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Why does my throat hurt when I swallow saliva?

Jan 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, throat pain when swallowing saliva may be related to dry throat, excessive use of the voice, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis. If you experience discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. To prevent this symptom, it is advised to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, ensure adequate sleep, enhance physical immunity, and reduce the risk of infection.

Generally, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Sore throat when swallowing saliva may be related to dry throat, excessive voice use, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, and other conditions. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Throat

Dry throat occurs when the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat lack sufficient moisture, leading to dryness and fragility of the mucosal surface, causing friction-related pain when swallowing saliva. Maintaining adequate hydration, avoiding prolonged exposure to dry environments, appropriately using humidifiers, and avoiding excessive voice use are recommended.

2. Excessive Voice Use

Extended talking, singing, or loud shouting can overuse the vocal cords and throat muscles, causing local congestion and edema, which may stimulate sensitive nerves and cause pain when swallowing saliva. Reasonable scheduling of voice use, timely rest, and avoiding loud talking in noisy environments are recommended.

3. Acute Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections such as influenza virus or streptococcus. The inflammation leads to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, causing pain when swallowing saliva due to nerve stimulation. Symptoms may also include coughing, a foreign body sensation in the throat, and hoarseness. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as Oseltamivir Granules, Amoxicillin Capsules, and Pudilan Xiaoyan Tablets.

4. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may be caused by streptococcal infection. The tonsils become swollen and congested, causing pain when swallowing saliva due to pressure on the tonsils. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, headache, and swollen neck lymph nodes. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Paracetamol Tablets, and Compound Chlorhexidine Gargle may be used for treatment.

5. Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis may be caused by infection, allergic reaction, or the spread of inflammation from adjacent organs. Swelling of the epiglottis blocks the entrance to the larynx, causing increased pain when swallowing saliva. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and chills. Under medical guidance, medications such as Dexamethasone Injection, Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, and Cefradine Capsules may be used for treatment.

To prevent this symptom, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, ensure adequate sleep, enhance physical immunity, and reduce the chances of infection.

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