What Should I Do If My Throat Hurts When I Swallow?

A sore throat when swallowing may be caused by pharyngitis or acute epiglottitis, and can be treated with medication.

1. Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis is a common clinical condition, mostly caused by bacterial or viral infections, and can also spread through droplets. Clinical manifestations include pharyngeal discomfort, a sensation of foreign body, itchiness or dryness, and sore throat when swallowing. If not treated promptly, it may affect the nose, trachea, and other areas. In such cases, penicillin V potassium tablets or honeysuckle granules can be taken under the guidance of a doctor to effectively improve symptoms.

2. Acute Epiglottitis: Acute epiglottitis is an acute inflammatory lesion affecting the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, mainly characterized by epiglottic edema, accompanied by dysphagia and sore throat when swallowing. Early treatment is necessary, and amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules can be taken as prescribed by a doctor. During treatment, it is important to rest more, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy foods such as ginger and garlic, as they may hinder recovery.