Which diagnostics can be used to find the cause? | Burning in the throat

Which diagnostics can be used to find the cause?

The doctor can determine the causes of a burning sensation in the throat by means of various diagnostic methods. In principle, the patient’s medical history is taken extensively before the examination begins. This is followed by a detailed inspection of the oral cavity and throat.

Furthermore, the doctor has the possibility to take a blood sample and have it examined for various parameters. Depending on the suspected causes, special examinations can also be carried out. – Allergy to food or pollen: Here the doctor will perform a so-called prick allergy test.

This is a skin test in which various liquids containing possible allergens are dripped onto small incisions in the skin and the reaction is observed. The doctor can also take a blood sample and examine it for certain substances that indicate an allergy. – Upper respiratory tract infection: The doctor examines the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat with a light source and a wooden spatula.

In a pharyngitis, the mucous membranes are strongly reddened and the tongue is covered with a white-yellowish coating. In addition, the lymph nodes in the neck and throat are significantly enlarged in the case of a sore throat and can be palpated noticeably from the outside by the doctor during a physical examination. If the doctor suspects an infection with bacteria behind the symptoms, he can take a smear of the pharyngeal mucosa and have it examined in the laboratory.

If the test result is positive, the patient is prescribed antibiotics. Virus infections, on the other hand, can only be treated symptomatically. – Heartburn: Here the doctor may be able to perform an oesophageal endoscopy.

This examination is usually performed in combination with a gastroscopy. An endoscope is inserted into the esophagus through the mouth and the condition of the esophageal mucosa is examined. The doctor can see any changes in the mucous membrane as well as inflammation and diagnose reflux disease.

Duration

How long the burning in the throat lasts depends on the cause of the discomfort. Often heartburn causes the discomfort, with the burning sensation occurring mainly after eating. The duration of heartburn can vary greatly and depends individually on the patient, their age and habits (smoking, stress, diet).

Acute pharyngitis is caused by viruses or bacteria and heals within a few days with the help of anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medication. In chronic pharyngitis, it can take several weeks before the burning sensation in the throat disappears. If the burning sensation in the throat is caused by an injury or burn, it takes several days for the mucous membrane to regenerate and the pain to disappear.