Origins of a Hurtful Attempt to Eat

The discomfort of swallowing can be caused by a number of different factors. There can be more serious causes, but typically it's something like an infection or a pill that didn't go down right.

The discomfort could be localized to the chest, the middle of your back, the center of your tongue, or anywhere along your esophagus (the tube that leads to your stomach). Here are some potential reasons, but ultimately, only a visit to your doctor can tell you for sure what's wrong.

One of these common illnesses can be detected by the onset of a sore throat that makes swallowing painful. Symptoms like a runny nose and cough may not appear until a day later.

It sounds like you have a cold, which can only be cured by rest and fluids. If you suspect it could be the flu, which is much more serious and has a much worse symptoms than a cold, you should visit a doctor.

Until the infection has cleared, trying to clear your throat of drainage from a sinus infection can be irritating and painful.

Streptococcus bacterial infection, more commonly known as strep, is a painful condition. Lack of a cold's typical symptoms, especially a cough, is another red flag for strep.

Streptococcus pyogenes infection in adults typically presents with a sudden sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Fever, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to a sore throat, can occur in children aged 3 and up. Streptococcus aureus is uncommon in children under the age of 2.

Fast strep tests can miss infections, so it's important to see a doctor for a throat culture. As a rule, antibiotics are prescribed. It can be left alone, but treatment is advised for improved comfort, to avoid spreading it to others, and to avoid complications.

This Epstein-Barr virus infection is common and easily spreads among people. There may be other symptoms besides difficulty swallowing, such as a high temperature, a sore throat, a headache, swollen lymph nodes, achy muscles, and a general feeling of exhaustion.

Diagnosing mono requires a blood test. Over time, most people feel better without any special treatment, and your doctor will monitor your health to make sure there are no complications.

Because of the pain associated with swallowing and the sores that can form inside the mouth and along the lips, this virus, in its type 1 form, can be very uncomfortable. While a few days is all it takes for the sores to heal on their own, anyone with HIV or experiencing their first outbreak should see a doctor. Avoid acidic foods like citrus while you heal, along with getting plenty of rest and staying stress-free.

Although HIV patients are particularly susceptible to this yeast infection, anyone taking certain steroids, antibiotics, or steroid inhalers for asthma is also at risk. You may also experience a loss of taste, a cotton-like sensation in your mouth, and dry, cracked, red skin at the corners of your lips if thrush is the underlying cause.

Treatment involves taking an antifungal drug, which your doctor can prescribe.

Cytomegalovirus, like herpes and mumps, can go through periods of activity and inactivity. Fatigue, muscle aches, fever, nausea, and vomiting are all possible side effects of cytomegalovirus infection. You can help your body fight the infection by getting plenty of rest and eating well, but if you are pregnant, have HIV, or have a weakened immune system, CMV can be very dangerous.

Avoiding anything that might get stuck in your esophagus and cause irritation is important. It's easier to get through security with an oval-shaped, heavier pill than a round, lighter pill. Antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline, potassium supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the highest potential for causing adverse effects. (It can also occur if you ingest a sharp object.) )

If you want to avoid this from happening, make sure to drink at least a half a cup of water with your pill and to sit up straight for at least 10 minutes afterward. If you're taking a medication that's known to cause stomach upset, drink a glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes after taking it.

Acid reflux in the esophagus, also known as GERD. Heartburn with chest and throat pain, a sour taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice are all possible side effects. If your esophagus' lining is eroded by acid reflux, swallowing may be painful.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you should see a doctor. Dietary modifications and GERD treatment both have a chance of helping.

Crohn's disease typically begins in the colon, but it can begin anywhere in the digestive tract, including the mouth and esophagus. It could be difficult and even painful for you to swallow.

Crohn's disease symptoms can also include a lack of appetite and weight loss in addition to diarrhea and cramping. Confide in your physician about your current situation. If you suspect you have an esophageal ulcer, you may need to undergo an endoscopy.

Swallowing discomfort is probably not caused by cancer. However, cancers of the throat and esophagus may cause this symptom. As a tumor expands and the throat becomes more constricted, you may experience difficulty swallowing.

See your doctor if you've been experiencing this symptom for a while and it's causing you to feel like you can only eat soft foods or have to chew them very carefully. You might need an upper GI tract imaging test.

It may hurt to swallow after receiving certain cancer treatments. Inflammation of the mouth, throat, or esophagus lining is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the head, neck, or upper chest. Some other symptoms include dry mouth and swelling. Softer foods, blender drinks, soups, and purees can help with these issues while undergoing cancer treatment. Foods that are cold can be calming, while foods that are too spicy can cause more pain. If you are successfully treated for cancer, this discomfort should quickly disappear.