Throat Pain

Throat Pain services offered in Hollywood, FL

Throat pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from a short-lived infection to irritation, reflux, and problems involving the tonsils or voice box. At the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida in Hollywood, Florida, Craig Shapiro, DO, evaluates persistent or unexplained throat pain to identify its source and recommend appropriate treatment. If you’re struggling with throat symptoms, call the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida office to arrange an ENT evaluation or request an appointment online today.

Throat Pain Q & A

What can cause throat pain?

Throat pain often comes with a cold or similar infection. Other causes include:

Acid reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux
Postnasal drainage
Allergies
Dry air
Smoking or vaping
Voice overuse
Tonsil problems
Mouth or throat ulcers
Irritation from coughing
Injury or a foreign object
Growths affecting the throat

Pain may come from the pharynx, tonsils, larynx, or surrounding tissues. Because these areas are close together, a thorough examination is vital to determine where the pain is coming from.

What symptoms can occur with throat pain?

The symptoms that accompany throat pain provide useful clues about its cause. You might experience:

Painful swallowing
Hoarseness
Coughing
A sensation of something being stuck in the throat
Swollen glands
Frequent throat clearing
A burning feeling

Reflux-related throat irritation may occur without classic heartburn. Stomach contents can reach the upper throat and irritate the tissues, causing hoarseness, chronic coughing, throat clearing, or a persistent lump-like sensation.

Arrange a prompt assessment if pain consistently affects one side, lasts several weeks, or occurs alongside unexplained weight loss, a neck lump, coughing up blood, or persistent voice changes.

How does an ENT specialist evaluate ongoing throat pain?

Dr. Shapiro reviews when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and whether you have swallowing, voice, sinus, or reflux symptoms.

He can examine your mouth, tonsils, throat, and neck for inflammation, swelling, sores, or other abnormalities. When the source of pain isn’t visible during a routine examination, he may use a flexible scope to look farther into your throat and voice box.

Additional testing may be appropriate depending on the findings.

How is throat pain treated?

Throat pain treatment targets the underlying cause rather than the pain alone.

Infections may require supportive care plus antibiotics for a confirmed bacterial infection. Reflux-related irritation will likely improve with dietary changes, lifestyle measures, and reflux-reducing medication when appropriate.

Allergy treatment, improved hydration, avoiding irritants, or voice rest can help in other cases. Persistent pain may require further investigation to rule out structural problems or other conditions affecting the throat.

If throat pain keeps returning or lasts longer than expected, contact the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida to schedule an evaluation. Call the office or request an appointment online today.