The Throat Hurts: Why You Feel Throat Pain When Swallowing

Pain when swallowing can feel sharp, scratchy, or achy, and may even extend to your ears or neck. It's usually more intense than a general sore throat and can make eating, drinking, or even just swallowing saliva a challenge. Unlike the scratchy feeling of a common sore throat, painful swallowing can feel like a burning or squeezing sensation in the neck or behind the breastbone¹, like difficulty talking, hoarseness, or a dry feeling that doesn’t go away with water. Recognizing these distinct sensations can be your first step toward identifying what’s causing the pain.

Several factors can contribute to throat pain when swallowing. Some are more well-known, while others may surprise you. Here are some frequent culprits, along with suggested remedies or treatments that may help ease the discomfort.

1. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, particularly common in children. This condition often causes severe throat pain, particularly when swallowing, and may come with other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, and white patches on the tonsils.

What can you do: If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, particularly streptococcus bacteria, antibiotics are often required for treatment².  Otherwise, antibiotics are not effective for viral causes. It’s best to rest, drinking warm fluids, and using lozenges can help ease tonsil pain.

2. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)

Pharyngitis, commonly known as a sore throat, is often due to viral infections like the common cold or flu³. It often leads to painful swallowing and may vary from mild to severe, depending on the infection type.

What can you do: Rest, stay hydrated, and consider soothing throat lozenges to feel more comfortable.

3. Acid Reflux (GERD)

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, which can irritate your throat and cause painful swallowing⁴. The acidic environment is damaging to the sensitive throat tissue, especially if left untreated.

What you can do: Lifestyle adjustments like avoiding acidic foods and late-night meals can be helpful. Over-the-counter antacids may also provide relief, but consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

4. Strep Throat

Strep throat is a viral infection that can cause intense throat pain, often accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes⁵.

What you can do: If you suspect a bacterial infection like strep throat, consult a healthcare provider. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections effectively.

5. Other Throat Infections

Viral infections, like mononucleosis⁶ or the “kissing disease”, can also lead to painful swallowing. Other symptoms may include fatigue and sore muscles. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.

What you can do: For viral infections, time and supportive care are essential for recovery. Rest, fluids, and throat lozenges can help ease discomfort.

6. Dry Air and Allergies

Dry air, especially during winter or in air-conditioned rooms, can dry out your throat, leading to a scratchy, painful feeling when you swallow. Allergies can cause similar symptoms by inflaming the throat tissue. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology mentions that humidifiers can reduce discomfort caused by dry air⁷.

What you can do: Use a humidifier at home and stay hydrated. For immediate relief, throat lozenges can soothe irritation and provide moisture to your dry throat.

7. Throat Injuries or Irritants

Injuries from excessive coughing, shouting, or even swallowing something sharp can result in throat pain. Irritation from smoking or inhaling pollutants⁸ can also lead to painful swallowing.

What you can do: Give your throat a break, avoid irritants, and soothe the area with warm saltwater gargles or lozenges. Lozenges can help calm inflammation and ease discomfort.

8. More Uncommon Causes

Conditions like throat cancer, although rare, can sometimes cause throat pain, especially if it’s persistent and doesn’t improve. Persistent throat pain and difficulty swallowing should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider for further assessment⁹.

What you can do: If you experience persistent pain, weight loss, or difficulty breathing, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

While identifying the cause is important, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to soothe the pain. Here are some at-home remedies that might offer relief:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink warm water, herbal teas, or broths to keep your throat moist and alleviate pain.
• Gargle with Salt Water: A study suggests that gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation¹⁰, kill bacteria, and ease the pain associated with swallowing.

• Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and pain, but use them according to the instructions and consult a doctor if you're unsure.
• Flurbiprofen (Strepsils) MaxPro: Effective Relief for Throat Pain When Swallowing
  Flurbiprofen (Strepsils) MaxPro lozenges can be your valuable ally in soothing throat pain, especially if you experience pain when swallowing. These lozenges are specially formulated with flurbiprofen which helps with mild to moderate pain accompanied by inflammation¹¹.

Moreover, Flurbiprofen (Strepsils) MaxPro lozenges are easy to carry and can be used on-the-go, whether you're at work, traveling, or resting at home. Perfect for effective relief during the first signs of sore throat. Just dissolve one lozenge in the mouth every 3 to 6 hours or as prescribed by physician. This product is suitable for adults aged 18 and above. Remember to avoid taking more than 5 lozenges in 24 hours and not more than 3 days.

You can buy your Flurbiprofen (Strepsils) MaxPro lozenges online or at your nearest convenience stores or pharmacies. Additionally, Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) has a wide range of lozenges to offer that can cater to your needs.

While many cases of throat pain when swallowing resolve on their own, some may require medical attention. Seek professional help if:

• The pain lasts more than a week or worsens over time
• You have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth
• You experience high fever, rash, or unexplained fatigue
• There’s blood in your saliva or phlegm

Persistent throat pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Throat pain when swallowing can disrupt your daily life, and understanding why it is painful to swallow can help you find relief. Identifying the possible causes, such as infections or irritants, allows you to take targeted action. Simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies, like drinking warm fluids, gargling, and using soothing lozenges, can often provide quick, effective relief. Remember, your throat is a sensitive part of your body, so be gentle and give it time to heal. If symptoms persist, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare provider to ensure there isn’t a more serious issue at hand.

Looking for more ways to ease throat pain? Check out our lozenges product page to find a solution that’s right for you, or buy Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils) directly for easy access to soothing throat relief.