A throat ulcer is a small sore that is normally white in the centre and reddish around. When you have a throat ulcer, you will experience pain while swallowing as well as while speaking. You may develop a fever when you have a sore throat. Another associated symptom of sore throat is swelling of the lymph node.
Throat Ulcers can be a result of acute stress or during the healing process of a wound in the mouth caused due to herpes or anti-inflammatory medication. If the throat ulcers do not heal within time, it might be an indication of serious conditions that need immediate medical attention.
Possible Throat Ulcers Causes
Throat ulcers show up in the form of small open sores. They can also occur in the oesophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It can also appear in your vocal cords. Injuries or illness can result in sore throats. Damaged mucus membrane that fails to heal can also be a reason for developing these ulcers. There are several throat ulcers which are discussed in detail below:
1. Herpes
The virus that is the reason for herpes can also cause ulcers in the throat, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue, which can be very painful. There could also be blisters around the lips. The development of ulcers can be accompanied by fever and discomfort in the initial stages. The symptoms may be mild when they recur frequently.
If the herpes infection causes throat ulcers, it will resolve generally within a few weeks without any particular treatment. If you have symptoms like severe pain or malaise, it is suggested to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Aphthous Stomatitis
The repeated formation of benign mouth ulcers that are non-contagious is aphthous stomatitis. This condition can also cause throat ulcers, which are not specifically painful. They occur due to stress, during menstruation, or develop following small wounds in the mouth.
B12 deficiency and allergy to products like toothpaste, cinnamon, and citrus fruits can also cause aphthous stomatitis. Throat ulcers that develop from aphthous stomatitis resolve within a few weeks without treatment. However, if you have unmanageable pain and the condition does not resolve, you should seek medical attention.
3. HIV Infection
Throat ulcers caused by HIV infection do not heal quickly and are very painful, especially, in persons who are not adhering to proper treatment. The symptoms may be mild in the initial stages. But if left unattended it could enhance the risk of infections and affect immunity as well. You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect HIV infection. With treatment for the infection, the throat ulcers will also subside.
Other Causes
The other causes of throat ulcers are:
- Yeast, bacteria, or viral infection
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
- Behcet syndrome causes inflammation in the lining of your mouth, in your skin, and other body parts.
- Herpangina is a viral infection that mostly affects children. This causes sores at the back of the throat and the mouth.
Treatment for Throat Ulcers
The treatment suggested depends on the cause of throat ulcers. The treatment may be any of the following:
- Pain relievers to give relief from the discomfort caused
- Medicated rinses to help relieve the pain and support the healing process
- For bacterial or yeast infection, it may be antibiotics or antifungals.
If you have esophageal ulcers, the treatment could be
- Antibacterial or antiviral medicines for treating the infection
- Proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor blockers, or antacids reduce the production of stomach acids
For vocal cord ulcers, the treatment would include
- Giving rest to your vocal cord
- Vocal therapy
- Treatment for GERD
- Resorting to surgery if none of the above treatments help.
Home Remedies for Throat Ulcers
You can follow the home remedies given below to get some relief from throat ulcers
- Increase water consumption and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Avoid spicy foods as it may irritate the sores even more
- Consume cold fluids to soothe the sores
- Avoid medications that irritate your throat
- Gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as these can also irritate the throat.
Conclusion
Throat ulcers are a result of various other health conditions like herpes, Aphthous stomatitis, HIV infection, bacterial, yeast, or fungal infection. Normally, the throat ulcers subside within a few weeks without any specific medications. If the ulcers remain for a prolonged period and are accompanied by symptoms like fever and acute pain, you should be seeking medical attention for evaluation and appropriate treatment.