A throat ulcer, or a throat canker sore, is a small, round sore that is whitish in the middle and reddish on the outside. It causes pain and discomfort, especially when swallowing or speaking. In some cases, it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, general malaise and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area.
This type of ulcer may appear after ingesting acidic food, or it can be the first sign of a weakened immune system (e.g. appearing when you have herpes after a cold). When throat ulcers are very big and take a long time to heal, they can be a sign of a more serious disease such as AIDS or cancer.
The doctor may prescribe ointments for to treat a throat ulcer and suggest the elimination of acidic foods from your diet. Another common recommendation is gargling warm water with salt to help relieve discomfort.
What a throat canker sore looks like
Main causes
Throat ulcers may be caused by:
- Weakened immune system, especially if weakened due to herpes (the herpes virus may infect the lining of both the mouth and throat)
- Acidic foods, such as pineapple, tomato or pepper
- Stomach problems, such as acid reflux
- Nutrient deficiency, like B-complex vitamin, folic acid or minerals like iron
If you get a throat ulcer more than once a month, or if two outbreaks of ulcers happen within less than a week of each other, you should see your family doctor for blood tests that can help identify what may be causing the problem. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is started so as to prevent the sore from appearing again.
Other situations that may cause small sores in the throat are tonsil stones, tonsillitis, and aphthous stomatitis, which are more common in infants.
Common treatment
Treatment for throat ulcers can be completed with combination corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory ointments, or with topical anesthetics (e.g. xylocaine 5%). These are prescribed by a doctor and applied with a finger or with the help of a cotton swab.
Other drugs that can be used to relieve pain caused by throat ulcers are acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and should be used as recommended by a doctor. Laser treatments can be used if the throat sore is greater than 1 cm in diameter or if the sore is causing difficulty with eating or drinking.
Speed-up throat ulcer healing
To help heal throat ulcers, some precautions should be considered, such as:
- Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after brushing your teeth, as this can help to eliminate bacteria and cleanse the area
- Avoiding acidic foods like lemon, pineapple, tomato, kiwi and orange, as the acidity can increase pain
- Eating more foods rich in B complex vitamins, folic acid and iron such as banana, mango, low-fat yogurt or apple juice (vitamin deficiency can cause throat ulcers)
- Gargling warm water with salt or gargling hydrogen peroxide diluted in water, as they are antiseptic and clean the area. To prepare the solution, simply add 1 tablespoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water or 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide 10 volumes in 1 glass of water.
- Avoid worsening by not eating hard or crunchy foods such as toast, peanuts, nuts
- Using a toothbrush with soft bristles;
- Avoid oral hygiene products with irritating ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate.
If you follow treatment as directed by your doctor while keeping these recommendations in mind, throat ulcers will likely disappear on their own within a few days.
When to go to the doctor
When throat ulcers appear frequently (e.g. more than 6 times a year) you should see a doctor for assessment, especially if you have other symptoms. Testing that may be ordered includes:
- Complete blood count
- Iron, ferritin and iron uptake, vitamin B12 levels
- HIV antibodies, viral cultures and biopsy.
However, there is usually no need to request these exams and they are generally done when the throat ulcers are difficult to control.
A canker sore, also known as a mouth ulcer or aphthous ulcer, is a tiny bump that forms in the throat or mouth. Typically canker sores develop on the inner side of cheeks or lips; they can also form on the back of the throat or tonsils.
These lesions are not contagious and usually heal by themselves. OTC pain relievers can ease the discomfort, and home remedies can help reduce the symptoms.
Symptoms of a canker sore in the throat
The main symptom of a canker sore in the throat or tonsils is pain. You may experience itching or burns in the throat. Acidic or spicy foods items can aggravate the soreness. You may also find it painful to open your mouth, chew or speak.
Types of canker sore
- minor
- major
- herpetiform
The size of minor canker sores is about a few millimeters. Major canker sores can have a diameter of about 1-3 centimeters. Herpetiform canker sores are a bunch of small canker sores, just the size of a
pinhead.
It may take up to 28-30 days for major canker sores to heal, and they may leave scars. Major mouth ulcers are more painful than minor ones, and they can make eating or drinking uncomfortable.
Herpetiform canker sores develop in the form of multiple sores and cover a wide area, leaving scars upon healing.
Causes and risk factors
More studies are required to know why some people are more prone to canker sores than others. One factor is genetic, as canker sores can
pass on to children.
Here are some causes of canker sores:
- stress
- hormonal changes
- mouth or throat injuries
- deficiencies of iron or vitamin B
- eating spicy or acidic foods
A weak immune system can increase the chances of canker sore development. This includes individuals with certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, and HIV.
Home remedies
Saltwater rinse
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the rinse to get rid of a canker sore in the throat or tonsils. Repeat this three times a day.
Cold solution
Drink icy cold water or suck on ice cubes to numb the pain. Alternatively, you can eat ice cream or frozen yogurt, which will also add some taste. Avoid eating food items with sharp edges as they can irritate your canker sores.
Lifestyle changes
If your canker sores keep coming back, the following changes to your lifestyle can be helpful.
- Eat mild foods
- Try different methods to relieve stress
- Take supplements to cover deficiencies of iron or vitamin B
Medical treatments
Over-the-counter gels and creams have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the pain when applied directly to the sores.
It’s not easy to reach a canker sore in the throat. Mouthwash is an effective way to minimize inflammation, pain, and risk of infection. An antimicrobial or medicated
mouthwash will work best for you.
If you have a severe canker sore, your doctor can prescribe you medication for quick relief. To schedule an appointment with San Ramon Urgent Care Clinic, call one of our locations.