What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing?

Posted on Mon, 8 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : started jogging/running daily for last 60 days. I have lost almost 50 pounds and I want to train harder. the problem is my throat is tight and sore all the time now. I can eat and drink with no issues and run with no issues. when swallowing normally with just saliva it feels tight enough that I notice it and have to put a little effort into it. When I run l do breath through my mouth. I cannot get enough oxygen through my nose. I appreciate any help, thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Chronic infection in the throat could lead to problems like you have. You must be placed on a course of antibiotics for the same.

Meanwhile to help you breath better and to avoid the discomfort in the same place, you may have to take steam inhalation with eucalyptus in it every 6 hours once and specially before the jog. Also gargle with antiseptic solution like Chlorhexidine thrice daily for three days after food. The gargling will keep the infection at bay and prevent worsening of the discomfort.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Thank you doctor. When you mention a chronic infection is this tonsillitis or something else other thank strep? it does not seem like strep and I do have tonsil stones. I have a lot of craters in the tonsils? is this due to a chronic infection, ans is antibiotics the best option? Thank you for the other options as well to sooth the throat. If the tonsils are storing a lot of stones and causing infections, if that is the case, should I consider having my tonsils out? Not sure if they are causing more problems then helping. I have had gingavitis on and off to where the gums bleed when flossing. Thank you again doctor and I truly appreciate your input!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, could be tonsillitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

If you do have tonsil stones, its likely for the infection to be around tonsils. Yes, the craters if you have could be due to chronic infection for sure.

Whether or not strep is involved cant be commented on without a test. Do get a throat swab culture sensitivity test. This test identifies the bacteria involved and also provides a list of antibiotics to which the organism is sensitive.

Yes, do consult an ENT specialist and if he confirms my opinion after examining you removal of tonsils would be an option.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar