Treatment for throat ulcers

Throat ulcers represent lesions formed in the throat that tend to cause discomfort and pain. The pain is particularly intense when the patient is talking, eating, or swallowing. Throat ulcers can develop as a result of many different causes. Generally, they are the symptom of a more troubling underlying condition that requires medical attention. Most commonly, throat ulcers result from an infection caused by fungi or bacteria. Oral thrush, herpes zoster, the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters, and acid reflux disease are among the most common culprits. Throat ulcers can also occur due to excessive use of antibiotics, certain inherited diseases, an injury to the throat and eating disorders such as bulimia. Throat ulcers can last from only a week to couple of months and may reappear after the treatment is complete.

What Are the Symptoms of Throat Ulcers?

The most common symptom of throat ulcers is difficulty with swallowing, which can range from minor discomfort to an inability to swallow food at all. Intense pain in the throat is experienced when food passes through it. Due to this symptom, throat ulcers often result in weight loss. Inflammation of the throat ulcers can cause severe pain and cause problems with breathing. Throat ulcers appear as white spots near the tonsils or in the back of the throat. These white spots represent the location of the ulcers. If left untreated, throat ulcers may start to secrete pus due to deterioration of the throat tissue. Because of this, the back of the throat will appear grayish in color. Pus secretion from the ulcers can cause a foul taste the mouth, which is another symptom of the condition.

What Is the Treatment for Throat Ulcers?

As soon as the symptoms of possible throat ulcers appear, the affected person must seek medical attention and diagnosis. The aim of the treatment is to relieve the pain and swelling, which is commonly done with anti-inflammatory medications. The treatment may vary depending on the initial cause of throat ulcers. For instance, if the ulcers result from bacterial infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Patients can also do a lot to ease their discomfort at home. Generally, the symptoms of throat ulcers can be eased with warm saline water throat gargles. It is advised to drink plenty of clear fluids and consume thicker fluids like soups and shakes instead of solid food to make swallowing easier. Spicy foods and those containing salts and chemicals should be limited since such foods make the symptoms of throat ulcers worse.

Bad breath can be managed with frequent and thorough cleaning of the teeth and tongue. Throat ulcers can never be completely be prevented, but some proactive measures may help reduce your risk of this uncomfortable problem. A person should eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals that will boost the immune system in order to avoid infections. It is also recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, and steps that reduce infections, like not kissing someone with active herpes sores, can also help.