hurts to swallow: causes, remedies and relief options

difference between odynophagia and dysphagia

what causes painful swallowing?

pharyngitis

one frequent cause of painful swallowing is inflammation or infection in the oral and throat regions, a condition known as pharyngitis . this can occur due to viral or bacterial infections, such as strep throat, which lead to soreness and discomfort while swallowing. pharyngitis symptoms may also include a scratchy throat, swollen tonsils, and general malaise.

esophagitis

another possible cause, particularly among individuals who smoke or consume excessive alcohol, is esophagitis . this condition involves inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or irritation caused by certain medications. esophagitis can result in a burning sensation and pain when food or liquid is swallowed.

oral and throat conditions

• tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected or inflamed, leading to difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and swollen glands.
• epiglottitis, which is more commonly seen in children but can also affect adults, involves inflammation of the epiglottis – the flap that prevents food from entering the windpipe during swallowing. infections like this can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
• oral ulcers (commonly referred to as canker sores) can cause significant discomfort while swallowing. these small sores can develop on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the gums, making eating and drinking painful experiences.

digestive disorders and odynophagia

impact of oral and throat conditions

identifying symptoms of odynophagia

recognizing physical signs and discomfort

how to alleviate pain when swallowing

1. modify your diet: adjusting what you eat and drink can make a significant difference. opt for softer and easier-to-swallow foods, like soups, purees, or smoothies. avoid excessively spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that may irritate the throat.
2. maintain good oral hygiene: proper dental care can minimize mouth and throat infections, reducing the likelihood of accompanying pain during swallowing. regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a suitable mouthwash are essential habits to maintain.
3. stay hydrated: drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for keeping your throat moistened and facilitating smoother swallowing. sipping on warm liquids like herbal teas or warm water with honey may provide additional relief.
4. avoid irritating substances: steer clear of smoking, alcohol consumption, and consuming hot or cold foods and beverages that aggravate the pain while swallowing.
5. over-the-counter solutions: over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate mild symptoms, such as using throat lozenges or numbing sprays. however, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before trying any new medications.

dietary adjustment for easier swallowing

before making any significant changes to your diet, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who specializes in dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). they can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and medical condition.

• incorporate softer foods into your diet. these may include pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, and soups. by creating a smoother texture, these foods are more easily swallowed without causing discomfort.
• avoid dry and tough foods that require excessive chewing and tend to cause irritation. foods such as crackers, crusty bread, popcorn, or tough cuts of meat might exacerbate swallowing difficulties. opting for moist or lubricated foods like cooked vegetables, tender meats, well-cooked pasta, or moist casseroles can make swallowing much easier. for example, rather than trying to swallow a dry piece of toast that feels like sandpaper in your mouth, picture how much smoother the process would be if you had scrambled eggs instead.

• adjust the temperature of your food. some individuals find relief by consuming warmer foods as they tend to be more soothing to the throat and esophagus. just make sure to avoid extreme temperatures to prevent burns or further discomfort.
• be mindful of portion sizes. eating smaller bites or portions at a slower pace can minimize the strain on your muscles during swallowing. this allows for better control of the process and reduces the risk of choking or aspiration.

medical treatments and procedures

one common treatment option is medication therapy. depending on the specific condition causing swallowing difficulties, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (ppis) or antacids may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and alleviate associated symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux, which can contribute to dysphagia.

in more severe cases of dysphagia, surgical interventions might be necessary. procedures such as dilation (widening) of strictures or esophageal stretching aim to open up narrowed areas in the esophagus, allowing food and liquids to pass through more easily.

finally, ongoing therapies like speech-language pathology can help improve swallowing function by addressing muscle weakness or dysfunction, particularly beneficial in cases of dysphagia. these therapies involve exercises and techniques tailored to each person’s needs, emphasizing coordination, strength-building, and proper swallow mechanics.

medication therapy – reducing stomach acid production or addressing underlying conditions
surgical interventions – correcting physical abnormalities in the throat or esophagus
speech-language pathology – improving muscle strength and coordination for swallowing

behavioural and environmental influences on swallowing pain

when should i see a doctor if i have pain while swallowing?

if you’re experiencing pain while swallowing, it is important to consult a doctor. this could be indicative of several conditions such as acid reflux, strep throat, or even a more serious issue like esophageal cancer. according to the american cancer society , approximately 18,440 new cases of esophageal cancer were diagnosed in the united states in 2020, emphasizing the need for timely medical attention. it’s always better to be safe and have a professional evaluate your symptoms to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

what are some home remedies that can help with pain while swallowing?

there are a number of home remedies you can try to alleviate both pain and dysphagia when swallowing becomes difficult. gargling with warm salt water, sipping on soothing liquids such as chamomile tea or nourishing bone broth, and using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can be effective strategies. these remedies help to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat, making the process of swallowing more comfortable.

can certain foods or drinks exacerbate my pain while swallowing?

what are some common and uncommon causes of pain while swallowing?

some common causes of pain while swallowing include conditions like sore throat, tonsillitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd). uncommon causes may involve more severe conditions such as esophageal strictures, infections like thrush, or even certain types of cancers affecting the throat. gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd) is a highly prevalent digestive disorder globally, affecting approximately 18.1 per cent to 27.8 per cent of the population in north america. it is essential for individuals experiencing pain while swallowing to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

can anxiety or stress cause pain while swallowing?