Why does my throat hurt while yawning?

What are the possible causes?

Throat dryness

One of the most common causes of throat pain when yawning is throat dryness, an uncomfortable condition often resulting from dehydration, environmental factors, or certain medications. This dry throat can make a simple act like a yawn cause pain.

When the throat is dehydrated, the tissues and mucous membranes become dry, creating a rough, scratchy sensation. Yawning, an automatic reflex, can worsen this discomfort due to the sudden expansion of the throat muscles.

Respiratory infections

Infections like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 can also trigger throat pain during yawning. These viral infections often cause a sore throat as one of the initial symptoms. The common cold and flu viruses inflame the throat tissues, leading to discomfort or pain when yawning.

Similarly, COVID-19, another viral infection, may cause a sore throat, further aggravated by yawning. Please note that while these infections share symptoms, they vary in severity and transmission. Seek medical advice if you experience a painful throat and other symptoms such as fever, cough, or body aches. This could be a sign of a more severe condition requiring immediate attention.

Streptococcus infection

Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, can also lead to substantial throat pain while yawning due to the inflammation and irritation it causes in the throat tissues. This infection is a common cause of severe sore throat, often accompanied by fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.

When the throat is a common site of infection, as in cases of recurring strep throat or tonsillitis, yawning might exacerbate the pain due to the stretching of inflamed tissues. It's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond a few days, as untreated strep throat can lead to complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Injury

Physical damage to the throat, such as an injury or trauma, can markedly intensify the discomfort experienced during yawning. Throat pain can result from minor injuries, such as swallowing something sharp or public speaking without proper vocal rest. These actions can cause minor tears in the throat tissues, leading to a feeling of pain when yawning.

It is essential to remember that throat injuries may not always be visible immediately. Symptoms like persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and the sensation of something stuck in your throat are often signs of an injury.

Mononucleosis

Mono is among several viruses known to cause viral illnesses that result in a sore throat. This condition often brings about inflammation in your throat, which can cause pain when swallowing or even yawning.

The virus that causes Mono is transmitted through saliva, leading to an infection that affects the lymph nodes, throat, and other organs. The inflammation caused by Mono can make the throat extremely essential. Hence, even a simple activity like yawning can induce pain.

Oral thrush

Another notable cause of throat pain when yawning is Oral thrush, a fungal infection that primarily affects the mouth and throat. This condition is characterized by the development of white patches in the back of your throat and other areas of the oral cavity. When you swallow, your saliva can come into contact with these inflamed areas, which can cause throat discomfort, particularly when yawning.

The infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, usually present in your mouth, but it can cause problems if it multiplies too much. The treatment typically involves antifungal medication to control the yeast overgrowth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can also help prevent oral thrush.

Tonsilitis

In medical conditions that can cause throat pain during yawning, tonsillitis is a common culprit. It ischaracterized by an inflammation of the tonsils that can lead to discomfort during various throat activities.

These inflamed lymph nodes may cause a sharp pain or a dull ache in the throat, especially when the mouth is opened wide, such as during yawning.

Esophagitis

Beyond oral conditions, throat pain upon yawning can also indicate Esophagitis, an esophagus inflammation that is often caused by acid reflux, infections, or certain medications. This condition can lead to persistent throat pain, particularly during actions like yawning, which extends the esophagus and can exacerbate the discomfort.

Kawasaki disease

In rare instances, throat pain when yawning might indicate the presence of Kawasaki disease, an inflammatory disorder most commonly seen in children. This disease usually causes inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the throat. Pain may arise when a child comes into contact with the virus that triggers this condition, especially during yawning.

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, the upper part of the throat, that causes pain during swallowing or yawning. The inflamed areas can swell significantly, leading to difficulty breathing, fever, and a harsh, raspy sound when inhaling. More importantly, if left untreated, the inflamed epiglottis can block the airway, causing severe respiratory distress.

Cancer

Throat cancer stands as a grave, non-infectious condition that can also precipitate this symptom.

Throat cancer, a malignant growth that develops in the throat, may cause a unique type of pain that

intensifies during yawning. This pain is often critical and may be accompanied by other symptoms like voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.

Treatment options for throat cancer vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Early detection is vital to increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce potential complications.

Retropharyngeal abscess

A less common but potentially severe cause of throat pain when yawning is a retropharyngeal abscess, an infection that results in a pus-filled swelling in the throat. Though it represents a fraction of adult sore throat cases, its complexity cannot be sidelined.

The pain originates from the swelling exerting pressure on the throat muscles during yawning, intensifying the otherwise mild soreness. Unlike common throat infections, a retropharyngeal abscess cannot be easily managed at home.

Treatment of throat pain

Antibiotics and antifungal medications

If throat pain is caused by bacterial or fungal infections, antibiotics, and antifungal medications can be employed as an effective treatment method. These medications work by eliminating the harmful microorganisms causing the infection and relieving symptoms, including throat pain.

The specific type of antibiotic or antifungal medication used will depend on the identified pathogen.

It is important to note that a qualified healthcare professional should prescribe these medications after a thorough medical evaluation. The dosage and duration of treatment should be strictly adhered to to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.

Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions, and should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

Home remedies

While antibiotics and antifungal medications provide a medical approach to managing throat pain when yawning, adopting specific home remedies can also offer significant relief.

Hydration is vital; drinking warm fluids such as herbal teas or water mixed with honey can soothe an irritated throat. Additionally, a humidifier can help maintain throat moisture, reducing discomfort.

Over-the-counter lozenges and sprays may also be utilized to numb the pain temporarily. Resting your voice and avoiding irritants like smoke and dust can promote healing. Gargling with warm saltwater is another effective remedy due to its natural antiseptic properties.

However, these remedies should complement, not replace, professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional when symptoms persist.

When to see a doctor?

You should usually seek medical attention if the pain persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, severe pain, ear pain, lump in the neck, blood in saliva or phlegm, or if you have been exposed to someone with strep throat.

If the pain is extreme or causing you distress, it's better to be safe and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Please book a consultation with our experts and ensure your throat pain isn't a sign of something more serious.