Acid reflux occurs when the acid content of the stomach returns to the esophagus, the swallowing tube that runs from the back of the throat to the stomach. Aspiration is a medical term that refers to the accidental inhalation of food or liquids through the vocal cords into the airways, rather than swallowing them through the esophagus and into the stomach. If you have a sore throat, it may affect speech, swallowing, or breathing. Tonsillitis refers to swelling of the pharyngeal tonsils, which are lymph glands located at the back of the throat and visible through the mouth. Find out how ENT diseases are related to different areas of the ear, nose, and throat. Voice mail cancer or throat cancer is not as well known to the public as other types of cancer, but it is not a rare disease.