Throat pain when swallowing, known medically as odynophagia, can have several causes, ranging from tonsillitis and bacterial throat infections (strep throat) to injuries in the throat. If left untreated, this condition can interfere with daily activities and make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
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Common causes of throat pain when swallowing
Here are some of the most common causes of throat pain when swallowing and how to treat them effectively:
1. Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria and is one of the most common causes of sore throat when swallowing. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen and painful lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
- Fever
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
- Sudden sore throat with redness
- Swollen and inflamed tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
2. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is the inflammation and infection of the tonsils—two lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. It’s a common cause of pain when swallowing and can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, including strep throat.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Bad breath
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sore throat
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes
- Mouth breathing or snoring while sleeping
- Fatigue or feeling unwell
- White patches of pus on the tonsils
- Red and inflamed tonsils
3. Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a throat infection that causes inflammation of the epiglottis—a small flap in the throat that prevents food from entering the windpipe. Along with pain while swallowing, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- High fever
- Excessive drooling
- Preferring to sit upright to breathe better
- Muffled or quiet voice
- Sudden sore throat
- Trouble breathing
- Noisy breathing (stridor)
4. Fungal Infections (Candidiasis)
Fungal infections such as oral thrush, caused by the overgrowth of Candida yeast, can lead to discomfort when swallowing. This often occurs when there is an imbalance in the body’s natural flora.
Symptoms include:
- Loss of taste
- White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat
- Redness or pain in the mouth and throat
- Cotton-like sensation in the mouth
- Cracked lips and redness at the corners of the mouth
5. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus—the tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. The most common cause is acid reflux, although medications and allergies can also trigger it.
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Bleeding (which may appear as bloody vomit or dark stools)
6. Throat Injuries
Although rare, throat injuries can cause pain while swallowing. Consuming very hot foods or drinks may burn the inner lining of the throat or esophagus. Sharp-edged foods like chips or crackers can also scratch or injure the back of the throat.
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, pain may be felt on one side of the throat or deeper within the esophagus.
When to See a Doctor
For children, contact a pediatrician immediately if they show any of the following symptoms along with pain when swallowing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Excessive or unusual drooling
- Swelling in the throat
For adults, visit a hospital if you experience:
- Inability to open the mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Severe and worsening throat pain
- Difficulty breathing
You should also make an appointment with a doctor if your throat pain is accompanied by:
- Bloody cough
- Symptoms lasting more than one week
- Hoarseness that doesn’t improve after two weeks
- Joint pain
- Lumps in the neck
- Skin rashes
Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that concern you.
ENT Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If you’re experiencing throat pain when swallowing, visiting an ENT specialist is the best way to determine the root cause and get the right treatment.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, you can consult with highly experienced ENT doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat.
Here are some of the ENT specialists available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. Prof. Dr. Abdul Kadir, Ph.D., Sp.THT-KL (K), MARS
Prof. Abdul Kadir is a seasoned ENT specialist who completed his medical and ENT education at Hasanuddin University, Makassar. He earned his Ph.D. in Otolaryngology from Hiroshima University, Japan, and holds a Master of Hospital Administration (MARS).
He is skilled in a wide range of ENT procedures, including ENT surgery, medical consultations, ear endoscopy, ear irrigation, and hearing function tests.
Schedule:
- Monday: 09:00 – 12:00 WIB
- Wednesday: 13:00 – 15:00 WIB
- Thursday: 13:00 – 15:00 WIB
2. dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.THT-BKL, MPH
dr. Abdillah completed his medical and ENT specialist education at the University of Indonesia and earned a Master of Public Health from Gadjah Mada University. He is experienced in treating hearing problems and ENT conditions across all age groups, including infants, children, and adults.
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 12:00 & 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Saturday: 08:00 – 20:00 WIB
3. dr. Dewi Lizanty, M.Kes, Sp.THT-BKL
dr. Dewi Lizanty is one of the ENT specialists practicing at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. She treats a variety of ENT complaints, including throat pain when swallowing.
Schedule:
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Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 13:00 – 15:00 WIB
4. dr. Handoko Nugroho Yossarsongko, Sp.THT-KL, M.Kes
dr. Handoko is a member of the Indonesian Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (PERHATI-KL) and the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI). He earned his medical degree from Universitas Kristen Indonesia and pursued further training in Biomedicine and Otorhinolaryngology at Hasanuddin University.
He is proficient in procedures such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and other hearing tests.
Schedule:
- Tuesday & Thursday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Saturday: 13:00 – 16:00 WIB
5. dr. Reno Hardoyo Kelan, Sp.THT-KL
dr. Reno completed his general medical and ENT specialist training at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. He is experienced in ENT procedures such as ENT surgery, ear endoscopy, ear irrigation, and hearing assessments.
Schedule:
- Monday: 16:00 – 18:00 WIB
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 – 12:00 WIB
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