Category: Throat

If you’re experiencing throat pain when swallowing, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that affects people of all ages. While occasional throat pain is usually nothing to worry about, persistent or severe throat pain can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. This article will explore the common causes of throat pain when swallowing and provide tips for managing the discomfort.

Throat Pain When Swallowing: Understanding Causes & Relief

Throat pain when swallowing can be caused by several factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Infections

Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and mononucleosis, can cause sore throat and throat pain. Bacterial infections like strep throat can also cause throat pain. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to throat pain when swallowing and other symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Allergies and Postnasal Drip

Allergies can cause postnasal drip, when mucus accumulates in the back of the throat. This can irritate the throat, causing pain when swallowing. Other symptoms of allergies may include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Dehydration and Dry Throat

Dehydration can cause a dry throat, leading to throat pain when swallowing. This is because the throat needs moisture to function correctly, and it can become irritated and inflamed when it’s dry.

Vocal Strain

Vocal strain is a common cause of throat pain when swallowing, especially for individuals who frequently speak, sing, or yell loudly. This can irritate the vocal cords, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Professional singers, actors, and public speakers are prone to vocal strain. Suppose you suspect that your throat pain may be due to vocal strain. In that case, it’s essential to rest your voice, stay hydrated, and avoid activities that require extensive vocal use until the inflammation subsides.

Tips for Managing Throat Pain 

If you’re experiencing throat pain when swallowing, here are some tips that may help you manage the discomfort:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or warm tea, to keep your throat moist and reduce irritation.

Gargle with warm salt water to soothe your throat.

Avoid spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the throat.

Use a humidifier or steamy shower to add moisture to the air and reduce dryness in the throat.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation.

When to Consult an ENT 

Suppose your throat pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing. You should consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist in that case. They can help identify the underlying cause of your throat pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Breathe Clear Institute Can Help Relieve Throat Pain 

At Breathe Clear Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat. Suppose you’re experiencing throat pain when swallowing. In that case, we can help identify the underlying cause and provide personalized treatment options to relieve your symptoms.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you breathe easy and live comfortably.

What does painful swallowing mean?

What does it mean when it hurts to swallow? Long story short, there could be many causes for the pain in your throat. It could stem from drinking a beverage too hot or swallowing a pill. Most of the time, the pain disappears after a day or two and you’re back to feeling good as new. 

However, if your pain doesn’t stem from something simple like that, it could linger awhile. Painful swallowing could be a symptom of an underlying health condition that requires treatment. With the painful condition known as Odynophagia, you may experience pain in your mouth, throat, and esophagus. 

If the pain persists or worsens, you may need to see a doctor. After a thorough checkup, you may be diagnosed with any of the following common conditions.

Common causes of painful swallowing

There are many potential causes of pain while swallowing. Sometimes it’s a symptom of inflammation or a throat infection. Here are some common causes: 

Strep Throat: Strep throat is one of the most common causes of painful swallowing. Some symptoms included swollen lymph nodes, high fever, and pain in the mouth. This bacterial infection targets your throat, but you can treat it with pain medication and antibiotics. 

Esophagitis: Your esophagus plays a role in your ability to swallow. When there is inflammation in that area, you can experience pain while swallowing. Esophagitis is a common condition caused by an allergic reaction, infection, or acid reflux. If you have this condition, you will experience symptoms like: heartburn, nausea, coughing, and chest and stomach pain. To treat this, a doctor might recommend over-the-counter drugs like antacids. 

Tonsillitis: It is common for your lymph nodes to suffer from inflammation. Common causes include viruses or bacterial infections since they are contagious. Along with painful swallowing, other common symptoms include swollen tonsils, bad breath, high fever, and a painful neck, and jaw. Treatments for this include medications, and antibiotics. If the condition is severe, surgery might be recommended. 

Throat injury: Improper eating is a common cause of painful swallowing. If what you’re eating is sharp or too hot, it can leave an injury on your throat. Cuts and burns on your throat can make it difficult for you to swallow without experiencing pain. Treatments for this include over-the-counter medicine and time. In due time the pain will subside and your throat will heal. 

Oral Thrush: This condition is a yeast infection of the mouth. A bacteria known as candida causes the infection.. This can lead to pain and irritation in the throat, which will make it hurt when you swallow. Other symptoms include loss of taste, redness on the corner of the mouth, white patches on your tongue, and a cotton-mouth sensation. Treatments for this include anti-fungal medication. 

When Should I See a Doctor?

If it hurts to swallow, it could also be a sign of throat or esophageal cancer. Some symptoms include blood in your saliva or lumps around your neck. It’s important to see a doctor to run tests. Our ENT specialists can determine if tumors are the source of your painful swallowing. 

Breathe Clear Institute Can Find Out Why It Hurts When You Swallow 

If it hurts every time you swallow, it can lead to a life that’s uncomfortable. If you go too long without treatment your condition can worsen and can lead to more painful infections. Breathe Clear Institute is here to help you take control of your health and discover relief. We can help diagnose your condition and get started on a treatment plan for you today. Schedule an appointment today with our ENT specialists.

Should You Gargle With Salt Water For A Sore Throat?

Sore throats are common and can be caused by an illness or a virus. There are many ways to treat them, including over-the-counter medications and home remedies. One of those natural home remedies is gargling salt water. But does it actually work?

H3 How Does Gargling Salt Water Help Relieve Sore Throats?

Gargling salt water helps in relieving a sore throat. This can be done by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gargling it.

The benefits of gargling with salt water are explained below:

• The antiseptic properties of the salt help in killing bacteria that cause infections and sore throats.
• The minerals present in table salt have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe inflamed tissues during a sore throat.

Salt Water Gargle Reduces Inflammation and Removes Mucus

Gargling with warm salt water can relieve a sore or scratchy throat by reducing inflammation and removing mucus from the back of the throat.

Salt is an effective anti-inflammatory, which means it helps ease swelling and pain in your mouth. When you gargle with warm salt water, you’re loosening up mucus in the back of your throat so that when you spit out, it won’t be as thick anymore.

However, keep in mind that this isn’t a substitute for medication or antibiotics if necessary. Salt water gargles are best used as a supplement to other treatments for colds and sore throats instead of being used alone.

How To Salt Water Gargle

To get the most out of a saltwater gargle, use warm water and dissolve as much salt as possible into it. You can also add in some honey or lemon for added benefits.

Salt water gargle for sore throat: Use the warmest water possible when making this gargle and add around half a teaspoon of salt to it. A salt water gargle is best made by dissolving half a teaspoon of coarse sea salt into 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water and then straining before use.

What If Gargling Salt Water Doesn’t Work?

Gargling salt water can help with a sore throat, but it isn’t always enough by itself. It’s best to use warm water, as cold fluids can make the pain worse. It’s also vital to use as much salt as you can dissolve in the water—more is better! Add honey or lemon for additional benefits and enjoy.

If you’re worried about getting too much salt in your diet, don’t worry: gargling is not a significant source of sodium intake for most people. However, if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet for another reason, avoid gargling with sea salt at all costs (you could even try steeping a bit of tea in warm water instead). If you feel like your sore throat is getting worse, after doing this, then it’s time to see your throat doctor and specialist.

Still struggling with a sore throat? Make an appointment with one of the specialists at Breathe Clear Institute today.

If you’re still experiencing a sore throat, make an appointment for an evaluation at Breathe Clear Institute to see what treatment options are right for you.

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Strep throat 

While many people associate strep throat with the winter season, it is a virus that can be caught any time of year. What is strep throat? It is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils caused by A Streptococcus and often requires medical attention. It is contagious and usually transferred between people by talking, coughing, or sneezing and has a two to five day incubation period. Symptoms and severity of strep throat vary between people, but should be treated by people who feel sick. 

Strep throat symptoms

There are common symptoms beyond a sore throat that can identify if it is a case of strep throat:

• Swollen tonsils of lymph nodes
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
• Pain when swallowing 
• Headache 
• Fever

In order to determine if you have strep throat, a doctor will need to examine your throat and do a simple swab test or a rapid test in the office. Once a diagnosis is made, there are options for treatment depending on the patient.

Strep throat treatment options

In order to prevent the spread of strep throat, it’s important to stay away from others while contagious. While infected with the strep throat virus, treatment is important in order to avoid further illness like rheumatic fever and increased severity in symptoms. Treatment options include the use of antibiotics including penicillin or amoxicillin (depending on personal allergies to antibiotics). If antibiotics do not work, it is important to see a doctor for further investigation. Always remember that the use of antibiotics creates a tolerance and need not to be overused. Consulting a doctor before deciding a treatment plan is always best, and keeping track of how often strep throat happens in a year is also a good idea. 

How to avoid strep throat

Some people are more susceptible to strep throat than others. If strep throat is a common occurrence in patients, Breathe Clear Institute offers both invasive and noninvasive procedures to help prevent further infections. Simple way to avoid infection include:

• Covering your nose and mouth when you or others are coughing or sneezing (wearing a protective mask can also help in these instances)
• If you cough or sneeze directly into your hand, wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer right away in order to contain the virus
• When washing your hands often, do so for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water
• Use antibiotic treatment plans as directed by your doctor and avoid contact with others until symptoms subside and you are no longer contagious 

Viruses can’t always be avoided, but the above measures help to keep you safe and hygienic when viruses are spreading. If you’re interested in learning more about more permanent procedures to stop recurring strep throat, we’re here to help.

We can help with recurring throat problems like strep throat – Schedule an appointment with Breathe Right Institute 

If you’ve been experiencing strep throat twice a year or more, it might be time to consult a doctor on how best to proceed rather than using antibiotic treatments every time. We can take a look at previous diagnoses and analyze the neck and throat area to assess what is best.

Neck masses in adults

Thinking back to most doctor’s visits, the doctor would always check the neck area for swelling and inflammation as it is often indicative of disease. If a noticeable mass is growing on the neck, it is cause for concern whether it’s something seen or felt as some masses may protrude more than others. On-going symptoms of possible neck masses vary, but patients should seek a doctor’s advice on how best to proceed before jumping to any conclusions

The Breathe Clear Institute has years of experience diagnosing and treating neck masses of all severity. Enlarged lymph nodes, cysts, or lesions on the thyroid or salivary glands are all considered part of any ENT practice. 

Symptoms and evaluation  

Symptoms will vary depending on where the mass is located, what it’s made of, and eventual diagnosis. They may include but are not limited to the below list.

• Protruding mass on the neck
• Changes in voice 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils 
• Problems sleeping 
• Changes in breathing 
• Unintentional weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Fever

If someone is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, please make an appointment immediately. Once in the office, the doctor will evaluate your neck mass to determine next steps and proceed with a diagnosis. 

If the mass is the site of inflammation or infection, patients will move forward with antibiotic treatments. If the neck mass persists as a local recurrence within the glands, a biopsy will be taken. Biopsies will determine if a mass is malignant or benign. If further investigation is needed, the doctor will order scans of the neck area. From there, it will be decided whether or not a patient must undergo surgery. 

Peace of mind with a diagnosis and plan of actions are our priority, and we pride ourselves on using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. There are, however, instances where more invasive surgeries are necessary.

Treatment and management

If a neck mass needs to be removed surgically, the operation will take place either in our offices or at a nearby operating room depending on the diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation of the surgically removed mass will be sent to the lab in order to determine next steps in treatment.

Be sure to ask the doctor about specific aftercare protocol for which surgery is performed. All patients should expect around a month-long recovery process and expectations of light activity during that time. Patients can expect pain management prescriptions to help with the healing process, and follow-up appointments will be made to monitor the situation. We want you to feel better while treating the disease, and also make your neck look aesthetically better in the process. 

Concerned about a mass on your neck? Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute

Neck masses should be immediately attended to, so please make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. It’s also best to take on symptoms when they first start in order to avoid any more severe symptoms and diagnoses down the road. Either way, we are here for you.

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How to remedy a sore throat

Almost everyone has experienced a sore throat in their lifetime. Whether the cause of the sore throat is from seasonal allergies or weather-related factors, there are plenty of quick and easy tips to remedy symptoms at home, with help of the pharmacy, and even seeing a doctor. Seeing as sore throats are common, we suggested following the tips below, depending on the severity of your pain. 

If a sore throat is beyond any at-home remedies and over-the-counter drugs, we suggest skipping over the below content and immediately making an appointment to see us for further assistance. We have on-hand specialists at the Breathe Clear Institute who will work to alleviate pain and discuss plans to avoid future throat issues.

Sore throat symptoms

If the patient is experiencing pain, itchiness, or irritation of your throat, it’s what is commonly called a sore throat. There might be one symptom that trumps the others or are experiencing all three at once. Likely, sore throats are affecting speech, the ability to swallow, and sleep which can all increase the likelihood of prolonged or worsening sickness. Sore throats tend to last three to ten days in an average case, but there are ways to heal quicker.

Holistic approaches

If a sore throat is highly bothersome, but not enough to take medicine or make an appointment with us just yet, here are some simple at-home remedies that can help alleviate soreness and treat that annoying throat tickle. People likely have most of these items around the house or can make temporary small changes in daily routines to help heal sore throats.

Gargling 

Salt water

Baking soda plus water

Make some temporary dietary changes 

Skip acidic foods (no apple cider vinegar)

Add hot sauce, garlic, or cayenne pepper to food

Suck on ice pops or drink extra cold liquids

Sip herbal teas such as chamomile or fenugreek

Consume roots of marshmallow, licorice, slippery elm

Use honey to coat throat in tea or on its own

If drinking alcohol, make a hot toddy (whiskey, honey, spices)

Replace your toothbrush

Rest your voice and body

Use a humidifier and/or take steam showers

Elevate your head while sleeping

Over-the-counter approaches 

If the holistic approach hasn’t given hopeful results but seeing a doctor might not be needed just yet, below are our suggestions for over-the-counter products to help. A quick trip to the pharmacy will help move healing along and reduce any pain. Be sure to check any ingredients for allergens or possible interactions with prescription medications that are already part of a daily regimen.

Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)

Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Nasal decongestants (Afrin, Vicks)

Allergy medicines (Zyrtec, Claratin) 

At-home and over-the-counter remedies not working? Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute 

If you’re having difficulty swallowing, notice enlarged tonsils, and all listed remedies above haven’t worked for you, it’s time to see a doctor. We want to help you recover from sore throats as quickly as possible so you can get back to your daily life without pain and irritation.

Schedule an Appointment

Why Does My Throat Hurt When I Swallow?

If you’re having a hard time eating and drinking, you’re not alone. Painful swallowing is a common condition. You could be experiencing burning, soreness, a sharp pain, or the sensation that you have a lump in your throat. All of these symptoms can make it difficult to swallow. Most of the time, painful swallowing is benign and can be treated easily with OTC medications and home remedies. But if your condition is severe or persists, you will need to see your PCP or throat doctor for treatment. You may be diagnosed with one of the following causes for painful swallowing:

Viral or Sinus Infection

The most common cause for painful swallowing is a virus like a cold, the flu, or mono. Sinus infections could also be the blame. The pain in your throat is likely caused by either inflamed tonsils, coughing, or irritation from sinus drip. If you have a viral or sinus infection, there will be a variety of other symptoms such as a runny/stuffy nose, headache, cough, or fever. Rest and OTC medications are the standard treatment for these types of infections; although your doctor may choose to prescribe steroids or antibiotics in some cases.

Throat Infection

Bacterial infections that affect the throat include strep and tonsillitis. Unlike with viruses, these bacterial infections directly target the throat and won’t be accompanied by other cold-like symptoms. In addition to a painful sore throat, you may experience a fever, swollen lymph nodes, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment options include OTC pain medications, antibiotics, and sometimes tonsillectomies for severe cases.

Allergic Reaction

Sinus drip triggered by an allergen can cause mildly painful swallowing. But severe allergies, especially from food, can cause an extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. When this happens, the throat can swell and close, making it difficult to swallow and breathe. Anaphylaxis is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Use an EpiPen if you have one and then go to the closest emergency room.

Oral Thrush

Thrush is essentially a yeast infection of the mouth. A fungus known as Candida albicans infects the lining of the mouth and can spread to the tonsils and throat. The irritation and burning can make it difficult to eat and swallow. Other symptoms include white lesions, minor scrapes and bleeding, and a cotton-like feeling in your mouth. Antifungal medications are effective at treating thrush.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, you’re no stranger to that burning sensation in the throat. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can be painful to swallow. This is because acid reflux is damaging your esophageal lining. You may also experience vomiting, an acidic taste, heartburn, and hoarseness. Diet changes along with antacids should remedy the problem.

Throat Injury

If you swallowed a large pill or a jagged piece of food, you may have injured your throat. Also, consuming food and drinks that are too hot can burn your esophagus. Scrapes, burns, and sore throat muscles can all cause mild pain when you swallow. Time will heal the injury but in the meantime, you can use OTC pain medications. 

Cancer

Although rare, painful swallowing could be a warning sign of throat or esophageal cancer. You may see other symptoms like lumps around the neck or blood in your saliva. An ENT doctor will be able to perform tests to determine if tumors are the source of your painful swallowing.

Breathe Clear Institute Can Find Out Why It Hurts When You Swallow 

Although painful swallowing isn’t usually a cause for concern, you should seek help if it’s causing prolonged suffering or if you have other troubling symptoms. Breathe Clear Institute can help. We take a holistic approach to health and will start by diagnosing the root cause of your discomfort to then customize a throat treatment plan for your specific needs. Schedule an appointment with an ENT from Breathe Clear institute and start feeling better today!

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What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, also referred to as tonsilloliths, are calcified stones that can be found lodged in the tonsils. Tonsils are the glands located in the back of your throat and are an important part of the immune system. Learn about the causes, symptoms, removal, and prevention of tonsil stones with the experienced team at Breathe Clear Institute. 

Causes

How do tonsil stones form? Tonsil stones are formed when debris, including food particles, and bacteria get trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. They vary in size and may appear yellow or white in color. Causes of tonsil stones include tonsillitis, infection, and failure to practice good oral hygiene. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tonsil stones include throat irritation, bad breath, ear pressure, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils. 

Removal

To remove tonsil stones, an individual may use at home remedies, however, if the stones persist, medical or surgical treatment may be recommended by a healthcare professional. 

Gargling With Salt Water

One remedy that can be done at home is gargling with salt water. To create a salt water solution, you mix ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. The salt water can work to help dislodge the stones and soothe the throat. 

Gargling With Apple Cider Vinegar

Another method that has proven to be helpful for some is gargling with apple cider vinegar. Take a cup of warm water and mix it with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. 

Using a Water Flosser

A water flosser may be useful in loosening up and removing tonsil stones. Water flossers are typically used to remove food and plaque. 

Tonsillectomy

Lastly, an individual may have to undergo a tonsillectomy if their condition does not improve. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed from the mouth. One of the benefits of a tonsillectomy is the elimination of tonsil stones along with fewer infections, fewer sore throats, and less snoring. This type of procedure is very common in the United States. At Breathe Clear Institute, our doctor performs this outpatient procedure, which typically takes less than 45 minutes, in a nearby operating room. Recovery times differ between children and adults, but most can expect to feel relief within two weeks. 

Prevention

For some, prevention may be more difficult, but practicing good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash) is a great way to help keep them from forming and causing uncomfortable symptoms. 

Get the Relief You Need With Breathe Clear Institute

If you are suffering from recurrent tonsil stones, schedule an appointment with the leading ENT doctor and allergist at the Breathe Clear Institute. Dr. Davis won’t just alleviate your symptoms. He will get to the root of your issue by conducting a complete evaluation. From there, he will recommend the most effective and ideal treatment—whether it be medical or surgical. At Breathe Clear, your health is important to us and it is our goal to provide all of our patients with the best care possible. To make an appointment with Dr. Davis, you can either give us a call and our patient coordinator will assist you, or you can always fill out an online contact form available on our website. We look forward to helping you get the relief you need and deserve.

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