Painful swallowing and swallowing disorder
Painful swallowing and a swallowing disorder mean difficulty or an unpleasant sensation when swallowing. The symptom may appear as pain in the throat, behind the breastbone, or as the feeling that food or drink gets stuck on its way down from the throat. Some people may also feel like they have a lump in the throat, or swallowing may feel laborious without any clear pain.
The most common causes of swallowing difficulties in Finland are inflammation of the larynx or throat, such as the common cold, pharyngitis or tonsillitis, which cause pain when swallowing. Heartburn, irritation of the esophagus, allergies or reflux disease can also cause swallowing problems. In some cases, the cause may be difficulties related to swallowing medicines, in which case alternative dosage forms may help. Rarer but more serious causes include narrowing of the esophagus or larynx, tumors or nervous system diseases.
Painful swallowing and swallowing difficulties are usually benign and temporary, but if the swallowing difficulty is persistent, swallowing is impossible, the pain is severe, or it is accompanied by weight loss, fever or breathing difficulties, you should seek assessment by a healthcare professional promptly. If you have problems swallowing medicines, it is also a good idea to discuss suitable options with a doctor or pharmacy.
Practitioners – Painful swallowing and swallowing disorder
Aada Saine
Occupational therapy
Aimo Karinen
Neurology
Aki Vainionpää
Physiatry
Aklilu Habtemariam
Physiatry
Aleksi Kallioniemi
Physiatry
Aleksi Montonen
Physiatry
Alexandr Stolberg
Neurology
Alisa Hyttinen
Occupational therapy
Amy Bruen-Sharland
Physiotherapy, Neurological physiotherapy
Andre õun
Neurology
Frequently asked questions
Why does it hurt to swallow in my throat even though I don't have a cold?
Painful swallowing can be caused by many things other than a cold, for example heartburn, allergies or irritation of the esophagus. If the pain continues or worsens, see a professional to find out the cause.
What should I do if swallowing a tablet medicine feels impossible?
For some people, swallowing tablets or capsules is difficult. Contact a pharmacy or doctor – they can advise whether the medicine can be taken in another form or suggest an alternative medicine.
When should I seek care because of swallowing difficulties?
If swallowing difficulty is persistent, swallowing is impossible, the pain is severe, or it is accompanied by breathing difficulties, fever or weight loss, seek care from a healthcare professional promptly.
Can a swallowing disorder be a sign of something serious?
Most often swallowing difficulties are temporary, but sometimes there may be a more serious cause, such as a narrowing or a tumor. If the symptom does not go away or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek assessment from a professional.