What causes pain when swallowing saliva in the throat?

Generally, pain in the throat when swallowing saliva may be caused by excessive voice use leading to mucosal damage, dietary irritation burning the pharynx, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or peritonsillar abscess. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Mucosal damage due to excessive voice use: Prolonged loud speaking or frequent shouting can lead to congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa. Pain occurs during swallowing when the damaged area is stimulated. This is commonly seen among teachers, singers, and similar professions. Immediately reduce speaking frequency, avoid loud vocalizations, and rinse the mouth with warm saline solution three times daily to relieve discomfort.

2. Throat burn from dietary irritation: Consuming excessively hot or spicy foods can directly irritate and damage the pharyngeal mucosa, causing noticeable pain during swallowing due to mucosal congestion. Adjust the diet to include light, cool liquid or semi-liquid foods such as millet porridge and steamed egg custard. Avoid irritating foods like chili peppers, hot pot, and strong alcohol.

3. Acute pharyngitis attack: Viral or bacterial infections trigger acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in dryness, a burning sensation in the throat, and worsening pain during swallowing, often accompanied by a foreign body sensation. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Compound Herba Lysimachiae spray.

4. Acute tonsillitis: After infection, the tonsils become swollen and inflamed, with visible redness and congestion. During swallowing, the inflamed tonsils rub against surrounding tissues, causing severe pain, often accompanied by fever. Patients should follow medical instructions to take antibiotics such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Cefradine Capsules, or Penicillin V Potassium Tablets.

5. Peritonsillar abscess: If acute tonsillitis is not controlled promptly, the infection may spread to the tissue around the tonsils, forming an abscess. Swallowing causes intense pain, and the head is often tilted toward the affected side. Initially, patients should follow medical advice to use injectable antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone Sodium for Injection, Metronidazole Injection, and Dexamethasone Injection to control the infection. Subsequently, surgical incision and drainage of the peritonsillar abscess should be performed to remove pus and relieve pain.

In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene by thoroughly brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing the mouth after meals. Eat more throat-soothing fruits such as apples and pears, and consume vegetables rich in vitamins. Avoid tobacco and alcohol to protect throat health.