Canker Sore in Throat: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Canker sores in the throat can hurt a lot. They make it painful to eat, drink, or talk. These small sores are not usually dangerous, but they can make life harder. Knowing what causes them, how to notice them, and how to treat them can help reduce the pain and stop them from coming back.

What is a Canker Sore in the Throat?

A canker sore in the throat is a small, painful spot that can show up inside your mouth or at the back of your throat. It usually looks like a round or oval sore with a white or yellow center and a red, swollen edge. These sores can make it hurt when you eat, drink, or talk. Unlike cold sores, which happen outside the mouth and are caused by a virus, canker sores only appear inside and are not caused by viruses.

What Causes Canker Sores in the Throat?

Canker sores in the throat, also called aphthous ulcers, are small and painful sores that show up on the soft parts inside the mouth and throat. The exact reason why they happen is not always clear, but there are a few things that might cause them:

Stress and Fatigue

Being very stressed or tired can make your immune system weaker, so you are more likely to get sores. When you are stressed or don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t fight off infections and irritations as well, which can lead to canker sores in your throat. Getting enough rest and managing stress by relaxing or exercising regularly helps your body stay healthy and lowers the chance of getting these painful sores.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If you don't get enough essential vitamins or minerals, like vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, or zinc, you are more likely to get canker sores in your throat. These nutrients help keep your immune system and the lining of your mouth and throat healthy. Without them, you may get mouth ulcers more easily. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent these problems and lower your risk of getting canker sores.

Food Sensitivities

Acidic foods like lemons or oranges, and spicy foods like hot peppers, can hurt your mouth and throat, causing sores. Some people’s bodies react to these foods and create canker sores. People who are sensitive to certain ingredients or additives, like preservatives or artificial flavors, are also more likely to get these painful sores. Staying away from foods that trigger your symptoms can help lower the chances of canker sores in your throat.

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormones, especially in women, can lead to mouth and throat sores. These changes often happen during periods, pregnancy, or menopause, making some people more likely to get canker sores in the throat. When hormone levels go up or down, they can affect the immune system and the sensitive tissues in the mouth and throat, making it easier for these painful sores to form.

Immune System Disorders

Immune system problems can cause canker sores in the throat. Sometimes, the immune system gets confused and attacks the healthy cells lining the mouth and throat by mistake. This can lead to painful sores that keep coming back or don’t heal easily. Conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease can cause this wrong immune response, making people more likely to have canker sores as part of their illness.

Viral Infections

Some viruses, like the herpes simplex virus, can cause sores in the throat that look like canker sores. These viral sores can cause pain and swelling in the throat. Other viruses, such as enteroviruses or cytomegalovirus, can also cause similar sores, especially in people with weak immune systems. These sores are usually small, round, white or yellow, with a red edge, much like canker sores inside the mouth. Unlike canker sores, these viral sores are caused by infections.

Medications

Some medicines, like certain painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, can make you more likely to get canker sores. These drugs may irritate your mouth or throat, which can lead to sores. If you get canker sores after starting a new medicine, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if the medicine is causing the problem and suggest other options or ways to deal with the side effects.

Symptoms of a Canker Sore in the Throat

Canker sores in the throat can be painful and make it hard to eat, drink, or talk. Some common symptoms include:

Pain or Soreness

A canker sore in the throat can cause sharp, burning, or ongoing pain. Swallowing or talking often makes it hurt more. You might feel tingling or stinging before the sore shows up. The pain can make eating, drinking, or speaking uncomfortable, and it may get worse with acidic or spicy foods. Some people also notice slight swelling or redness where the sore is.

Small, Round Lesions

You may notice small, round sores with a white or yellow center and red edges. These sores can be itchy, burn, or hurt. The area might also be swollen or tender. Eating, drinking, or swallowing can be painful. Sometimes, you might have a mild fever or just feel unwell. These sores usually heal on their own in one to two weeks, but if they are very bad, you may need to see a doctor.

Swelling or Inflammation

The area around the sore may become swollen and sore. This swelling, called inflammation, is your body’s way of healing, but it can be painful. The area might look red and feel warm. Swelling can make it hard to swallow or talk, and the pain can get worse when you eat spicy, sour, or rough foods. Inflammation is your immune system’s way of fixing the sore and protecting you from infection.

Difficulty Swallowing

It can hurt a lot to swallow food, drinks, or even saliva if you have a canker sore in your throat. The pain depends on how big the sore is and where it is. Sometimes, swallowing can be almost impossible because of the pain. People may also feel burning or stinging when they swallow, which makes eating or drinking hard. If the pain is very bad, someone might not eat or drink enough, leading to dehydration or weight loss. The pain can get worse when eating spicy, sour, or hot foods and drinks.

Scratchy or Irritated Throat

Your throat may feel dry, itchy, or sore. This can make it harder to swallow and might change your voice. You may also feel a burning or constant discomfort in your throat. Sometimes, talking or eating can cause mild pain, especially with spicy or acidic foods. You might even notice a slight cough or feel like something is stuck in your throat because of the irritation.

Tender Lymph Nodes

When you have a canker sore in your throat, the lymph nodes in your neck may swell and feel tender or sore. This swelling happens because your body is fighting the irritation or infection caused by the sore. The skin over the swollen area might look a little red and feel warm to the touch. This swelling and tenderness show that your immune system is working to heal the sore and protect your body. If the swelling lasts for a long time or gets worse, you should see a doctor.

Mild Fever

If you have a lot of sores or very painful ones, you might get a mild fever. This shows your body is fighting an infection or illness. Besides a mild fever, you might have pain or discomfort when swallowing, a burning or tingling feeling in your throat before the sores show up, and small white or yellow sores with a red area around them. These symptoms can make eating and drinking hard. If the sores last more than two weeks or you have serious symptoms like a high fever, trouble swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor.

Diagnosing a Canker Sore in the Throat

If your doctor thinks you have a canker sore in your throat, they will check a few things:

1. Medical History

When diagnosing a canker sore in the throat, the doctor will ask about your health history and any symptoms you've had. They want to know if you've had mouth or throat problems before, and if things like stress, diet, recent illnesses, or medicines might be affecting you. The doctor might also ask if you’ve had any injuries to your mouth or throat, or if certain foods or hormone changes seem to bring on the sores. Usually, doctors can tell it’s a canker sore just by looking at it. But if the sore doesn’t heal within two weeks or looks unusual, they may do tests like blood work or a tissue sample to check for other causes. This helps the doctor find the right treatment for you.

2. Physical Examination

Canker sores are easy to spot because they look very different from other mouth sores. During the exam, the doctor will look inside your mouth and throat to find any small, round, and painful sores. These sores usually have a red edge and a white or yellow center, which makes them easy to recognize. The doctor might also ask if you feel pain when swallowing or eating, and how long the sores have been there. This helps the doctor make sure it is a canker sore and not something else.

3. Additional Tests

If your canker sores take a long time to heal, look unusual, or you have other symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or trouble swallowing, your doctor may do more tests. These tests can include taking a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) to check under a microscope or blood tests to look for other health problems. These tests help the doctor make sure the sores are really canker sores and not something more serious, like an infection, autoimmune disease, or, rarely, oral cancer. Doing these tests helps find the right cause so you get the best treatment.

Treatment for Canker Sores in the Throat

Treatment for canker sores in the throat means making the pain go away, helping the sores get better, and finding out what’s causing them. There are some ways to help with the symptoms and make them heal faster, such as:

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain and swelling caused by canker sores in the throat. These medicines are easy to buy at pharmacies or stores and can make it easier to eat, drink, and talk without pain. It's important to take them as directed and talk to a doctor if the pain continues or if you have other health issues. Using these medications can help manage discomfort while the sore heals.

2. Saltwater Rinses

Gargling with warm salt water can help your throat feel better and make canker sores heal faster. To make a saltwater rinse, mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Stir until the salt is gone, then take a small sip and gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do this several times a day, especially after eating, to keep the area clean and help it heal. Saltwater rinses can lower swelling, ease pain, and help stop infection in the sore area.

3. Topical Treatments

You can use over-the-counter creams or gels that numb the sore and help with pain, such as those with benzocaine. These work like a bandage for a cut—they make the sore hurt less and help it heal. Topical treatments put a protective layer over the sore, so eating, drinking, or talking doesn’t bother it as much. Some also have ingredients that reduce swelling. For best results, put the medicine directly on the sore after eating and before going to bed, and follow the directions on the package.

4. Avoid Irritants

Don’t eat spicy, sour, or rough foods that can make your sore feel worse. Choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, or yogurt that are gentle on your throat. Also, stay away from citrus fruits, salty snacks, and fizzy drinks, as they can make the sore hurt more. Drink plenty of water and pick cold or warm drinks to help your throat feel better. You can also feel better by not eating hard or crunchy foods like chips or toast until your throat is healed.

5. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is very important when you have a canker sore in your throat. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your throat moist and stops dehydration, which can make the pain worse. Water supports your overall health and helps your body heal faster. Besides water, you can also drink warm herbal teas or clear broths to soothe your throat. It’s best to avoid drinks that can irritate your sore throat, like citrus juices, fizzy drinks, or anything with a lot of acid. Keeping well-hydrated eases the discomfort and helps you recover more quickly.

6. Prescribed Medications

If your sore throat is very painful, your doctor might give you medicines like corticosteroids to help with pain and swelling. These medicines lower inflammation in your throat, which can help you feel better and heal faster. Sometimes, your doctor may also suggest using ointments, mouth rinses, or painkillers to make you more comfortable. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you, and always use them as your doctor tells you.

7. Address Underlying Conditions

If you have a health condition like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease that is causing your sore throat, you should treat that condition first. Managing these health problems can help the sores heal. Also, working with your doctor to find and manage any medical issues can make canker sores happen less often and be less painful. Fixing vitamin or mineral shortages, like vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid, can also help. By treating the main causes, you can feel better overall and help canker sores in your throat heal faster.

Preventing Canker Sores in the Throat

You can lower your chances of getting canker sores in your throat by avoiding things that cause them and taking good care of your mouth and throat. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Avoid Irritating Foods

Don’t eat spicy, sour, or rough foods because they can hurt your throat and make it sore. Eating soft and mild foods helps your throat feel better. Try not to eat foods that are very salty or too hot, since these can also bother your throat. Choose soft foods like yogurt, bananas, or cooked vegetables, which are gentle and less likely to cause pain. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your throat moist can also help your throat heal and feel better.

2. Stay Hydrated

If you don’t drink enough water, your throat can get dry and irritated. Drinking water during the day keeps your throat moist and less likely to hurt. It also helps remove germs and toxins that might cause canker sores. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, and avoid drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar because they can make you lose water. If you exercise or are in hot weather, drink even more water to replace what you lose.

3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth every day to remove germs and keep your mouth healthy. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill more germs. Change your toothbrush often so you don’t bring back old germs. Try not to eat acidic or spicy foods, as these can bother your throat and mouth. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to find problems early and get tips on keeping your mouth healthy.

4. Manage Stress

Stress can lead to canker sores, so it's important to find ways to relax and feel less tense. You can try meditation, deep breathing, walking outside, or doing light exercise. These activities can help you feel calmer and may lower your chances of getting canker sores in your throat. Also, spending time on hobbies, listening to music, or being with friends and family can help you manage stress better.

5. Address Nutritional Deficiencies

Eating foods high in vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and iron can help keep you healthy and lower your chances of getting sores. Make sure your meals include different fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains to get these important nutrients. If you can't get enough from food, you might want to take supplements, but talk to a doctor first. Eating a balanced diet helps your immune system and makes it less likely you'll get canker sores in your throat.

6. Avoid Trauma

Be careful when you eat so you don't bite your cheek or the inside of your mouth. Stay away from hard or sharp foods like chips, nuts, or crunchy bread that can hurt your mouth. Chew slowly and cut your food into small pieces to lower the chance of hurting yourself. Also, use a soft toothbrush and brush gently to protect the inside of your mouth.

7. Limit Allergens

If some foods or products make your mouth feel uncomfortable, try to avoid them to stop irritation and sores. Common triggers include acidic foods like oranges and lemons, spicy foods, and some nuts. Some people also react to ingredients in toothpaste or mouthwash, like sodium lauryl sulfate. Figuring out and avoiding these things can help lower your chances of getting canker sores in your throat.

8. Quit Smoking

Smoking can hurt your throat and cause sores. The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm the soft tissues in your mouth and throat, making it easier for canker sores to appear. Stopping smoking can help keep your throat healthy, lower irritation, and reduce the chance of getting sores. Besides helping prevent canker sores, quitting smoking is also good for your mouth and your overall health.

9. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Mouthwash with alcohol can dry out and irritate your mouth and throat. Pick a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash that is safe for sensitive mouths. Using alcohol-free mouthwash keeps your mouth moist and lowers the chance of irritation that can cause canker sores. Choose products that are clearly marked as alcohol-free and made for sensitive mouths. Rinse your mouth every day as part of your oral care routine to help keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of getting canker sores in your throat.

When to See a Doctor

Most of the time, you don’t need to see a doctor for canker sores in your throat because they usually heal on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. But you should visit a doctor if:

• If your sores don't heal after two weeks or keep coming back, you should see a doctor. Sores that last a long time or return often could be a sign of another health problem that needs medical attention and treatment.

• If the pain from canker sores becomes very bad and makes it hard to eat, drink, or talk, it’s important to see a doctor. Severe or worsening pain could be a sign of a more serious problem that needs professional care.

• If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, you should get medical help right away. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious problem that needs quick attention from a doctor.

• Contact a doctor if you have a fever, chills, feel sick, or have swollen glands along with sores. These symptoms could mean you have a more serious infection that needs medical attention.

• It is important to see a doctor if your mouth sores look unusual. This means they are bigger than normal, have odd or uneven edges, or if you see blisters or sores in other parts of your mouth.

• If the sores get very red, swollen, or start to leak pus, this might mean they are infected. If this happens, contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

• If you think you might not be getting enough important vitamins like B12, folate, or iron, you should talk to a doctor. A doctor can do blood tests to check for any deficiencies and suggest the right supplements or changes to your diet. Finding and treating vitamin deficiencies early can help you avoid more serious health problems.

• If your sores make it hard to do everyday things, cause a lot of pain, or make you feel very stressed, you should talk to a doctor. Getting medical advice can help you manage your symptoms and avoid problems.

If you have painful canker sores in your throat or other health problems, Volusia Medical Center can help. Our team of skilled doctors and nurses will make a care plan just for you and work hard to find the best ways to help. Contact us and schedule a consultation today. We want to help you live a healthier, pain-free life and feel better overall!

Conclusion

Canker sores in the throat can hurt a lot, but there are ways to lessen the pain and help them heal. Knowing what causes these sores is helpful for preventing them from coming back. If you do get a canker sore, there are treatments, like special mouth rinses or gels, that can ease the pain and speed up healing. Most canker sores go away on their own within a couple of weeks. However, if a sore doesn’t heal after some time or gets worse, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for more help and treatment options. Taking action early can help you feel better faster and avoid other problems.

FAQs

1. Are canker sores in the throat contagious?

• No, canker sores in the throat are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else, and you cannot pass them to others. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and can spread through kissing or sharing drinks, canker sores are not caused by an infection and do not spread from person to person. They are caused by things like stress, minor mouth injuries, or certain foods, but they do not spread like a cold or flu. So, there's no need to worry about passing canker sores to others.

2. What foods should I avoid with a canker sore in my throat?

• If you have a canker sore in your throat, it's best to avoid certain foods that can make the pain worse. Stay away from spicy foods, sour or acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, and crunchy or hard foods such as chips, nuts, and pretzels. These foods can irritate the sore and increase discomfort. Also, avoid salty snacks and sugary treats, which may cause stinging or slow healing. Instead, stick to soft, bland foods that won’t bother your throat while the sore heals.

3. How to get rid of a canker sore in the throat?

• To get rid of a canker sore in your throat, try home remedies like honey to soothe pain and warm salt water rinses to clean and heal the sore. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers and numbing gels to ease discomfort. Drink plenty of water and avoid spicy or rough foods that can make the sore hurt more. If the sore doesn't start to heal within two weeks or gets worse, make sure to see a doctor for further help.

4. How long does a canker sore in the throat last?

• Most canker sores in the throat are small, painful spots that usually heal on their own within 7 to 14 days. They can be uncomfortable, especially when eating or talking, but generally do not need a doctor unless they last longer than two weeks, cause severe pain, or keep coming back. If the sore is large or very painful, it may take a bit longer to heal. In most cases, with proper care and avoiding irritants, these sores get better without complications.

5. When should I worry about a canker sore in my throat?

• You should worry about a canker sore in your throat if it lasts more than two weeks, causes a lot of pain, or comes with other symptoms like fever, swelling, or redness. These signs could mean the sore is infected or there is a more serious problem. It’s also important to see a doctor if the sore makes it hard to eat or drink, or if it keeps coming back. Getting medical advice in these cases helps ensure proper treatment and prevents complications.