Canker sores are small, painful ulcers or sores that appear inside the mouth, and they can sometimes appear in the throat too. They are also called aphthous ulcers. Canker sores in the throat can be painful and make it hard to swallow. To manage canker sores in the throat, you need to understand what causes them, what the symptoms are, how to diagnose them, what treatments are available, and how to prevent them.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small ulcers or sores that can appear in different parts of the mouth, like on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and even in the back of the throat. These sores have a white or yellow center surrounded by a red border. Canker sores can be painful and cause discomfort, especially when you are eating or talking.
Causes of Canker Sores in the Throat
The exact reason why canker sores appear in the throat is not clear, but there are some things that may make them more likely to happen:
Injury or Trauma
If you accidentally bite the inside of your throat or eat something rough or sharp, like chips or nuts, it can irritate your throat and make canker sores more likely to form. When the lining of your throat is injured or irritated, it can become inflamed and form canker sores.
Stress
Physical or emotional stress can be a cause of canker sores, including those that occur in the throat. This is because stress can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to canker sores.
Hormonal Changes
When your hormones are changing, like during your menstrual cycle or when you're pregnant, it can make you more likely to get canker sores in your throat. These hormonal changes can cause your immune system to be weaker and make it easier for canker sores to form. It's important to keep track of your hormonal changes and take care of yourself if you notice that you're more likely to get canker sores during these times.
Food Sensitivities
Some foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, or spicy foods, can irritate the lining of your throat and make canker sores more likely to form. These foods are acidic or spicy, and when you eat them, they can cause irritation in your throat. If you have canker sores in your throat, you may want to avoid eating these foods or eating them in moderation.
Immune System Issues
Some people have a problem with their immune system where it becomes too active and starts to attack healthy tissues in the mouth or throat. This is called an autoimmune disorder, and it can cause canker sores to form. When your immune system is attacking healthy tissues, it can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to canker sores. If you have an autoimmune disorder, you may be more likely to get canker sores in your throat.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Some health conditions, like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or autoimmune disorders, can make people more likely to get canker sores. These conditions cause problems in the body, like inflammation or damage to the tissues, which can make it easier for canker sores to form. If you have a health condition like this, you should let your doctor know if you get canker sores in your throat.
Symptoms of Canker Sores in the Throat
Canker sores in the throat can cause the following symptoms:
Pain: The most common and painful symptom of canker sores in the throat is throat pain. It can be really painful, especially when you are swallowing or talking. The pain is usually a sharp, stabbing pain that can make it hard to do these activities.
Redness and Swelling: Canker sores can cause the surrounding tissue in the throat to become red and inflamed. The redness and swelling are caused by the irritation or damage to the tissue from the canker sore. This can make it difficult to swallow or talk, and can also be painful.
Difficulty Swallowing: Large canker sores in the throat can make it hard to swallow. The sores can be really painful and uncomfortable when you try to eat or drink. They can also make it hard to get food or liquid down your throat without causing more pain or discomfort. This can make it hard to eat and drink, which can lead to other problems like weight loss or dehydration.
Sore Throat: Canker sores in the throat can cause other symptoms, like a sore throat. When you have canker sores, you may notice that your throat feels sore in general, not just where the sores are located. This means that your throat may feel painful or uncomfortable even when you're not eating or drinking.
Fatigue: If you have canker sores in your throat that are caused by an underlying condition, like a lack of certain nutrients or an autoimmune disorder, you may feel more tired than usual. This is called fatigue, and it means that you may feel like you don't have as much energy as you usually do. This can make it hard to do everyday activities, like going to work or school, and can make you feel more tired and run down.
Who Gets Canker Sores in the Throat?
Canker sores are common and can affect people of all ages. However, they tend to be more frequent in:
Teens and young adults: Canker sores are more common in teens and young adults. This means that if you're between the ages of 12 and 25, you're more likely to get canker sores in your throat. This is because your body is still developing during these years, and canker sores can be a part of that development.
Women: Women are more likely to get canker sores during their periods or when they are pregnant because of changes in their hormones. When women are menstruating or pregnant, their hormone levels change, which can make it easier for canker sores to form in their throats. This means that if you're a woman, you may be more likely to get canker sores during these times.
Individuals with certain health conditions: People who have certain health conditions, like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or a weak immune system, are more likely to get canker sores in their throat. This is because these conditions can cause problems in the body, like inflammation or damage to the tissues, which can make it easier for canker sores to form. This means that if you have one of these conditions, you may be more likely to get canker sores in your throat.
Diagnosing Canker Sores in the Throat
If you get canker sores in your throat a lot or they don't go away after two weeks, you should see a doctor to find out what's causing them. To diagnose canker sores in the throat, the doctor will usually do a few things:
1. Medical History
When a doctor is trying to diagnose canker sores, they will ask you about any recent illnesses or stress that might have caused the sores. They will also want to know about your diet and if you have any dietary habits that might be making the sores worse. This will help them to figure out what is causing the canker sores and how to treat them.
2. Physical Examination
During a physical exam to diagnose canker sores in the throat, your doctor will look at your throat, mouth, and other areas. They will be looking for signs of other conditions, like infections or viral sores, that could be causing the canker sores. This will help them make sure that the canker sores are not being caused by something else.
3. Blood Tests
Doctors may do blood tests to diagnose canker sores in the throat if they think that the sores are being caused by a nutrient deficiency or an autoimmune condition. This will help them figure out if the canker sores are being caused by something that is affecting your body, like a vitamin deficiency or an immune system problem. The blood tests can help them find out what is causing the sores and how to treat them.
Treatment for Canker Sores in the Throat
While most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 14 days, there are several ways to manage the pain and speed up healing:
1. Over-the-Counter Medications
If you have canker sores in your throat, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the pain. These medications usually come in the form of gels or rinses that you put directly on the sores. The gels or rinses usually contain benzocaine, which is a numbing agent that can help make the pain go away for a little while. Products like Orabase or Anbesol are commonly used for this.
2. Saltwater or Baking Soda Rinse
Gargling with saltwater or baking soda mixed with water can help with canker sores in the throat in a few ways. First, the salt in the water can help reduce inflammation in the throat, which can make the sores less painful. Second, the baking soda can help neutralize the acid in the throat, which can help prevent the sores from getting worse. This is a cheap and easy way to help with canker sores in the throat.
3. Prescription Medications
If the canker sores in your throat are very painful or if they keep coming back, your doctor may prescribe some prescription medications to help. These medications are usually stronger than over-the-counter medications and can help reduce the inflammation in your throat, which can help make the sores less painful. The medications can come in the form of rinses that you put directly on the sores, or they can be topical treatments that you apply to the area.
4. Nutritional Supplements
If you have canker sores in your throat that are being caused by a nutrient deficiency, like a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron, taking supplements of these nutrients can help. Taking supplements can help your body get the nutrients it needs to function properly, which can help prevent the canker sores from forming in the first place. Your doctor can help you figure out if you have a nutrient deficiency and recommend the right supplements for you.
5. Avoid Irritating Foods
If you have canker sores in your throat, it's important to avoid certain foods that can irritate the sores and make them worse. Foods that are spicy, acidic, or have a rough texture, like chips or nuts, can make the sores more painful. It's best to avoid these foods while the sores are healing so that they can heal more quickly and with less pain.
6. Pain Relievers
If you have canker sores in your throat, there are some over-the-counter pain medications that can help you manage the pain. These medications include ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever. Taking these medications can help reduce the pain in your throat, especially when you are swallowing. It's important to follow the instructions on the medication and to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about taking the medication.
Preventing Canker Sores in the Throat
If you want to prevent canker sores in your throat, there are some things that you can do. These things include:
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent infections and reduce irritation in the mouth and throat. This helps to keep your mouth and throat healthy, and can help to prevent canker sores from developing.
2. Manage Stress
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or mindfulness can help lower the risk of canker sores. Stress can cause canker sores, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress to prevent future outbreaks.
3. Avoid Trigger Foods
If you get canker sores in your throat, it's important to avoid the foods that cause them. These foods are called trigger foods, and they are different for each person. If you eat a food that causes you to get canker sores in your throat, it's best to avoid it or limit how much you eat. Doing this can help prevent the sores from forming in the first place.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can keep the tissues in your mouth and throat moist and reduce irritation. This helps to prevent canker sores from developing, and also helps to keep your mouth and throat healthy.
5. Nutritional Support
Nutritional support is important for preventing canker sores in the throat because it helps make sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, folic acid, or zinc, you may become deficient in them, which can cause canker sores. By making sure that you eat a balanced diet and get enough vitamins and minerals, you can prevent canker sores from forming in your throat.
When to See a Doctor
Canker sores in the throat are usually harmless and go away on their own, but you should see a doctor if:
If the sores last longer than two weeks or keep coming back, you should see a doctor. This could be a sign that something is wrong and that you need treatment.
You should see a doctor if the pain from your canker sores in the throat is so bad that it makes it hard for you to eat or drink. The doctor can give you medication to help with the pain and make it easier for you to eat and drink. You should also see a doctor if the pain is so bad that you can't sleep or if it is getting worse over time.
You should see a doctor if you have canker sores in your throat and other symptoms, like a fever, large ulcers, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can be signs of an infection or other health problem that needs to be treated. The doctor can help figure out what is causing the sores and the other symptoms and give you medication to help them go away.
If you have frequent outbreaks or suspect an underlying condition is causing the canker sores, you should see a doctor. This could help you find the root cause of the problem and prevent future outbreaks.
If you’re struggling with the pain of canker sores in your throat or any other health issues, Center One Medical is here to help. Our team of skilled healthcare professionals will work with you to create a personalized care plan and find effective solutions. Contact us today and book a consultation. We’re ready to help you on your journey towards a healthier, pain-free life!
Conclusion
Canker sores in the throat can be painful and uncomfortable, but they usually go away on their own. Understanding what causes them and how to manage the symptoms can help you find relief. If the pain persists or you have frequent outbreaks, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. Remember, your health is important and we’re here to help.
FAQs
1. Are canker sores in the throat contagious?
No, canker sores are not contagious. You can't pass them to someone else or catch them from someone else. They are a condition that happens in the throat of one person and can't be shared.
2. How long do canker sores in the throat last?
Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 14 days. If they last longer, it may be a good idea to see a doctor.
3. Can stress cause canker sores in the throat?
Yes, stress is a common trigger for canker sores, including those that occur in the throat.
4. What foods should I avoid if I have canker sores in the throat?
Avoid spicy, acidic, and rough foods that can irritate the sores, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chips.
5. Can canker sores in the throat be a sign of something more serious?
Canker sores are generally harmless and will go away on their own. But if you get canker sores in your throat a lot or if they are very bad, they could be a sign of a problem with your health. This could be a lack of nutrients in your body or an immune system problem. If you're worried about canker sores in your throat, it's best to see a doctor and get checked out.
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