What causes a sore throat after eating cherries?

Generally, sore throat after eating cherries may be caused by factors such as excessive sweetness of the fruit irritating the throat, injury to the mucous membrane from the pit, oral mucosal ulcers, allergic pharyngitis, or acute tonsillitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Irritation from excessive sweetness: Cherries have a high sugar content. Consuming large amounts can cause sugar to adhere to the throat's mucous membrane, altering osmotic pressure and leading to dryness and pain. Immediately stop eating cherries, drink plenty of warm water to rinse the throat, and avoid sweets and spicy foods. Symptoms will gradually subside.

2. Mucosal injury from the pit: The hard cherry pit may accidentally scratch the throat's mucous membrane during consumption, causing a stabbing pain. Opt for lukewarm liquid diets such as millet porridge or vegetable soup, avoiding excessively hot or hard foods that could irritate the wound. Rinse your mouth with physiological saline after meals to prevent infection.

3. Oral mucosal ulcer: If you already have oral or pharyngeal ulcers, acidic substances in cherries may irritate the ulcerated area and cause pain. Follow your doctor’s advice to use medications such as Xiguashuang spray, Kangfuxin liquid, or compound chlorhexidine mouthwash to promote ulcer healing.

4. Allergic pharyngitis: An allergy to plant proteins in cherries can lead to congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in pain accompanied by itching and coughing. Follow your doctor’s instructions to take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, or budesonide suspension, and avoid consuming cherries again.

5. Acute tonsillitis: Bacterial infection of the tonsils from consuming contaminated cherries can cause inflammatory pain, along with tonsil enlargement and fever. Follow your doctor’s advice to use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, or cefuroxime axetil tablets. Use physical cooling methods when experiencing fever.

Before eating cherries, wash them thoroughly, remove the pits, and chew slowly. Control portion size—do not consume more than 20 cherries at once. Maintain a light and balanced diet, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and strengthen the resistance of the throat's mucous membrane.