Why does my throat hurt when I swallow saliva?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, pain in the throat when swallowing saliva may be caused by excessive voice use, dietary irritation, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, herpangina, or other reasons. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息 to enhance resistance and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

Generally, pain when swallowing saliva may be caused by excessive voice use, dietary irritation, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, herpangina, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Voice Use

Prolonged loud speaking or shouting can cause congestion and swelling of the vocal cords and pharyngeal mucosa. Swallowing irritates the damaged mucosal tissue, leading to pain. Immediately stop loud voice use to allow the throat adequate rest. Drink plenty of lukewarm or cool water and avoid irritating beverages.

2. Dietary Irritation

Consuming excessively hot or spicy foods can directly burn or irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal damage and obvious pain when swallowing saliva. Adjust the diet to include cool, bland foods such as porridge or soft noodles. Rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to clean the throat.

3. Acute Pharyngitis

Viral or bacterial infections can trigger acute inflammation of the pharynx, resulting in congested and swollen mucosa. Pain occurs during swallowing due to friction of the inflamed tissues, often accompanied by dry throat and coughing. Medications such as Lanqin Oral Liquid, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Ribavirin Granules may be used under medical guidance. Avoid tobacco and alcohol irritation.

4. Acute Tonsillitis

Bacterial infection causes acute inflammation of the tonsils, leading to redness, swelling, and pus formation. Swallowing puts pressure on the inflamed tissue, causing severe pain, often accompanied by fever. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as Cefaclor Capsules, Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, or Paracetamol Tablets may be used. In cases of severe abscess, incision and drainage of the tonsils may be required.

5. Herpangina

Infection with Coxsackievirus causes vesicles in the pharynx. When these vesicles rupture, ulcers form, and swallowing irritates the ulcerated surfaces, causing intense pain, often accompanied by oral vesicles and fever. Antiviral treatments such as Acyclovir Tablets, Kehoujian Spray, and Vitamin B2 Tablets may be used as directed by a physician. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent secondary infections.

In daily life, maintain regular作息 to enhance immunity; avoid crowded places to reduce infection risk; practice good oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and night; if pain persists or is accompanied by high fever, seek medical attention promptly to prevent worsening of the condition.

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