Why does drinking tea cause a sore throat?

Generally, throat pain after drinking tea may be caused by factors such as excessively hot tea, strong irritation from tea leaves, pharyngeal ulcers, acute pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Excessively hot tea: High-temperature tea directly irritates the throat's mucous membrane, damaging its protective barrier and causing mucosal congestion and pain. Allow tea to cool to around 40°C before drinking, rinse the mouth with cool boiled water to relieve the burning sensation, and avoid hot beverages in the short term.

2. Strong tea irritation: Drinking strong tea or highly stimulating varieties such as Keemun black tea can lead to dryness and pain in the throat due to irritation of the mucosa by tannins and caffeine. Switch to milder teas like ripe Pu-erh or light green tea, reduce the amount of tea leaves used, and increase water intake to dilute irritants.

3. Pharyngeal ulcer: When an ulcer exists on the pharyngeal mucosa, tea can stimulate nerve endings at the ulcer site, worsening pain and often accompanied by difficulty eating. Use medications such as Xigua Shuang spray, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, or vitamin B2 tablets as directed by a physician, and avoid spicy or hot foods.

4. Acute pharyngitis: Viral or bacterial infection causes acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in redness and swelling. Tea consumption further aggravates pain, often accompanied by dry throat and coughing. Under medical guidance, take Lanyin Oral Liquid, amoxicillin capsules, or ribavirin granules, and get adequate rest while minimizing talking.

5. Tonsillitis: Infected and swollen tonsils, possibly with pus spots, experience severe pain when irritated by tea, often accompanied by fever and difficulty swallowing. Follow medical advice to use cefuroxime axetil tablets, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or acetaminophen tablets. Recurrent cases may require consideration of tonsillectomy.

In daily life, control the temperature and strength of tea, choose mild tea varieties, maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing after meals, follow a regular作息 to enhance immunity, and seek prompt medical attention for persistent throat pain to prevent delayed treatment.