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Swallowing is something we do every day without even thinking about it, but when it starts to hurt, it can be a major problem. Pain when swallowing can be caused by a number of different conditions, some of which are more serious than others. Here’s what you need to know if you’re experiencing pain when swallowing.
Common Causes of Pain When Swallowing
Sore Throat
A sore throat is one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. This can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, coughing, and a runny nose. If you have a sore throat, it’s important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage your symptoms.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, as well as pain when swallowing. If you have acid reflux, you may also experience symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and a sour taste in your mouth. Treatment for acid reflux may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and losing weight, as well as medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. This condition is treated with antibiotics, so it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you may have strep throat.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are located in the back of the throat. This can cause pain when swallowing, as well as other symptoms like a fever, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. Treatment for tonsillitis may include antibiotics, rest, and pain relievers.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing pain when swallowing, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. In some cases, pain when swallowing can be a sign of a more serious condition like cancer. Other symptoms to watch out for include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or blood in your saliva or phlegm. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How Nao Medical Can Help
At Nao Medical, we offer a range of services to help you get back to feeling your best. Our primary care and urgent care services can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your pain when swallowing, and our telemedicine options allow you to receive care from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, our focus on total whole body and mind care means that we can provide additional services like mental health counseling and nutrition counseling to help you maintain your overall health and wellness.
If you’re experiencing pain when swallowing, book an appointment with Nao Medical today. Our caring and compassionate staff are committed to providing you with high quality, affordable care that meets your unique needs. With our short wait times, tech-focused approach, and after-hours service offerings, we make it easy for you to get the care you need, when you need it.
FAQs
What should I do if I’m experiencing pain when swallowing?
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- See a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms
When should I see a doctor for pain when swallowing?
If you’re experiencing pain when swallowing along with difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or blood in your saliva or phlegm, seek medical attention immediately.
What services does Nao Medical offer?
Nao Medical offers a range of services, including primary care, urgent care, mental health counseling, nutrition counseling, and more. We are committed to providing high quality, affordable care to our patients, and we leverage innovative technology to make it easy for you to access your health records and receive care on your terms.
What sets Nao Medical apart from other urgent care providers?
Nao Medical is different from other urgent care providers because we have a strong focus on total whole body and mind care. We offer additional services like mental health counseling and nutrition counseling to help you maintain your overall health and wellness, and our telemedicine options make it easy for you to receive care from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, we are deeply integrated into our communities, which allows us to provide high quality, affordable care to those who need it most.
Don’t let pain when swallowing hold you back from feeling your best. Book an appointment with Nao Medical today and let us help you get back to good health.
