Red spots in the throat

introduction

Red spots on the throat can be caused by a variety of causes. In general, it can be assumed that a specialist should always be consulted if there are noticeable red spots in the throat. The reason for the appearance of the red spots can be disease, allergy or toxic. Although most of the causes that lead to red spots in the area of the throat are comparatively harmless diseases, such changes in the mucous membrane can also have serious reasons.

People who have red spots in the throat often notice other symptoms that occur at the same time. The most common symptoms associated with red spots in the throat include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, cough and fever. In addition, some of the viral diseases that cause red spots in the throat also develop rashes. The treatment of the pharyngeal changes is always based on the causal disease, the symptoms described by the patient and, if applicable, on the pathogen detected.

also read: Symptoms of a sore throat

causes

Although there can be many reasons for the appearance of red spots in the throat, it can be observed in everyday clinical practice that some causes are particularly common. The most common diseases that lead to the development of red spots in the throat include:

Sore throat (Pharyngitis)
Scarlet fever
allergic reaction

Read more on this topic at: Causes of Sore Throat

Pharyngitis

The Sore throat provides the most common The cause of the appearance of red spots in the throat. With this disease, inflammatory processes develop in the area of the pharyngeal mucosa. Pharyngitis can be both acute and chronic. The acute form of pharyngitis usually arises in the course of a infection. In most cases, there can be indications of the presence of a viral infection being found. Only in the rarest of cases does an acute inflammation of the throat, which leads to red spots in the throat, occur bacterial Caused pathogen.

Affected patients typically suffer from severe sore throat and difficulties swallowing. In addition, inflammatory processes often develop simultaneously in the area of the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx. In addition, the patients affected by acute throat inflammation often show pronounced general symptoms with fever, chills, Headaches and fatigue.

Since acute pharyngitis is usually a viral infection, the therapy can only purely symptomatic respectively. Especially the pain relievers (analgesics) Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are particularly suitable for relieving pain. Decongestant nose drops can also help alleviate the symptoms. However, patients with acute pharyngitis, which can lead to red spots in the throat, should urgently distance antibiotic Hold throat irrigation. The reason for this is the fact that the destruction of the natural flora of the pharynx increases the risk of fungal infections. Sore throat tablets, which numb the pharynx wall, are very suitable for the treatment of acute pharyngitis.

The chronic Course of the pharynx rather seldom red spots in the throat. In the affected patients, the pharynx wall shows up rather than flat reddened. Chronic pharyngitis is usually caused by long-term irritation of the mucous membrane. Possible triggers are the consumption of tobacco products, alcohol, environmental toxins, metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes mellitus), hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause) and allergies.

While red spots in the throat appear flat in the presence of chronic pharyngitis, the affected patients also experience sore throats and swallowing difficulties. In addition, those affected often describe a feeling as if one had to constantly clear throat (Globe feeling). Chronic pharyngitis is treated primarily by removing the triggering factor. For example, smokers are strongly advised to use the Stop using nicotine immediately and permanently. Regardless of the type of inflammation of the throat, red spots in the throat that are caused by inflammatory processes can be treated very well in most cases.

Scarlet fever

Red spots in the throat can also indicate a Scarlet fever-Be infection. The childhood disease scarlet fever is a high one contagious infection, by Streptococci caused. The causative bacterial pathogens are typically transmitted through droplets of saliva (so-called Droplet infection). However, the term “childhood disease” is not the right choice for scarlet fever. The reason for this is the fact that typical teething troubles can only break out once. On the other hand, scarlet fever can, albeit in a less pronounced form, get sick several times. The fact that this disease can be observed in the majority of cases in children is the sole reason for the term “childhood disease”. People who develop scarlet fever tend to develop sudden ones Sore throat and high fever.

They also belong stronger Coughing, vomiting, racing heart and headache and body aches the typical symptoms of scarlet fever infection.
First on the second or third day After the onset of the first symptoms, the skin rash typical of scarlet fever appears. This usually starts in the Armpit and groin region and from there it spreads over the whole body. Also, red spots in the throat can usually only be found with a delay in affected patients. Since scarlet fever, which can lead to red spots in the throat, is a bacterial infection, therapy is given by giving an effective one Antibiotic.

You can find more information on this topic at: Scarlet fever rash

The scarlet fever therapy therefore consists of one ten days of antibiotic use. Symptomatic treatment can also be useful in severe cases. In particular, drugs that contain the active ingredient ibuprofen or paracetamol are particularly suitable for relieving pain and lowering fever. Treatment for scarlet fever should be possible early to be started. A timely initiation of therapy ensures that the risk of long-term consequences of the infection (for example rheumatism, cardiac muscle or kidney inflammation) can be significantly reduced.

Read our article on this: Scarlet fever

Allergic reaction

Red spots in the throat can also be a sign of an allergic reaction. Food allergies in particular can lead to red spots due to the direct contact between the mucous membrane of the throat and the allergen. Patients who only have red spots in the throat and do not suffer from any general symptoms should consult a specialist and have an allergic reaction excluded.

Also read: Allergic reaction

Symptoms

Sore throat with red spots in the throat

A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms that can be seen with red spots in the throat. The combination of a sore throat and changes in the lining of the throat can be an indication of an infectious disease. In these cases, children often have a streptococcal infection known as scarlet fever (see above).

Adults rarely get this infection. At an advanced age, a sore throat that occurs together with red spots in the throat often indicates an acute inflammation of the throat. However, sore throats can also be observed with allergic reactions or toxic-related changes in the pharyngeal mucosa. For this reason, every patient who suffers from a sore throat for a long period of time and also notices red spots in the throat should consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Fever with red spots in the throat

Red spots in the throat are, in most cases, a sign of an infection. Regardless of whether bacterial or viral pathogens cause these red spots, fever is one of the most common accompanying symptoms. One speaks of a fever as soon as the body temperature rises above 38.5 degrees Celsius. Body temperatures between 37.5 and 38.5 degrees Celsius, on the other hand, are classified as elevated temperature (subfibril) designated. However, fever in and of itself is not threatening.

The rise in body temperature in connection with an infection only indicates that the body's own immune system is dealing with the pathogens. For this reason, antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen should not be taken immediately every time the body temperature rises.

It is assumed that lowering the fever, especially with infections that lead to red spots in the throat (e.g. scarlet fever), only makes sense at a body temperature of around 39.5 degrees Celsius. If the fever is lowered even with a slight increase, the body's own defense reaction may be inhibited and healing may be delayed. This can have fatal consequences, especially for children. Nevertheless, in everyday clinical practice it becomes clear that the majority of people react in panic to an increase in body temperature. For this reason, it is important that patients are informed that the fever, even with infections with red spots in the throat, does not rise too high.

Regardless of the exact type of infection, the fever rises to threatening temperatures of over 41 degrees Celsius only in the rarest of cases. This is precisely why it makes sense not to immediately treat every rise in body temperature with medication. Rather, a wait-and-see attitude should be adopted and the course of the fever observed first.

Red spots on the palate

With most of the causes of the appearance of red spots in the throat, the changes in the mucous membrane cannot be observed limited to the area of the throat. Often the complete ones appear Oral cavity and above all the palate as red, swollen and / or covered.

Difficulty swallowing with red spots in the throat

If red spots appear in the throat in connection with swallowing difficulties, acute tonsillitis, i.e. an inflammation of the tonsils or acute pharyngitis must be considered. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat. It often occurs in combination with inflammation of the tonsils, but it can also be present separately. The classic symptoms of these diseases, in addition to the difficulty swallowing, are a sore throat and fever. With pharyngitis, the throat is unevenly reddish, which can look like dots and you can see small vessels.

Itching with red spots in the throat

Itching in connection with red spots in the throat can be expected in an allergic reaction. Allergies are a very complex field and can have a wide variety of triggers. An allergy of the so-called immediate type is conceivable in the area of the pharynx. This means that, for example, if the mucous membrane of the throat comes into direct contact with certain foods or drugs, an allergic reaction occurs within a very short time. The typical symptoms are itching and contraction of the airways. This is so dangerous because there is a risk that massive swelling can lead to shortness of breath.

Read more at: Allergic reaction

Which teething troubles cause red dots in the throat?

A classic childhood disease that also causes red spots in the throat is scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is caused by a specific group of bacteria, the group A streptococci, and often develops from an inflammation of the tonsils and the pharynx (tonsillopharyngitis). In addition to the redness in the throat, at least one other typical symptom must be present to diagnose scarlet fever. These other symptoms may include paleness around the mouth, raspberry or strawberry tongue, reddening of the cheeks, or rashes around the groin.

For more information, see: Scarlet fever

Red spots on the throat in children

Red spots in the throat can have various causes, especially in children. The most common diseases that lead to red spots in the throat include uncomplicated inflammation of the nasopharynx and scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and can be dangerous in children. For this reason, children who have red spots in the throat should urgently consult a pediatrician. Since the pathogens causing scarlet fever are streptococci, diagnosis can be carried out using a special throat swab. In addition, a first suspicion of the presence of a scarlet fever infection in children can be made during the clinical examination.

In children, infection usually manifests itself as a sudden onset of a sore throat, cough, and fever. Only in the further course can red spots in the throat, which can even be covered with pus, be detected. In addition, the affected children typically develop a noticeable rash that begins in the armpit area and then spreads over the entire body.

The treatment of scarlet fever is carried out in children by giving an antibiotic. With prompt diagnosis and prompt initiation of antibiotic treatment, the prognosis is very good. However, children suffering from scarlet fever are not allowed to attend public institutions such as kindergarten or school until they are completely cured. This is due to the fact that scarlet fever is a highly contagious disease.