What should I do if my throat hurts when swallowing saliva?

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Sore throat when swallowing saliva may be caused by dietary irritation, excessive voice use, dry environment, acute pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and other reasons. Treatment options include general treatment and medication, under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary Irritation

Consuming spicy, excessively hot, sharp, or irritating foods, such as chili peppers, hot soup, or potato chips, can directly damage the pharyngeal mucosa, possibly causing congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa. When swallowing saliva, the contraction of throat muscles and the damaged mucosa rub against each other, causing pain. It is advisable to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and reduce the consumption of spicy, hot, and irritating foods.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Speaking loudly for prolonged periods, singing, or shouting can fatigue the throat muscles and cause frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords, leading to congestion and dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa and increased local sensitivity. During swallowing, the normal movement of the throat stimulates the congested and dry mucosa, causing pain. Simple voice exercises, such as deep breathing exercises and voice relaxation training, can be practiced daily to enhance the endurance and coordination of throat muscles and reduce throat damage caused by overuse.

3. Dry Environment

When the air humidity in the surrounding environment is low, the moisture in the pharyngeal mucosa evaporates easily, which may cause dryness and lack of lubrication of the mucosa. When swallowing saliva, the dry mucosa rubs against itself, stimulating nerve endings and causing pain. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase indoor air humidity.

4. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infection. After infection of the throat, inflammatory factors stimulate the pharyngeal mucosa, leaving it in a congested and sensitive state. During the process of swallowing saliva, the movement of throat muscles and the flow of saliva stimulate the inflamed areas, possibly causing pain, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and fatigue. Under the guidance of a physician, medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Amoxicillin Capsules, and Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is mostly caused by bacterial or viral infection, but may also be due to trauma, allergies, and other factors. Under the stimulation of inflammation, the epiglottis may swell. When swallowing saliva, the saliva passes over the swollen epiglottis, stimulating nerve endings and causing pain. Patients may also experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Under a physician's recommendation, patients may use medications such as Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, Prednisone Acetate Tablets, and Yinhuang Tablets for treatment.

In daily life, one should strengthen physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections. At the same time, attention should be paid to oral hygiene, with proper tooth brushing performed every morning and evening. Maintaining good living habits, such as avoiding staying up late and excessive fatigue, is also important.