Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing can occur in severe throat infection. Most severe sore throats will cause some discomfort on swallowing, but not true difficulty, and patients do not necessarily need referral unless there are other reasons for concern. If the patient has difficulty taking fluids or food, referral for medical assessment is warranted.

Dysphagia, when not associated with a sore throat, always needs referral. Dysphagia can also happen when an abscess develops in the region of the tonsils (quinsy) as a complication of tonsillitis. On examination, a large swelling can be seen at the back of the throat, often displacing the uvula from the midline. This will require an urgent hospital admission where an operation to drain the abscess may be necessary, and high-dose parenteral antibiotics may be given.