The swelling of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat, med. mucosa, usually occurs as a result of disease or side effects of medication. Here, the mucous membranes swell, which can lead to sore throat, difficulty swallowing as well as breathing problems. The swelling of the mucous membranes can be treated well and usually heals without consequences.
What is mucosal swelling?
Especially in allergies, the mucous membranes in the throat can swell so much that breathing is massively impeded. By definition, mucosal swelling is not a disease. It is a symptom that can occur as a result of illness, side effects of medications or allergies. The mucous membrane – also called mucosa – is a protective layer inside organs, in the mouth, nose and throat area, in the eye as well as in the genital area. The mucosa has no horny layer and no hairiness. As the name suggests, the mucosa produces mucous substances called mucins. The mucosa has an important protective function, as it can secrete so-called immunoglobulins (specific defense substances). Mucosal swelling can result in increased as well as decreased mucus production. Often, mucosal swelling is not limited to the mouth and throat. Usually, the nasal mucosa as well as the lower respiratory tract are also affected. Depending on its severity, mucosal swelling can cause severe difficulty swallowing and pain. Increased mucus production and pronounced swelling of the mucous membranes can impair breathing, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Particularly in the case of allergies, the mucous membranes in the throat can swell to such an extent that breathing is massively impeded. A consequence of the mucosal swelling can be suffocation in extreme cases.
Causes
Swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat can have various causes. Many medications, or their active ingredients, can cause mucosal swelling as a side effect. Depending on the drug, increased or decreased mucus production can occur in addition to the swelling. Pollen and grasses can cause swelling of the mucous membranes as a result of an allergic reaction. In this case, the mucous membranes swell within a few minutes after contact with the allergy-causing substance. The mucous membranes swell much faster after insect bites (wasps, bees, etc.). After only a few seconds, the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat can swell so much that the airways are completely closed. Other causes of mucosal swelling can be diseases. Mumps, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, tumors and inflammation of the mouth, nose and throat are just a few of the diseases that have mucosal swelling as a symptom. Viruses and bacteria can also cause swelling of the mucous membranes. Especially so-called cold or flu viruses preferentially settle in the mucous membranes.
Diseases with this symptom
- Allergy
- Bronchitis
- Tonsillitis
- Drug exanthema
- Mumps
- Tumor
- Mucosal inflammation
- Chronic bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Common cold
- Flu
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis of mucosal swelling is made by the general practitioner or otolaryngologist. A detailed anamnesis (medical history) is indicative, as patients usually report difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the throat. Visual findings are usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. The healthy mucosa is well supplied with blood and has a light to dark pink color. If the mucous membranes swell, this is first recognized by the sometimes dark red coloration. Furthermore, the mucous membranes produce more mucus. If the pathogen is to be determined in order to select the right medication for therapy, a mucus smear can be taken. In addition, a blood test is usually performed. The course of a mucosal swelling depends on its cause. In allergic reactions, mucosal swelling can occur within a minute and worsen in a very short time, resulting in death by suffocation. If the swelling of the mucous membranes is treated adequately and in good time, it usually heals without consequences.In the case of other causes, such as an illness, it can take anywhere from several hours to several days for mucosal swelling to occur. In this case, there is enough time to treat it from the beginning so that there is no danger to life. In the case of mucosal swelling in the context of colds, this usually heals even without treatment without consequences.
Complications
Complications of swelling around the mouth and throat can occur depending on the cause of the condition. Localized swelling of the mucosa in the mouth and throat caused by infection can lead to the formation of abscesses. Small lesions of the mucous membrane become infected with germs and encapsulated foci of inflammation filled with pus develop. These can cause pain, a feeling of pressure, difficulty swallowing and fever. It may become difficult to eat. If the swelling is persistent, malnutrition is a possible consequence. Unclear localized swelling should be examined histologically because degeneration is possible. Acute, severe swelling of the entire mucosa of the mouth and throat may be caused by an allergic reaction. This condition is potentially life-threatening. The airway can be obstructed by the swelling and death by suffocation is imminent. In such an emergency situation, securing the airway by intubation is often no longer possible due to the swelling. A tracheotomy must be performed by the attending physician to allow ventilation. If an allergic reaction is treated immediately and consistently, this life-threatening complication can often be prevented.
When should you see a doctor?
Mucosal swelling in the mouth and throat is a symptom of a disease. Several diseases can be considered. If the swelling of the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat is a symptom of an allergy, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible to determine the cause of the allergy. It may be an allergy to a food or it may be an allergy to a medication that the patient is taking due to another condition. In addition, it may also be an allergy to an insect bite. The cause must be urgently analyzed and identified by a physician. In case of a known allergy and the occurrence of mucosal swelling in the mouth and throat, the patient can treat himself with the respective medication prescribed by a doctor in advance. A follow-up examination by a physician should still be performed, especially if the swelling does not go down despite the medication. Additionally, it is important to call a doctor directly if swelling of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat occurs, as it can lead to further complications such as breathing difficulties. An ear, nose and throat doctor can best treat this type of mucosal swelling. If severe mucosal swelling with breathing problems suddenly occurs, an emergency physician should be called.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the cause, mucosal swelling must be treated differently. If an allergic reaction is the cause, time is the most important factor. Treatment must begin immediately. Furthermore, a doctor or emergency physician must always be consulted in this case. Cortisone preparations are used to treat the swelling of the mucous membranes so that the airways remain clear. If medication is the cause of the swelling of the mucous membranes, it must be considered whether the medication is actually necessary or whether it would be better to discontinue it or replace it with another preparation. In case of diseases as the cause of mucosal swelling, the disease itself must be treated. The swelling of the mucous membranes is treated in parallel, but the disease must be treated successfully so that the swelling of the mucous membranes can be avoided as a consequence. Swelling of the mucous membranes should be cooled at the beginning. Ice cubes, which are sucked slowly, are best suited. The next step is to eliminate the cause of the swelling. Particularly in the case of swelling of the mucous membranes as a result of an allergic reaction, control over several days is necessary. Pollen, for example, can get stuck in the nose or on clothing. As long as the decongestant medication is administered, the reaction to the allergen is suppressed.However, if the effect of the medication wears off, the swelling of the mucous membranes may sometimes reappear. Therefore, a doctor or hospital should always be consulted for any mucosal swelling associated with shortness of breath.
Outlook and prognosis
The mucous membrane (mucosa) often swells as a side effect of certain medications. In these cases, the symptoms usually persist until the medication is stopped. Subsequently, the swellings regress promptly. Hay fever or other allergic reactions can also be responsible for the swelling of the mucosa. Allergic reactions can be treated very well with antihistamines. The symptoms of the allergy then subside quickly after the start of treatment. Sometimes severe difficulty in swallowing and pain may occur as a result of an allergic reaction. In addition, mucus production may increase significantly. The combination of mucosal swelling and strong mucus production can massively impair breathing. Patients then suffer from difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep at night. In rare cases, the mucous membrane in the throat can swell so much that there is a risk of suffocation. If the mucous membrane is swollen due to bacterial or viral infections, this symptom subsides together with the underlying disease. In the case of bacterial infections, the irritation in the mouth and throat can be treated very well with antibacterial lozenges or gargle solutions. For more severe infections, antibiotics are usually prescribed. As soon as these begin to take effect, the swelling of the mucous membranes also subsides. In the case of flu-like infections, however, only bed rest and warmth will help. Drug treatment is not usually indicated here. Antibacterial mouthwashes, however, can prevent secondary infection.
Prevention
In the case of mucosal swelling, preventive measures can usually only be taken indirectly. In the case of swelling as a result of allergies, the allergy-causing substances should be avoided. As far as possible, medications that cause the mucous membranes to swell should be avoided. A balanced and healthy diet as well as physical exercise are very good measures to strengthen one’s immune system. In this way, one is less susceptible to infections that can cause mucosal swelling.
This is what you can do yourself
Mucosal swelling in the mouth and throat is often accompanied by shortness of breath. In this case, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If this remains absent, the affected person can try to reduce the swelling by cooling. In the area of the oral cavity, sucking ice is a suitable method. Cooling with cold compresses or cold packs is also recommended locally. Depending on the cause of the swelling – whether it is an allergic reaction to medication or insect bites or the result of an infection – further measures are possible. Medications that cause swelling of the oral mucosa should be discontinued immediately and the attending physician consulted. If insect venom is the trigger for swelling, the homeopathic preparation Apis can help as an acute remedy. Folk medicine recommends the application of onion halves to draw the poison out of the skin. Nevertheless, cooling is also the first choice remedy. Pollen that gets into the nose, eyes and mouth can also trigger swelling of the mucous membranes. Pollen can remain trapped in clothing and the nose for days. It is advisable to change clothes and use a nasal douche. If you know that you have an allergy, you should avoid the substances that trigger it or take emergency medication. With the help of sports and a healthy diet, the body’s own defense mechanisms can be strengthened. Infections, which are accompanied by swelling of the oral mucosa, can thus be better fought by the body.
