Sore throat and pain when swallowing saliva—what's wrong?

Swollen throat with pain when swallowing saliva may be caused by excessive voice use, dietary irritation, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or herpangina. Symptoms can be improved through vocal rest, dietary adjustments, and medication. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive voice use: Prolonged loud talking or crying can cause congestion and swelling of the vocal cords and pharyngeal mucosa, leading to soreness and increased discomfort when swallowing saliva. It is recommended to reduce voice use to allow the vocal cords to rest, drink plenty of warm water to soothe the throat, and avoid shouting.

2. Dietary irritation: Consuming excessive spicy or hot foods can irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, triggering an inflammatory response that results in swelling and pain, with noticeable discomfort during eating. It is advised to switch to a light, easily digestible liquid diet, avoid spicy and hot foods, and increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Acute pharyngitis: Viral or bacterial infection causes acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain when swallowing saliva, often accompanied by hoarseness and dry cough. Under medical guidance, medications such as Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, Amoxicillin Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension, and Kehoujian Spray may be used to relieve symptoms.

4. Acute tonsillitis: Bacterial infection leads to inflammation of the tonsils, causing redness, swelling, and pus formation. Swallowing saliva pulls on the affected area, causing pain, often accompanied by fever and difficulty swallowing. Patients may, under medical supervision, take medications such as Cefaclor for Oral Suspension, Xiao'er Chiqiao Qingre Granules, and Ibuprofen Suspension to alleviate symptoms.

5. Herpangina: Caused by enterovirus infection, this condition leads to blisters in the throat that rupture and form ulcers, resulting in swelling and pain, along with fever and drooling. Patients may follow medical advice to use Ribavirin Granules, Kangfuxin Solution, and Paracetamol Suspension Drops to relieve discomfort.

Keep the throat moist by drinking plenty of warm water, maintain oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth with mild salt water after meals, ensure adequate rest, and avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke and dust to promote throat recovery.