What should you know about radiation throat pain?

Throat discomfort may spread towards the ear, jaw or chest, or feel as though it burns. A viral illness such as the [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) or [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) may bring cough, congestion, fever or body aches. [Strep Throat](/conditions/strep-throat/) and [Tonsillitis](/conditions/tonsillitis/) can cause marked pain when swallowing and swollen neck glands. [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) may cause burning after meals, sour taste or hoarseness. [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/) can irritate the throat through drainage. Throat pain can occur with COVID-19 too, sometimes alongside fever or cough.

Notice whether swallowing, lying down, meals, talking or breathing changes the pain. Rest your voice, sip fluids, avoid smoke and choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable. Warm drinks or a salt-water gargle may soothe irritation when safe for you. Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief, particularly if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, are pregnant or take other medicines. Antibiotics are not useful for every sore throat, so an examination may be needed before treatment.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling, severe dehydration, chest pain, confusion or a muffled voice with worsening pain. Arrange medical review for high fever, a rash, one-sided swelling, severe pain, or symptoms that are not improving. A clinician can examine the throat and decide whether testing is needed.

Could reflux, allergy, irritation or infection explain my symptoms? Do I need a throat test? What can I safely use for pain? Which swallowing or breathing changes require urgent help?