Experiencing Pain in My Throat While Eating
Hello! I'm a 19-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 170 pounds. My current medications include Adderall (20mg daily), Lexapro (20mg daily), and Singulair (10mg daily). I do not consume alcohol, smoke, or use recreational drugs. I've been identified as allergic to clindamycin and amoxicillin, with a suspected allergy to pumpkin as well, but I haven't encountered any of these substances recently. I reside in the United States. Starting on Sunday, February 1st, I noticed that I felt discomfort in my throat when I ate pasta. This sensation was unlike a typical sore throat; it felt somewhat swollen and had a bruised quality to it. After pausing to let it pass, the discomfort subsided. However, upon taking another few bites, the issue reappeared, and I ultimately decided to stop eating. Later that evening, when I tried a piece of bread, the same discomfort returned but faded within two minutes after stopping. On Monday, February 2nd, I managed to have a protein shake in the morning without any issues. Later, I attempted to eat popcorn, and again the discomfort reoccurred. Today, February 3rd, I had cherry tomatoes, which didn’t cause any problems. However, just an hour ago, I had some bread again and experienced the same throat pain, which lingered for about ten minutes, although this time it was somewhat less uncomfortable. I also had a few small pieces of brownie afterward, which I was fine with. All these foods are familiar to me and have not been new additions to my diet. The only recent change in my routine was the reintroduction of Zepbound. I had started Zepbound in February 2024 and had to stop in October 2025 due to access issues. Prior to this, I never experienced any throat problems. I took my first dose of Zepbound (5mg, which was my previous dosage) on Saturday, January 31st. This change is the only differing factor, as I've never dealt with such sensations before.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 11:00:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing discomfort in your throat while eating, which can be concerning. This sensation of pain or swelling when swallowing specific foods may have a few potential causes, including irritation, allergies, or possibly side effects from your recent medication. Your symptoms are noteworthy but do not seem to indicate a severe immediate concern.
Explanation:
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Possible Causes:
- Food-related irritation: Some foods, especially those with strong flavors or tough textures, can cause temporary irritation in the throat.
- Allergic reaction: It’s possible that you're experiencing a reaction to something in your diet, even if the foods are familiar.
- Medication effects: Zepbound could potentially contribute to throat discomfort. Side effects can vary and may include dryness or irritation in the throat.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): Sometimes, acid reflux can cause throat discomfort, especially after eating.
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Persistent Symptoms: Since you noted that the discomfort occurs primarily with certain foods and generally resolves quickly, it's important to monitor how your symptoms progress, particularly with the introduction of Zepbound.
Next Steps:
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Modify Your Diet:
- Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods: Steer clear of foods like popcorn or hard bread until you see how other foods affect your throat.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, which can help reduce irritation. Something moderately warm (like herbal tea) can be soothing.
- Track Symptoms: Keep a simple diary of what foods cause discomfort and when it occurs. This will help identify patterns or triggers more effectively.
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Consider Medication Timing:
- If the medication timing coincides with your throat discomfort, review the dosing schedule. Taking Zepbound at a different time than eating might help mitigate side effects.
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Self-Soothing Techniques:
- Gargling Saline Solution: Gargling with a mix of warm water and salt may ease throat irritation.
- Throat Lozenges or Sprays: Over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief for dry or irritated throats.
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Consult with Healthcare Provider: If the discomfort persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms (like difficulty breathing or swallowing), reaching out to your healthcare provider would be prudent. They can help determine if the symptoms relate to Zepbound or if further evaluation is needed.
Take care of yourself, and I hope you find relief soon! Let me know if you need more detailed information or support.
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