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Throat

Scratchy, tickley, or painfully raw, your throat seems to be vulnerable to almost any virus or upper respiratory infection. Luckily, it’s easily soothed with ice cream.

All articles in Throat

A swollen throat could be caused by strep throat or a cold virus, but it can also be caused by GERD or more serious conditions like an allergic reaction or goiter.

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat. It means your throat is red and inflamed. It’s usually caused by a cold virus but could be caused by the flu or strep throat.

See Pharyngitis treatments

Choking can occur when an object or food becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe that blocks airflow. Choking can be a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Having a hoarse voice is a common symptom, and causes can include inflammatory, environmental, neuromuscular, and malignant conditions.

Having the need to constantly clear your throat can be commonly caused by acid reflux disease (GERD), mucus buildup from bronchiectasis, or new-onset seasonal allergies.

A tickle in your throat can be caused by an infection, inflammatory conditions, or other chronic conditions, and treatments range from home treatment to doctor visits.

Food and liquids entering the airways can be dangerous. Find out how this happens, how serious your condition may be, and ways to get relief.

If you have a swollen uvula, you may also be experiencing a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and maybe even a fever. An enlarged uvula is often caused by infection, an allergic reaction, or irritation from chemicals or medical procedures.

Esophageal cancer occurs as a malignancy of the esophagus and the majority of cases are either esophageal adenocarcinoma or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and throat pain.

See Esophageal Cancer treatments

If the outside of your throat hurts, specifically the adam's apple, this may be caused by acute thyroiditis or inflammation of the epiglottis.

Gagging is usually caused by any foreign body that will irritate the lungs or bronchial tree. Acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the epiglottis, or a mini stroke can cause a gag reflex.

These spasms can cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. While those symptoms seem scary, esophageal spasms are rarely dangerous. What causes them isn’t always clear, but they can be controlled with medication or nonsurgical procedures.

See Esophageal Spasms treatments

There are many possible causes of your sore throat, including cold and flu viruses. Understand the cause of your sore throat to get the right treatment.

See Viral Throat Infection treatments

Difficulty swallowing can be a sign of a problem with your esophagus or more serious health problems, such as a stroke or cancer of the esophagus or stomach.