Pain in mouth when swallowing

The medical term for the problems with swallowing is dysphagia and people who suffer from this condition have troubles to to pass the foods or liquids down the throat. Pain in the mouth during swallowing typically occurs either high in the neck, or lower down behind the breastbone., and it usually feels like unpleasant squeezing or burning. Pain in the mouth during swallowing may be a warning sign of some serious illness and therefore, it is recommended to take it seriously. The mouth, throat area and esophagus are the three parts of the body that participate in the act of swallowing.

Causes of pain in the mouth during swallowing

There are many things that can be responsible for the occurrence of painful swallowing. Gingivitis or gum disease, herpes infection, oral thrush or oral yeast infection and HIV are only some of the causes that may induce pain while swallowing. Furthermore, this condition may be caused by the inflammation of the esophagus, mouth or throat ulcers, cytomegalovirus, pharyngitis, or sore throat. Esophageal spasms and achalasia, as well as nutcracker esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease, are some of the esophagus disorders that are responsible for the appearance of pain during swallowing.

Treatment of painful swallowing

Many doctors recommend going to the speech specialists, who teaches the patient how to use mouth and throat while swallowing in order to avoid pain. Furthermore, there are certain medications that are very effective in reducing the inflammation and relieving the pain. In some cases, the patients must be fed through a tube, which is called neogastric tube, and which passes from the nose of the patient to his/her stomach.

The people who have troubles with painful swallowing should eat soft and smooth foods, such as yogurt, pudding and ice cream. It is also recommended to moisten the food with milk, soup or sauces, but hot foods should be avoided. On the other hand, cold foods are advisable and the food should be eaten in small bites and chewed properly.

Symptoms that may accompany painful swallowing

There are cases when painful swallowing is accompanied by many other symptoms and some of such cases may be very dangerous. This is why it is extremely important to visit a doctor if the pain in the mouth while swallowing is followed by problems such as abdominal pain, cough, fever or chills, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting, as well as sore taste in the mouth, and weight loss.