If your throat hurts when you swallow, it is usually because the tissues in your throat are irritated or inflamed.
The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, although tonsillitis, strep throat, allergies, acid reflux and smoking can also cause discomfort. Most sore throats improve on their own within around one week, and antibiotics are not normally needed.
Key takeaways
- A sore throat is usually caused by a viral infection and gets better within about a week.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, resting and using suitable pain relief can help ease symptoms.
- Seek urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow, are drooling or your symptoms are getting worse quickly.
What could be causing my throat to hurt when I swallow?
There are several possible reasons why swallowing may be painful:
- A viral infection: Colds, flu and other viral infections are the most common causes of sore throats. You may also have a cough, blocked or runny nose, tiredness or a temperature.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils can make swallowing painful. Your tonsils may look red or swollen and can sometimes have white patches.
- A bacterial infection: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a painful throat, fever and swollen glands. However, bacterial infections are less common than viral causes.
- Acid reflux: Stomach acid travelling upwards can irritate your throat, particularly if symptoms are worse after eating or when lying down.
- Smoking or irritation: Cigarette smoke and other irritants can dry and inflame the throat.
- Other conditions: Laryngitis and glandular fever can also cause a sore throat and painful swallowing.
Most acute sore throats are short-lived. NHS guidance states that symptoms can last around one week, with most people recovering without antibiotics.
When should I see a GP about a sore throat?
You should speak to your GP if your sore throat has not started to improve after a week, keeps coming back, or you have other symptoms that concern you. A GP may assess your throat, glands and other symptoms to work out what is causing the problem.
You should seek urgent medical advice through NHS 111 if you have a very high temperature, signs of dehydration, or you have a weakened immune system. If you are having difficulty breathing, are unable to swallow, are drooling or have severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly, call 999 or go to A&E.
It is also worth remembering that antibiotics do not usually help a sore throat. NICE estimates that, when antibiotics are appropriate, they shorten symptoms by only around 16 hours on average.
When should I see a specialist about a sore throat?
Most sore throats do not require a specialist. However, your GP may refer you to an EN or throat specialist if you have persistent or recurring symptoms, problems with swallowing, unexplained changes in your throat, or other symptoms that need further investigation.
For example, a persistent sore throat accompanied by a lump in your mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer lasting more than three weeks, should be assessed by a GP.
What remedies can I use to help a sore throat?
There are several simple ways to make a sore throat more comfortable.
Drink plenty of water and choose cool or soft foods if swallowing is painful.
Getting enough rest can also help your body recover.
You can gargle with warm salty water to soothe your throat, although this is not suitable for young children. Avoid smoking and smoky environments, as these can further irritate your throat. Ice cubes, ice lollies and hard sweets may also provide temporary relief for adults and older children.
For pain or fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if they are suitable for you. Medicated lozenges can also provide some relief, although their effect may be relatively small. Always check the medicine instructions or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether a treatment is suitable for you.
If your throat pain is severe, lasts longer than expected or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, do not rely on home remedies alone. Seek medical advice.
See also: Remedies if you can’t stop coughing
