What Causes Severe Sore Throat And Burning Sensation After Eating Lollipops?

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Question: I gave up smoking, and now I eat tons of lollipops daily. I have the worst sore throat like a burning sensation. Do not feel ill. Could it be from too many lollipops.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, eating too many lollipops can cause sore throat...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Yes, eating excess sugar coated candies can cause sore throat. The commonest causes include, allergy caused by the coloring agent used in the lollipop and the sugar present in the candies.

1. Excessive ingestion of the coloring agents can induce inflammation of the mucosa of the throat making it sore.

2. Excess intake of sugar present in the lollipop can cause dryness of the throat, because, sugar requires water for metabolism. Hence, the water present in the mucosa of the throat gets dried up, leaving it sore and irritated.

My suggestions to you are:
a. Drink plenty of warm water. Warm water rehydrates the tissues and reduces the soreness.
b. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee and fizzy drinks till you recover.

Hope this clarifies your doubts; revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj