What causes pain at the junction of the nose and throat, and what should I do?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, pain at the junction of the nose and throat may be caused by environmental irritants, overuse of the voice, acute nasopharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis, or other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Particles in the air such as dust, pollen, and smoke, as well as dry or cold climates, may irritate the mucous membranes of the nasopharyngeal area, leading to pain.

In general, pain at the junction of the nose and throat may be caused by environmental irritants, overuse of the voice, acute nasopharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis, or other reasons. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance through general measures or medication. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Environmental Irritation

Particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke in the air, as well as dry or cold climates, may irritate the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, causing pain. It is recommended to wear a mask to reduce particle inhalation, use a humidifier to maintain indoor air moisture, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold or dry environments.

2. Overuse of the Voice

Extended talking, singing, or loud shouting can cause tension in the nasopharyngeal muscles and congestion of the mucous membranes, leading to pain. It is recommended to schedule voice use appropriately, rest the voice适时, keep the throat moist, and practice correct vocal techniques.

3. Acute Nasopharyngitis

Acute nasopharyngitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Inflammation leads to swelling and congestion of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, causing pain. It may be accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, fever, and other symptoms. Medications such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablets, ribavirin granules, and isatidis root granules can be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to harmful gases or dust, and repeated episodes of acute pharyngitis that have not been completely cured. Chronic congestion and thickening of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia in the posterior pharyngeal wall lead to nasopharyngeal pain. Symptoms may include a foreign body sensation, dryness, or burning in the throat. Medications such as compound borax mouthwash, Man Yan Shu Ning granules, and budesonide suspension for inhalation can be used under medical guidance.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is generally caused by nasal infections, allergic reactions, anatomical abnormalities, etc. Pus-like secretions increase in the sinuses and flow backward into the nasopharynx, irritating the mucous membranes and causing pain. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. Medications such as clarithromycin sustained-release tablets, eucalyptus oil enteric soft capsules, and fluticasone propionate nasal spray can be used under medical guidance.

In daily life, it is recommended to keep the nasal cavity clean and use normal saline to rinse the nasal cavity appropriately to reduce the occurrence of nasal diseases.