacist.

Are you interested in this topic? Read our next article below: Medicines for sore throats

Home remedies for a sore throat when swallowing

Many people would like to use so-called "home remedies" for a mild sore throat. Chamomile, sage and peppermint have been described as pain relieving and anti-inflammatory. These can be drunk as tea, used as a gargle solution or given as lozenges.

Read more on the topic: Gargling for a sore throat

Juices, including the well-known “hot lemon”, are acidic and can be painful if there is an inflammation. This also includes sour fruits.

In the case of milk with honey, it is important to ensure that milk has a slimy effect and forms a breeding ground for bacteria. This means that milk temporarily removes the irritation in the throat, but it should be avoided. Honey, on the other hand, has an antibacterial effect and can be used to sweeten tea.

Inhaling, for example with steaming water with added chamomile and sage, supports the blood circulation in the mucous membranes and supports the healing process.

Read more on this topic: Home remedies for a sore throat

Homeopathy for a sore throat when swallowing

In homeopathy there are also a variety of remedies for a sore throat when swallowing. These are available from the pharmacy. It is important to pay attention to the quality of the pain and the additional complaints. Depending on the indication Globulis different origins and manufacturing processes.

If there is sharp pain Apis given, for pain as caused by splinters Argentum nitricum or Hepar sulfuris. With a high fever and agitation the patient becomes too Belladonna seized. Lycopodium is intended to help with right-sided complaints with worsening around lunchtime which are accompanied by upper abdominal pain. Mercurius solubilis is used when the throat is covered and sweating at night. Self-treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist should not take place.

In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are urgently recommended, otherwise in the worst case it will not heal Tonsillar angina inflammation of the heart muscle (Myocarditis) can come.

Read more on this topic: Homeopathy for a sore throat

What are the special features of children with a sore throat when swallowing?

A sore throat when swallowing and itching in the throat are typical symptoms of a cold in children. More often than in adults, sore throats in children are only caused by viruses and not bacteria. Especially in winter, the dry heating air puts a lot of stress and strain on the still delicate mucous membranes of children. In addition, the immune system in children is not yet fully developed, which is why there is a particularly high risk of infection. For this reason, children quickly catch a cold or sore throat from other children in kindergarten or school.

Sore throats and swallowing problems due to tonsillitis are particularly common in children. This is due to the fact that the immune system (including the tonsils) is still in the "learning phase" and activates the defense against every foreign body.
In extreme cases, the inflamed tonsils in the child may enlarge so much that they touch in the middle. In this case one speaks of "kissing tonsils". This great magnification can lead to enormous swallowing and breathing problems. If a child repeatedly suffers from such an inflammation, tonsil removal can be useful.

also read: Tonsillitis

Diagnosis of sore throat when swallowing

The patient usually gives a sore throat when swallowing anamnese at the doctor. This must now research the cause in order to initiate an appropriate therapy. To do this, the doctor often looks into the patient's throat with a light source and a clean spatula. So that the doctor has the best possible view of the throat and pharynx, he places the spatula on the tongue and gently presses it down, asking the patient to say "A". This lifts the roof of the mouth up and the doctor can inspect the tonsils and throat. He looks for redness and swelling, whether they appear on both sides, whether there are deposits on the swellings and whether these deposits can be easily removed by scraping or whether slight bleeding occurs.

In addition to inspecting the neck, the doctor also feels under the chin and in the corner of the jaw for swollen lymph nodes. If swallowing problems or hearing loss occur, he will search the ear for signs of otitis media. In order to clarify whether it is a flu-like infection, the lungs are also monitored with a stethoscope and other general examinations.

At this point, our next article would be helpful to you: When should I see a doctor with a sore throat?

How long does a sore throat last when swallowing?

How long a sore throat lasts depends on the underlying disease. Virus infections subside in about a week, bacterial infections after ten to twelve days. The duration also depends on the situation of the immune system and the supportive measures. Those who take appropriate care of themselves will be healthy and fit faster.