What causes a burning sensation in the throat?
May 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, possible causes of a burning sensation in the throat may include throat dryness, acid reflux, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and reflux esophagitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician. Treatment options may include general care and medication, as directed by a doctor. In daily life, it is important to maintain adequate hydration and avoid irritating foods and beverages.
Under normal circumstances, possible causes of a burning sensation in the throat may include pharyngeal dryness, acid reflux, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and reflux esophagitis. Treatment options, such as general therapy and medication, can be adopted under the guidance of a physician. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo treatment under a doctor's supervision. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Pharyngeal Dryness
Pharyngeal dryness is a common physiological cause of a burning sensation in the throat. When the throat lacks sufficient moisture, the mucous membrane becomes fragile and easily irritated by external factors, leading to a burning sensation. Maintain adequate water intake, avoid staying in dry environments for prolonged periods, use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity, and reduce the consumption of irritating foods and beverages.
2. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux refers to stomach acid flowing backward from the esophagus into the throat area. The acidic components in gastric acid irritate the throat mucosa, causing a burning sensation. Avoid overeating at dinner and reduce the intake of high-fat, spicy foods, and alcohol.
3. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections and can also be associated with environmental pollution, smoking, and other factors. Pharyngitis leads to congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, resulting in a burning sensation. Symptoms may include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and coughing. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, ribavirin granules, and Pudi Lan Xiao Yan oral liquid may be used for treatment.
4. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis may be caused by streptococcal infection. Tonsillitis leads to swollen and congested tonsils, with inflammation irritating the throat area and producing a burning sensation. Symptoms such as fever and headache may also occur. Follow medical advice for treatment with medications like penicillin V potassium tablets, acetaminophen tablets, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash.
5. Reflux Esophagitis
Reflux esophagitis is usually associated with unhealthy eating habits, psychological factors, delayed gastric emptying, and other causes. Components in the refluxate, such as gastric acid and pepsin, irritate the esophageal and pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal damage and inflammatory reactions, resulting in a foreign body sensation in the throat. Discomfort during swallowing may also occur due to mucosal irritation. Symptoms may include heartburn and acid regurgitation. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone suspension, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets may be used for treatment.
In daily life, maintain adequate water intake, avoid irritating foods and beverages, and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the occurrence of a burning sensation in the throat.
