What causes pain at the base of the tongue, difficulty swallowing saliva, and a sore throat?

Dec 03, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Pain at the base of the tongue and throat discomfort during swallowing can be caused by various factors, such as inflammatory irritation, ulceration, or local tumors. When infected by various pathogens, or after accidentally consuming excessively hot food leading to local scalding injuries, or in cases of tumorous conditions at the base of the tongue, pain may occur during swallowing, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

Pain at the base of the tongue and throat pain when swallowing saliva can be caused by various factors, such as inflammatory irritation, ulceration, or local tumors.

1. Inflammatory Irritation

When infected with various pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, upper respiratory tract infections, acute pharyngitis, or acute tonsillitis may develop, often leading to this symptom. Inflammation following infection can irritate local organs and tissues, resulting in pain.

2. Ulceration

This may be related to diet. For example, accidentally consuming excessively hot food can cause local burns; if not properly treated, this may lead to pain. Additionally, eating overly hard foods may scratch the throat area, easily causing ulcers and subsequent pain.

3. Local Tumors

This symptom also warrants caution for tumor diseases at the base of the tongue. Such tumors commonly occur in this area, which is relatively hidden and difficult to observe directly. They may cause pain during swallowing and are often accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

It is recommended to visit a hospital for a thorough examination to determine the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance.