Burning in throat and mouth
Various diseases in the mouth lead to unpleasant burning pain there. The most common diseases include infections with the herpes simplex virus as well as inflammations that can be caused by bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci. The diseases can manifest themselves with different symptoms.
Painful blisters, aphthae and also open lesions can develop. It is not uncommon for inflammations originating from teeth to be transferred to the mucous membrane and then spread into the oral cavity. The infections are usually accompanied by pain, a reddened oral mucosa and swelling.
Food intake can also cause pain to the patient, so hot and acidic food should be avoided in the acute phase of the inflammation, as this additionally irritates open lesions in the mouth. In rare cases, an infection caused by certain bacteria is particularly severe and can even extend into the oesophagus. There it can lead to plaque, burning sensation and swallowing difficulties.
If the inflammation is very advanced, the patient generally feels flabby and ill and his appetite is also significantly reduced. Beginning pains in the mouth and throat area can also be the first sign of an initial inflammation of the palatine tonsils. In this case one speaks of tonsillitis, which is accompanied by pain when swallowing and swelling of the palatine tonsils.
Children are often affected by this. Depending on whether the disease is caused by bacteria or viruses, the inflammation is treated with antibiotics or not. The inflammation of the palatine tonsils can recur more often, so they are removed after multiple infections.
Burning in the throat and pharynx
A burning sensation in the throat and pharynx may be a sign of pharyngitis. The burning sensation is often accompanied by other symptoms such as a dry throat, difficulty swallowing and pain. The palate and throat are severely reddened and patients may have a fever.
Pharyngitis is one of the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract and occurs particularly often in children. The cause of the inflammation is an infection of the throat mucosa with viruses, e.g. the influenza virus or adenovirus. In patients who suffer from a weakened immune system, the inflammation in the throat can also be caused by colonisation with other pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi.
The treatment of viral pharyngitis is symptomatic, which means that the doctor prescribes medication to lower the fever and relieve the pain. In the case of bacterial pharyngitis, treatment with antibiotics must be carried out, otherwise serious complications (e.g. rheumatic fever) can occur. A detailed description of the symptoms of pharyngitis can be found here: Symptoms of pharyngitis
Burning on the tongue
Burning on the tongue can be caused by various reasons. Possible causes are inflammation, irritation caused by food and allergic reactions caused by certain foods. Often a burning sensation on the tongue can also be caused by very frequent belching of stomach acid.
This disease is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. Vitamin B and iron deficiency, as well as diabetes mellitus, can also be responsible for the symptoms. Frequently occurring lesions and inflammations, which can also directly affect the tongue, are associated with this disease.
A direct inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. Another cause can also be Sjögren’s syndrome. This is a disease that is directed against the body’s own defence system.
This autoimmune disease specifically attacks the tissue of the tear and salivary glands. As a result, the production of saliva is reduced, resulting in a general dryness of the mouth. In addition, symptoms such as tongue burning also occur.
Furthermore, medication taken by mouth or radiation or chemotherapy can also cause these symptoms. The consumption of tobacco or smoking can also cause damage to the tongue. This often causes inflammation, which is both burning and painful. Not infrequently, this can also lead to cancer.
