Associated symptoms
In most cases, the burning sensation in the throat occurs together with other complaints. Which accompanying symptoms develop with a burning throat depends mainly on the cause. The accompanying symptoms of heartburn include a dry cough and a pressing pain behind the breastbone.
In addition, those affected complain of stomach pain and frequent, acidic belching of stomach contents. If a burning sensation in the throat persists for a long time and heartburn is suspected, a doctor should be consulted without fail, as the constant irritation of the oesophageal mucosa can otherwise lead to serious complications and, in the worst case, to oesophageal cancer. In an infection of the upper respiratory tract, the mucous membrane in the throat is inflamed by pathogens (viruses or bacteria) and the typical accompanying symptoms of a cold occur.
These include fever, fatigue and a general feeling of illness. Due to the immune reaction, the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged and palpable. Other symptoms such as hoarseness, rhinitis and blocked sinuses can also occur.
Inflammations in the neck area are very often accompanied by swelling and pain. It is then particularly difficult to take in food and fluids. Due to the infection, the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils can swell.
The burning and scratching in the throat makes it harder for patients to swallow and they have to clear their throat more often. Since swelling in the throat hinders the food from slipping through, there is an increased risk of the patient swallowing. Swallowing difficulties and a burning sensation in the throat can also be caused by an acute inflammation of the larynx.
This inflammation is called laryngitis and is often caused by viruses. In addition to swelling of the larynx, hoarseness, coughing and, in the worst case, shortness of breath also occur, as the swelling can also affect breathing. The burning sensation in the throat causes unpleasant symptoms, which can be attributed to various causes.
Despite the many possible triggers, patients often show similar symptoms. You describe a burning sensation in the throat, which usually occurs after eating or already begins during the intake of food. The acidic belching of the stomach contents is often accompanied by pain in the chest area and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Heartburn can be particularly typical of a burning sensation in the throat. With this reflux disease, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The hydrochloric acid attacks the mucous membrane and thus causes the pain. Since the esophagus continues through the chest as a thin tube to the stomach, the pain radiates further, so that the discomfort is felt throughout the entire chest area. If the symptoms persist, one cause should definitely be clarified.
