Canker sore in back of throat

Canker sore in the throat?

An in-throat canker sore is one of the many infections involving lesions and ulcers in the mouth and throat. Quite possibly the most uncomfortable sore you can get, this condition is also called a mouth ulcer. Pain is usually most prominently felt when taking in food or beverages. Besides its presence in the throat, a canker sore is most common in the gums and inside the lips.

Although the infection is considered by many as a typical condition, it can still trigger other conditions if proper medical therapy is missing.

Symptoms

The presence of a canker sore in your mouth is already bad enough. But having a canker sore in your tonsils or in your throat is even worse. Besides the discomfort it causes, it deprives you of eating your favorite food or drinking your delightful beverage. Sure makes those Netflix show binge nights less enjoyable by not being able to ingest those favourite snacks.

Consider the common signs and symptoms of a canker sore or ulcer on the tonsil:

• Painful sensation
• Inflammation in the throat
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Sore throat
• Small or oval-shaped ulcers
• Fever or chills
• White or yellowish coating sores

A canker sore in the back of your throat can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. It is one of the symptoms that you really should keep a close eye on as it could potentially signify a more severe infection. It is sometimes accompanied by lethargy or extreme weakness. Also appearing as a blister on your tonsil, it can inflame and burst on its own. This burst can be painful, and scarring can happen. This time, immediate medical attention is a must to ensure proper treatment and lessen the excruciating pain.

What types are there?

There are three main types. They are:

• Minor – A minor canker sore is the most common. It is usually tiny, similar to a pimple. It heals without scarring in just two weeks.
• Major – Compared to a minor canker sore, this type is less common. It can be large and small but round in shape. It is also excruciating and causes scarring when it bursts.
• Herpetiform – People might think this type represents the herpes infection; however, it is not. Compared to the two types above, herpetiform is uncommon. It has irregular edges but appears in clusters. It also heals on its own without any trace of scarring.

Causes and risk factors

There is no clear medical evidence how a canker sore in the throat occurs. However, it is generally linked with genetic circumstances. It means that the condition is most likely to run within the family. Also, medical experts believe that canker sores potentially develop because of the following:

• Deficiency in vitamins and iron
• Too much consumption of spicy and acidic foods
• Injuries involving the mouth and throat
• Hormonal imbalance

A canker sore in the back of your throat also can mean that a person’s immune system is weak. Those who have lower immunity have a high tendency to develop the condition. Additionally, people with HIV and rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of developing canker sores.

Treatments and home remedies

Despite canker sores healing on their own, medical treatments and home remedies are available to ease and relieve the painful sensation that the condition brings.

Over-the-counter gels and creams have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain. Apply them to the ulcer located on the mouth or the lips. Since a canker sore in your throat is difficult to reach, you can opt to use a mouthwash that contains antimicrobial properties that reduce the pain and swelling.

There are different methods and tips you can follow in administering home remedies. The first option is dissolving a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Gargle the solution three times daily. Goes without saying to NOT swallow it!

The second option involves using ice cubes. The coldness of ice cubes helps in numbing the pain temporarily. You can also eat soft and frozen ice cream to relieve the inflammation in the throat. Furthermore, it helps subside the discomfort that a blister on tonsil triggers.

Canker sore vs strep throat

One of the main differences involving canker sore vs strep throat is what causes them to develop. Although the evidence is unclear, a weakened immune system or vitamin deficiency is what experts believe triggers canker sores. On the other hand, a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat. Their symptoms are also your bases in differentiating these conditions.

The Kangaroo Takeaway?

Compared to one ulcer developing in the mouth, treating a canker sore in throat is more challenging. Using a mouthwash is the best option if the painful sensation in the throat is too much to bear. Furthermore, it is best to consult with your doctor and ask for other opportunities to manage the condition better.

Sources:

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/canker-sore-in-throat
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615
simple-remedies.com/home-remedies/canker-sores/canker-sores-on-back-of-throat.html
thehealthboard.com/what-causes-a-canker-sore-in-the-throat.html