{"id":9885,"date":"2019-09-04T09:14:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T09:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9885"},"modified":"2021-06-22T17:46:44","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T17:46:44","slug":"16-known-signs-of-throat-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-known-signs-of-throat-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Known Signs of Throat Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Throat problems are a serious condition that shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly. One reason you are having throat problems is that you could have throat cancer. It is essential that a specialist take a look at your throat to be sure that it isn\u2019t throat cancer. If it is treated early, the doctor can treat it, so it will go away unless the throat problem has progressed and there is no solution for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have throat problems there are signs that you should look out for. Some throat problems can be treated at home, while others need to be treated at a doctor\u2019s office. For instance, if you have throat cancer, surgery may be the only option, along with radiation and chemotherapy. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to get help for throat problems as soon as it occurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are eight known signs of throat problems to be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Sore throat is a known sign of throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A sore throat<\/a> usually occurs when you have a cold or the flu, but if you\u2019re having one without having a sickness, there is something else wrong. Taking throat lozenges and using a warm compress may help temporarily, but you\u2019ll need to find out why you\u2019re having a sore throat, especially if it doesn\u2019t go away. A nose, ear, and throat doctor can diagnose your throat problem. It may or may not be serious, but either way, it\u2019s best to have a specialist take a look at your throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the throat problem is diagnosed, it can be treated immediately. The sore throat will go away once it\u2019s treated. You will have to go to the specialist for a follow up to make sure the throat problem has gone away. If the sore throat happens to come back, don\u2019t hesitate to see the specialist again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Weight loss is a sign of throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With throat problems, the ability to swallow food may become difficult. This is also known as dysphagia. It can be treated at home, but if the weight loss is continuing for longer than a week, you need to let a doctor take a look at you. It will become difficult to eat harder texture foods because you\u2019ll suffer from throat pain. While you are experiencing weight loss, you can start off by drinking the broth. It may not make you gain weight, but at least you\u2019re getting something in your stomach<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure the food doesn\u2019t come back up. A lot of times when you\u2019re having throat problems, the food will come back up. If it doesn\u2019t come back up, the problem could be the texture of foods you\u2019re eating. Eat applesauce and egg salad, but take small bites and chew the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Coughing persistently is a sign of throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person who smokes may have throat problems because their lungs have become weak. On the other hand, a person who doesn\u2019t smoke, can have throat problems, which cause coughing<\/a>. If the coughing persists, it can cause the chest to hurt. If the throat problem doesn\u2019t get treated soon, it can cause the person to cough up blood. If you cough up blood, you will need to seek medical attention right away, such as going to the emergency room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the hospital, a number of medical tests will be taken to see if it\u2019s throat cancer. Throat cancer can be treated, if it\u2019s caught early. Before going to the doctor, most people will try home remedies first, especially if they\u2019re not coughing up blood. The home remedy may work if it\u2019s not serious. If the coughing doesn\u2019t go away, you need to talk to a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Trouble swallowing or dysphagia is a known sign of having throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One reason you are having trouble swallowing is you are taking big bites of food without chewing. Pain will occur when you do this. Even if you drink something, it will still be painful. It can cause pain to your chest because when the food goes down, your esophagus <\/a>is becoming inflamed. The best thing to do is the next time you eat anything is to eat softer foods, such as oatmeal and take smaller bites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chew it thoroughly before swallowing. This will allow the throat and esophagus to accept the food. You may have to give up junk food like hamburgers and fries. These foods can get lodged in your throat and make it difficult to swallow. If you do happen to eat these foods, take small bites and chew them. Take a sip of water, each time you finish chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Lymph nodes become swollen when you are experiencing throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There may be an underlying condition that needs to be checked out immediately. Without having it treated, it can lead to throat cancer. The lymph nodes<\/a> are usually the first place where cancer spreads. The lymph nodes will remain swollen until it is treated. It will become difficult for you to swallow. If you do try to swallow, it will be painful. Sometimes when the lymph nodes are affected, it can be difficult for a person to open their mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An imaging test is needed to find out why the lymph nodes are swollen. A lot of times, people will ignore the problem and use home remedies, such as warm compresses and taking over-the-counter cold medicines. This may help temporarily, but eventually, the lymph nodes will become swollen again. To get a handle on the swollen lymph nodes, you will need treatment by a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Change in your voice is a known sign of having throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The change in your voice is a sign that there is a problem. You may not pay any attention to it and think that the problem will go away on its own. Drinking honey won\u2019t solve the problem. In fact, it may make it worse. It may make you hoarse when you speak. Even if you try to clear your throat, it won\u2019t go away. It should concern you if your voice change doesn\u2019t go away in a few days. It is best to go to a throat specialist because your primary care doctor may misdiagnose <\/a>it and make the problem worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the problem isn\u2019t serious, the specialist may be able to solve the problem in the office. On the other hand, hospitalization may be needed to correct it. Either way, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid to seek medical help for your problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Wheezing is a known sign that you are experiencing throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wheezing causes a whistling sound when you breathe. It can be treated at home if it isn\u2019t serious. Some things you can do is to stop smoking and wearing a mask. Any substance that gets down your throat can cause you to have throat problems. Wheezing can lead to a more serious condition, such as asthma<\/a>. Shortness of breath is common when you have throat problems. You\u2019ll need an inhaler because the wheezing can occur at any time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason you will want to seek medical attention is because if you wait too long to get treatment, you can stop breathing. This can be life-threatening. If you\u2019re fortunate enough, at the emergency room, the doctors may place you on a ventilator to get you breathing again. While at the hospital, the doctors will notice you are experiencing throat problems. That is the main reason for the wheezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Persistent need to clear your throat is another sign having of throat problems. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It will feel as if something is stuck in your throat, but it\u2019s because there is a problem with your throat. A lot of times when you eat, food can get stuck in your throat. This happens a lot with older adults who use dentures. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to take smaller bites and chew your food, so you won\u2019t have to feel the sensation of something being stuck in your throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to spit a lot because when you\u2019re trying to clear your throat, saliva needs to come out. After a while, you may have to seek medical attention because there is no reason you should be clearing your throat all of the time and if you don\u2019t have a cold<\/a>. It could lead to a much serious problem with your throat. As soon as you get to the doctor, he or she can treat you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Pain in the ear can indicate throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any repeated instances of pain in the ear, then it could point to problems anywhere in the ear, nose and throat canal that might only be manifesting as ear pain. Often this type of pain will get worse at night, and worse in cold weather or exposure to the wind which affects the ears \u2013 and other symptoms such as a fever <\/a>might also be present where it is likely to indicate some kind of infection in the body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensitivity to sound and a sudden lack of balance can also be associated with throat problems that affect the ear. There might be a discharge from the ear in some cases where infections have spread far enough, but this doesn\u2019t happen in all patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An ear, nose and throat specialist is the right kind of doctor to see for experiencing this type of pain. Remember to mention all your symptoms for an easier, faster diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Symptoms like mumps can instead point to throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mumps <\/a>is a type of viral infection that can sometimes cause pain in the throat and ears as well as swelling of the lymph nodes. A lot of the symptoms of having mumps are similar to those of having many other associated throat conditions: Mumps is commonly known to affect people who have not been vaccinated against it, people with a compromised or weakened immune system and older people or children who have a lowered immunity by default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only way to find out whether you have contracted mumps or another throat condition is to see your doctor for the proper tests to be done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mumps and the majority of bacterial and viral throat conditions won\u2019t go away on their own without some form of medical help. In most cases, a course of the correct antibiotics is enough to treat most of the conditions that will cause any of the symptoms mentioned here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. An increased rate of dental issues can mean throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An increased rate of dental problems can indicate that you might have another medical problem causing it. If you experience any kind of pain and discomfort in your jaw or you start to have issues like cavities and toothache where you\u2019ve never had these types of problems before, you should make an appointment with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infections <\/a>in the throat and some other serious health conditions like cancer can manifest in many ways that aren\u2019t obvious symptoms to most people. This can mean that a serious diagnosis is missed, or people put off going to the doctor for too long because they don\u2019t tie these symptoms together.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though most people find the idea of dentists terrifying, it\u2019s what can happen to your health when you don\u2019t go to the dentist that makes for the really scary thought. At the first sign of dental problems, make an appointment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Appearing to cough blood can actually mean throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coughing blood is one of the most terrifying medical symptoms out there, although it\u2019s not as serious in most cases as people imagine. There\u2019s no need to panic, but what you should do is make an appointment with your doctor to have the proper tests were done that can establish what the potential cause is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions like tuberculosis <\/a>can cause symptoms like the coughing up of blood, but there are also many other things that can cause symptoms that seem like coughing up blood but isn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An example of where you\u2019re only appearing to cough up blood is when the blood is coming from somewhere that isn\u2019t the lungs but is being projected upwards. Bleeding from the throat can project through the mouth in this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can happen accidentally (by eating something sharp that cuts on the way down) but it can also be more serious. Where more than minor bleeding is suspected, seek medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Outward sores on the neck might indicate throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Health conditions such as throat cancer have a lot of unusual ways of showing themselves that affect more than just the inside of the body. If you notice the appearance of any outward sores on your neck or throat, commonly appearing like small pimples<\/a>, then it could indicate the presence of a more serious internal problem that needs to be taken care of.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay special attention to any specific symptoms that you might experience at the same time, including a lowered immune system, a sore throat, swelling in the neck or throat and an increased likelihood of headaches. Mention these to your doctor during your appointment to ensure they can make a faster and more accurate diagnosis based on the information they are given. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any marks or sores, make sure that you don\u2019t scratch or pick: This can only irritate an existing problem further and cause more issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Problems turning the head could be issues with the throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some cases where lymph node<\/a> swelling associated with infections can be severe enough to make that the patient is unable to turn the head properly \u2013 and many other times, the swelling can be located somewhere else in the throat or neck. If you experience any kind of pain or discomfort in your neck that goes beyond the typical muscle pain, see your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that problems manifesting in some elderly patients and small children might not be obvious to carers or parents because of the fact that they often can\u2019t voice the issue themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where there\u2019s any discomfort turning the head, don\u2019t guess at the cause where you\u2019re caring for someone else \u2013 due to the vast variety of different medical problems it can indicate, it should always be considered a serious medical symptom that requires further investigation immediately to track down the root cause or condition behind it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Acid reflux problems might later lead to throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Acid reflux<\/a> is a common problem where acid from the stomach makes its way up through the throat. It\u2019s a condition characterized by chronic heartburn, and it\u2019s known to be particularly uncomfortable and painful \u2013 and can persist for years even with diet changes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it\u2019s a long-term problem, chronic heartburn can have a range of different nasty effects on the body, including perforations in the gut, bleeding of the stomach and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers (including of the throat and digestive system). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the symptom might just seem like heartburn, it should never be ignored as something simple. This is especially true if it has already become a regular or long-term issue for your health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor if you experience any problems that involve chronic heartburn or throat pain. Both can indicate a serious condition that should be diagnosed and treated ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Generally getting sick more often might mean throat problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You could take two people, put them side-by-side and expose them to the same virus \u2013 and only one of the exposed people would contract the virus even though both were exposed to the same thing under the same circumstances. This is because of their individual immune systems<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s why you are more likely to get sick after you have just recovered from flu, and it\u2019s why children and the elderly are more likely to pick up certain types of infections like the flu than their healthier counterparts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you notice that you\u2019re getting sick more often \u2013 particularly with conditions like colds or flu \u2013 it might indicate that your immune system is currently low, or that you have a chronic condition directly affecting how well your immune system can function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor where there\u2019s any combination of the symptoms that have been mentioned on this list: Mention all the symptoms you experience in order to make diagnosis easier.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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