Why is my throat not sore but I'm having difficulty swallowing, and what should I do?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, difficulty swallowing without a sore throat may be caused by esophageal muscle fatigue, psychological factors, esophagitis, esophageal spasms, esophageal stricture, or other reasons. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Psychological factors such as anxiety and tension may cause esophageal muscle tightness or spasms, thereby affecting swallowing function.
Generally, difficulty swallowing without a sore throat may be caused by esophageal muscle fatigue, psychological factors, esophagitis, esophageal spasm, or esophageal stricture. Treatment options include general management, medication, and surgical intervention under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended for standardized treatment under medical supervision. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Psychological Factors
Anxiety, tension, and other psychological factors may cause esophageal muscle tension or spasms, subsequently affecting swallowing function, although the throat typically does not hurt. It is recommended to learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to relieve tension; maintain a positive attitude and avoid excessive anxiety.
2. Esophageal Muscle Fatigue
Extended or frequent consumption of hard or large pieces of food, or swallowing too quickly, may lead to esophageal muscle fatigue, subsequently affecting swallowing function and causing difficulty swallowing, although the throat usually does not hurt. It is recommended to avoid prolonged or frequent consumption of hard or large pieces of food; chew food thoroughly and swallow slowly.
3. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is usually caused by gastric acid reflux, drug irritation, infection, and other factors. Damage to the esophageal mucosa leads to abnormal esophageal muscle function, resulting in difficulty swallowing. Symptoms may include retrosternal pain, heartburn, and acid regurgitation. Under medical guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and domperidone tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Esophageal Spasm
Esophageal spasms may be caused by neuromuscular dysfunction of the esophagus, psychosocial factors, food irritation, or drug side effects. Abnormal contractions of the esophageal smooth muscle cause temporary narrowing or twisting of the esophageal lumen, hindering the passage of food and causing difficulty swallowing. Symptoms may include chest pain and nausea. Medications such as nitroglycerin tablets, nifedipine tablets, and scopolamine butylbromide capsules may be used under medical supervision.
5. Esophageal Stricture
Esophageal stricture is mainly caused by congenital developmental abnormalities, inflammation, trauma, surgery, and other factors. The narrowing of the esophageal lumen hinders the passage of food, leading to difficulty swallowing. Symptoms may include vomiting, weight loss, and malnutrition. Treatment of esophageal stricture depends on specific circumstances and may require endoscopic dilation therapy, which involves placing a dilator under endoscopic visualization or using a guidewire introduced through the endoscope to dilate the narrowed gastrointestinal lumen.
If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended for professional diagnosis and treatment.
