Throat swelling can be worrying, but it usually resolves on its own. In some cases, swelling may indicate a more serious medical issue that requires prompt treatment. This article examines common causes of throat swelling, symptoms to watch for, and when to see a doctor.
What causes throat swelling?
There are several potential causes of throat swelling, including:
- Viral or bacterial infections. Infections cause swelling and inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Common culprits are strep throat, tonsillitis, mononucleosis, and laryngitis.
- Allergies. Allergies to pollen, pets, dust, foods, and other allergens can trigger throat swelling.
- Injuries. Trauma from swallowing a foreign object, chemical inhalation, or forceful vomiting can damage and irritate the throat.
- Cancer treatments. Radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck cause painful inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes.
- Other medical conditions. Hypothyroidism, lupus, and C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency can lead to a swollen larynx and throat.
What are the symptoms of a swollen throat?
Common symptoms that accompany a swollen throat include:
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Sore or irritated throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Excessive salivation
- Muffled, hoarse voice
When is throat swelling serious?
While throat swelling is usually mild, certain symptoms warrant urgent medical care. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Stridor – a harsh, high-pitched breathing sound
- Sudden onset of swelling
- Difficulty swallowing saliva
- Severe throat pain
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
These signs may indicate a blocked airway, abscess, or other serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Swelling lasts longer than 1 week
- Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids
- Fever above 100°F (37.8°C)
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ear pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
While many causes of throat swelling are harmless, some require medication or other treatment. Your doctor can examine your throat, determine an underlying cause, and provide appropriate care.
Causes requiring urgent care
Certain conditions causing a swollen throat require emergency medical treatment. These include:
- Peritonsillar abscess – a pus-filled pocket beside the tonsils causes severe sore throat and swelling.
- Epiglottitis – a bacterial infection of the structure separating the throat from the windpipe blocks breathing.
- Anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction rapidly causes throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
- Ludwig’s angina – a diffuse bacterial infection under the tongue and floor of mouth obstructs the airway.
Leaving these untreated can have life-threatening consequences. If you have signs of any of these conditions, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
Self-care measures for mild throat swelling
You can try the following measures at home to manage mild throat swelling:
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe swelling and loosen mucus.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Drink cold fluids or eat popsicles to numb pain.
- Avoid irritants like tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Rest your voice and avoid shouting or whispering.
However, see your doctor if swelling persists beyond a few days or causes difficulty swallowing. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing.
Causes and treatment by location
The location of throat swelling provides clues about the potential source. Common causes and treatments based on location include:
| Location | Possible cause | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Tonsils | Tonsillitis, mononucleosis, peritonsillar abscess | Antibiotics for bacterial infection, steroids for reduction of swelling, drainage of abscess |
| Soft palate | Allergies, trauma from injury | Antihistamines, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, pain medication |
| Back of throat | Strep throat, viral infection, post-nasal drip | Antibiotics for strep throat, rest, hydration, decongestants |
| Larynx | Laryngitis, cancer treatment side effects | Voice rest, steroids, pain medication, radiation adjustments |
| Under tongue | Ludwig’s angina | IV antibiotics, drainage of abscess, airway support |
When to worry about specific causes
While most causes of throat swelling are benign, some warrant medical evaluation. Be concerned with:
- Strep throat – Seek treatment within 2 days to avoid complications like rheumatic fever.
- Mononucleosis (mono) – Rest and hydration are key, as mono can enlarge spleen and liver.
- Peritonsillar abscess – Drainage is required within 24-48 hours to prevent airway obstruction.
- Ludwig’s angina – This rapidly spreads and requires antibiotics, airway support within hours.
- Anaphylaxis – Severe allergic reactions can be fatal quickly without epinephrine.
Consult your doctor promptly if your symptoms match these conditions for appropriate care.
When to go to the emergency room
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Stridor or wheezing
- Rapidly increasing throat swelling
- Inability to swallow any liquids
- Chest pain or tightness
- Signs of anaphylaxis – widespread hives, dizziness
These all indicate potentially life-threatening obstruction of your airway requiring emergency treatment.
Summary
Mild throat swelling usually resolves on its own with conservative care. However, seek medical attention promptly if swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing, or other concerning symptoms develop. Urgent care is needed for sudden swelling, severe pain, respiratory distress, or trouble swallowing to prevent serious complications. Call 911 without delay if you have signs of airway obstruction or anaphylaxis. With appropriate evaluation and treatment guided by your symptoms, most causes of throat swelling can be managed effectively.