What Causes Burning at the Base of the Throat?

Viral infections, such as cold and flu, are the most common cause of throat burn. The virus attacks the respiratory system and causes a burning sensation in the throat.

Sore throat symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Aching muscles
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Headache

Cold and flu are both contagious respiratory diseases that are caused by different viruses.

• The influenza virus causes flu, and the common cold is caused by other viruses, such as rhinoviruses, para influenza viruses, and seasonal viruses.
• The symptoms vary. The flu symptoms are worse than the symptoms of a cold. The symptoms of the common cold include a runny or stuffy nose and are not associated with serious complications.
• The flu can be associated with serious complications, such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

Treatment of cold and flu

These symptoms may be relieved in a week by maintaining proper hydration.

Bacterial infections may require hospitalization in a few cases where flu is associated with serious complications, such as pneumonia.

The tonsils are an oval-shaped mass of tissue located at the back of the throat. These tonsils aid in the immune system's defense against bacteria and viruses. When these get infected, they become inflamed and swollen, a condition called tonsillitis.

Symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Pain and discomfort in the throat
• Earache
• Discomfort in the throat
• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Throat pain
• Headache

Treatment of tonsillitis

• Usually recovers in one to two weeks
• Over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and antibiotics to reduce infection
• Throat lozenges
• Adequate rest and drinking plenty of water may help you recover from the symptoms

When the muscles connecting the esophagus and stomach become weak, the acids produced in the stomach can move into the throat, causing a burning sensation.

The symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Bad breath
• Dry mouth

Treatment of GERD

• Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding acidic foods from the diet
• Medication and surgery could be required in a few people

Also called “mono.” It is a contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It commonly affects teenagers and young adults, especially college-going students. This infection is transmitted by saliva.

The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Swollen glands

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis

It usually takes two to four weeks to recover from the infection. Very few people have symptoms for months. Resting and taking over-the-counter pain medications and drinking plenty of fluids may relieve the symptoms.

Avoid sharing foods, drinks, or toothbrushes.

Group A streptococci cause strep throat, a throat, and tonsil infection that presents with several painful symptoms. It commonly affects children but can affect all age groups.

The symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Inflamed tonsils

If strep throat is left untreated, it may cause kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever may lead to painful and inflamed joints.

Treatment of strep throat

Antibiotics and plenty of rest, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, help with recovery.

Inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagitis is caused by the stomach acids that back up to the esophagus, infection, medications, and allergies.

Symptoms of esophagitis include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe pain
• Chest pain

Treatment of esophagitis

Treatments for esophagitis aim to alleviate symptoms, manage complications and address the disorder's underlying causes. Treatment strategies differ primarily depending on the cause and may include medication, dietary, lifestyle modification, and, in serious conditions, surgery.

A chronic, recurrent, severe burning sensation in the mouth without any cause. The symptoms appear suddenly and develop gradually over a period. The symptoms include a burning sensation in the lips, cheeks, and roof of the mouth (palate). The burning sensation could be severe. Other symptoms may include dryness of the mouth.

Treatment of burning mouth syndrome

Drinking cool drinks, sucking ice cubes, and chewing gum may ease the discomfort. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and foods that are spicy or acidic is advised.